(4) YA Classical Composers series. These thorough, well-researched composers' biographies focus almost solely on their subjects' lives, with a few glimpses at historical context. Verdi incorporates brief summaries of his major operas, but neither book elucidates the composers' musical styles. Mendelssohn's story is meatier, as its subject attempts to reconcile gender roles with professional ambitions. A list of suggested recordings would have been a welcome addition. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Classical Composers titles: Giuseppe Verdi and Italian Opera and Gifted Sister.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) YA World Writers series. This succinct, straightforward account of Poe's life provides basic facts about his troubled childhood and discusses the importance of specific works--such as his short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and his poem "The Raven"--in the canon of American literature. Illustrated with poorly reproduced archival images, the volume contains a timeline and a list of Poe's major works. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta