(4) YA Supreme Court Justices series. For each Supreme Court Justice, the life experiences that shaped his or her character are examined along with their Court decisions; special emphasis is placed on important cases over which they presided. John Marshall offers historical context from the colonial era. Illustrations, photographs, and excerpts from their writings provide additional detail and insight and help break up the dauntingly dense-looking texts. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Supreme Court Justices titles: Earl Warren, John Marshall, Sonia Sotomayor, and Thurgood Marshall.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Social Critics and Reformers series. This collective biography of Eugene Debs, Emma Goldman, Upton Sinclair, Norman Thomas, and John Reed briefly gives background about American history and reform, then demonstrates the personal and moral conflicts raised by those who challenged the status quo. Whitelaw both acknowledges the flaws and missteps of these reformers and honors their ambitions. Photos break up the dry text. Timelines, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA Civil War Leaders series. These four biographies recount the lives and accomplishments of two Confederate and two Union generals. Each gives an account of the general's childhood, his early years, and his importance to the Civil War, including the significant battles fought. Archival photographs, drawings, and maps illuminate the well-written texts. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Civil War Leaders titles: There He Stands, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and Victory in Destruction.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA European Queens series. Whether they came to the throne through their own machinations or because they were next in line, these five women made history-altering contributions--both good and bad--to their respective countries. While the books don't neglect to discuss the intrigues and assignations of these monarchs, the laudatory tone downplays each ruler's flaws. Black-and-white and crisp color reproductions appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these European Queens titles: Marie Antoinette and the Decline of the French Monarchy, Catherine de'Medici and the Protestant Reformation, Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia, Queen Isabella and the Unification of Spain, and Queen Victoria and the British Empire.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA European Queens series. Whether they came to the throne through their own machinations or because they were next in line, these five women made history-altering contributions--both good and bad--to their respective countries. While the books don't neglect to discuss the intrigues and assignations of these monarchs, the laudatory tone downplays each ruler's flaws. Black-and-white and crisp color reproductions appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these European Queens titles: Marie Antoinette and the Decline of the French Monarchy, Catherine de'Medici and the Protestant Reformation, Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia, Queen Isabella and the Unification of Spain, and Queen Victoria and the British Empire.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA European Queens series. Whether they came to the throne through their own machinations or because they were next in line, these five women made history-altering contributions--both good and bad--to their respective countries. While the books don't neglect to discuss the intrigues and assignations of these monarchs, the laudatory tone downplays each ruler's flaws. Black-and-white and crisp color reproductions appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these European Queens titles: Marie Antoinette and the Decline of the French Monarchy, Catherine de'Medici and the Protestant Reformation, Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia, Queen Isabella and the Unification of Spain, and Queen Victoria and the British Empire.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA European Queens series. Whether they came to the throne through their own machinations or because they were next in line, these five women made history-altering contributions--both good and bad--to their respective countries. While the books don't neglect to discuss the intrigues and assignations of these monarchs, the laudatory tone downplays each ruler's flaws. Black-and-white and crisp color reproductions appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these European Queens titles: Marie Antoinette and the Decline of the French Monarchy, Catherine de'Medici and the Protestant Reformation, Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia, Queen Isabella and the Unification of Spain, and Queen Victoria and the British Empire.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Notable Americans series. The career of Jimmy Carter, from his childhood and Navy days through his presidency and current work for international peace, is presented in clear prose; his personality is mainly delineated through anecdotes and quotes. Overall, this biography, whose few black-and-white photos are small and poorly reproduced, gives a broad, gentle portrait of the humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Notable Americans series. This laudatory biography of the diplomat, governor, president, and architect is marred by poor grammar and a somewhat jarring way of referring to Jefferson as "Tom." Whitelaw does, however, cover many aspects of Jefferson's life, including his lifelong love of architecture, gardening, and book collecting, and unlike other biographies, this does not gloss over his relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 First Battles series. This concise yet thorough overview starts with the Boston Massacre and includes an account of the Tea Party. In addition to describing famous individuals associated with the two battles, a final chapter recounts the experiences of an "ordinary" man connected with the historic events. Black-and-white archival illustrations accompany the text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) YA Makers of the Media series. Hearst's importance in the history of American journalism is conveyed in a volume that also examines his roles as publishing tycoon, political aspirant, and unfaithful husband. The text, which is illustrated with average-quality black-and-white photographs, is objectively written. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Makers of the Media series. This concise biography traces Pulitzer's life from his early years as an impoverished Hungarian immigrant to his success as a newspaper publisher who helped redefine American journalism for the twentieth century. The text adequately explores Pulitzer's public persona, but requires some reading between the lines in order to attempt to understand the private lives of the eccentric millionaire and his family. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Makers of the Media series. "Kay" Graham, who moved from society wife to publisher of The Washington Post after her husband's suicide, is viewed honestly--if at a distance--in this adequately written biography. The volume, illustrated with black-and-white photographs, records Graham's personal difficulties in dealing with her husband's mental illness, and her professional conviction in publishing the Pentagon papers and the investigative work of Woodward and Bernstein. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 This overview of Diana's short but high-profile life briefly covers her childhood and young adult years before focusing on her turbulent reign as Princess of Wales. Whitelaw emphasizes Diana's unhappy marriage and public divorce, her devotion to her sons and to many charities, as well as her love/hate relationship with the media. The uninspired prose and black-and-white stock photos detract from this adequate biography. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.