(4) YA Collective Biographies series. Each book in this series profiles at least ten figures, ranging from the very famous (Spielberg, Earhart) to the less well known (contemporary pilots Nelda K. Lee and Martha King). The biographical entries are superficial and occasionally sanitized but will prove good starting points for those seeking basic information. Overly dark black-and-white images illustrate the books. Pirates contains a glossary. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Collective Biographies titles: Ten American Movie Directors, American Women of Flight, Great African-American Lawyers, and Pirates and Privateers of the High Seas.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA People to Know series. This is a standard-issue biography of popular country singer Garth Brooks, who has baffled fans recently with forays into baseball and a claim that he is retiring. The lackluster text traces Brooks's rise from his childhood in Oklahoma to his success as a country music superstar. Stock black-and-white photos, a chronology, a discography, further reading, and a list of websites are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA People to Know series. Illustrated with unexceptional black-and-white photographs, these biographies are clearly written but superficial in their coverage of the subjects' lives. Career highlights are documented, though personal flaws are either ignored or glossed over. Nevertheless, the books will be helpful for school reports. Time lines are included, and Ballard contains a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta