(4) K-3 Yo solo biografías series. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Accessible narratives, including anecdotes chosen for their kid appeal, introduce these important (and classroom-friendly) historical figures to young Spanish-language readers. Although some of the illustrations have a static feel, their colorful warmth enhances the text. In each book, a brief afterword is accompanied by a photograph of the subject. Timeline. Review covers these Yo solo biografías titles: George Washington Carver, Pablo Picasso, and Wilma Rudolph.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Larry Johnson. In this Civil War-era story based on actual people and events, slave Alec Turner's hard work, perseverance, and willingness to fight for his dream help him reach freedom in Vermont. Stiff illustrations provide a sense of history as they accurately convey the characters' emotions. A detailed author's note includes a photograph of Turner and lends continuity to the story.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Nine-year-old Tamika dislikes visiting her grandmother at the nursing home because Momma Lou has Alzheimer's. But when Tamika decides to give Momma Lou back some of her memories by showing her photographs and mementos and singing her favorite songs, she grows close to her grandmother once again. Johnson's acrylic illustrations help convey the emotions in this touching picture book.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Great-aunt Lucy tells about her childhood as a slave and her work on the Underground Railroad. She and her brother conveyed crucial messages to escaping slaves by hanging specific quilts on their fence (i.e., the wagon wheel pattern tells people that the "time's come to pack their belongings"). The accompanying paintings aptly convey the suspense and strong emotions in this well-told story. Bib.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. Though the prose in this easy-to-read biography is uninspired, Rudolph's story isn't. Nearly crippled by polio, Rudolph grew up with her leg in a brace. Through hard work and exercise, she became an Olympic gold-medal-winning runner. Full-color paintings capture the split-second movement of "the fastest woman in the world." An afterword briefly discusses Rudolph's post-running life, and a time line is included.

Reviewer: Amy Timberlake