(2) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. Macy and Collins assuredly capture twenty-year-old Gertrude Ederle's unique fortitude of August 6, 1926, when, after fourteen-plus hours, she achieved her goal of being the first woman to swim the English Channel. The book begins mid-swim, and Macy's immediate, involving text takes breaks only to supply essential backstory and scene-setting details. Collins's retro-flavored mixed-media art has a you-are-there, camera-like perspective. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2017

(4) 4-6 Women Who Broke the Rules series. Illustrated by Matt Collins. Krull meets the challenge of balancing fact and speculation head-on, occasionally tripping on her modern phrasing ("Hidatsa women helped their economy sizzle") and glossing over certain facts (such as the adoption of Sacajawea's young son by Meriwether Lewis). Collins's paintings support the account, though at times his subjects' facial expressions appear cartoonish. An informative and well-researched offering, despite its pitfalls. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. Macy recounts the real-life rivalry of Midge "Toughie" Brasuhn and the "glamour girl" Gerry Murray by depicting a televised 1948 Roller Derby event. After all the elbowing and smashing, a final spread reveals two respectful grins ("Every hero needs a villain. And every villain needs a worthy opponent"). Painterly, vintage-feeling art suits the setting. An author's note adds historical context. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. This brief biography chronicles the life of one of the nation's early pioneers. The narrative succinctly relates Boone's early life, his experiences with Native Americans, the opening of the Cumberland Gap to form the Wilderness Trail, the settlement of Boonesborough, and his final push into Missouri. Realistic illustrations are artfully rendered and complement the straightforward, readable text. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. This picture book biography presents the life of revered Texan Sam Houston, from his early life to his governorship of Tennessee and involvement in Texas independence. Houston's later political career as president of the Republic of Texas, United States senator, and then governor of the state is briefly recounted. Collins's colorful, realistic illustrations mirror the simplicity of the informative text. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Matt Collins. In this sequel to When the Sergeant Came Marching Home, eleven-year-old Donald tries desperately to erase "the hideous moment out in left field" when he dropped a fly ball. His episodic attempts at archery, truck driving, and slough hockey all come to humorous ends, but his earnest grabs at greatness invite the readers' sympathies.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. Macy recounts the first women's intercollegiate basketball game, played in 1896, through the eyes (and invented dialogue) of Stanford guard Agnes Morley. After an exciting game, Agnes concludes that "a lady can be tough and strong as well as refined and polite," a view confirmed by the rough-and-tumble illustrations done in a rather sedate palette. An author's note is appended. Reading list, timeline.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. The Adlers (father and son) continue their picture book biography collaboration with a look at escape artist and magician Houdini. After describing his famous milk-can escape, the story backtracks to his birth then continues along chronologically. Aimed at beginning readers, the book has short sentences, easy vocabulary, and a few direct quotes. Illustrations in muted tones feature eye-catching perspectives. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. Donna Rae, who is "known for going a bit too far," tests out some wildly elaborate creations for Danville's Fourth of July cake-baking contest. Each cake is a bigger catastrophe than the last, but Donna Rae emerges undaunted. The illustrations for this funny tall tale feature an effective combination of slapstick and realism.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert