(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Anoosha Syed. Stabler spotlights sixteen notable names in the fields of space, nature, physics, and inventions. Focusing on his or her youth, each entry chronicles early education, interesting escapades, and challenges (such as racism, sexism, ableism, and school troubles), then briefly summarizes the person's major adult accomplishments. Syed's cartoonlike illustrations provide regular breaks and add comedy to the narratives. Entertaining as well as encouraging to passionate, outside-the-box young thinkers. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Doogie Horner. Stabler spins tales of influential experiences, challenges, and people from the childhoods of an odd assortment of famous authors, from Zora Neale Hurston to Jeff Kinney. Even if some of these anecdotes feel apocryphal, the stories are first and foremost entertaining, and Horner's goofy comics-style illustrations match the humorous tone. "Fun Facts About Other Famous Writers" are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Doogie Horner. Anecdotal accounts of seventeen famous artists' early childhood experiences, many of which will be familiar to present-day kids, demonstrate that fame didn't come in a day. Stories are grouped together thematically, into sections focusing on poverty, unpopularity, the need for persistence, and the role of the natural world. Comics-style drawings throughout add humorous touches to the breezy narratives. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Doogie Horner. This browsable collective biography introduces middle-grade readers to sixteen mostly well-known, mostly male athletes (five are women), including Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, and Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Each chapter focuses on an individual's early years, using anecdotes to illustrate character, emphasize challenges, and humanize the sports icons. The cartoony illustrations help break up the accessible text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Julia Tyler

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Doogie Horner. This lighthearted romp focuses on amusing or unusual stories from United States presidents' childhoods. Anecdotes of facing down bullies, overcoming personal hardships, and learning from mistakes abound. Young history buffs and reluctant readers alike will relate to the humorous, comics-style color illustrations and the breezy narrative format. An appendix of brief, quirky facts about each president concludes the volume. Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello