(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. This readable volume is chock-full of trivia about cycling champion Armstrong (minus doping allegations and divorce). Section headings help organize the information--and will help readers navigate the crowded spreads--while sidebars provide additional information. The "A Day in the Life" section and "Do You Have What It Takes?" personality quiz may engage readers. The many photographs are generally relevant. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 People to Know Today series. Hill chronicles Armstrong's battle with cancer and seven Tour de France wins. Containing basic information about Armstrong's life and the world of professional cycling, this book will appeal to his fans but may also find an audience in those curious about the sport or looking for a story about overcoming adversity. Stock photos accompany the generally positive but dry text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer:

(4) K-3 Amazing Athletes series. Each of these books begins in the middle of one of the athlete's most important performances and from there backtracks to an outline of his or her childhood and athletic accomplishments. The text is dry and choppy and the layout is textbook-like, but the subjects are of interest to the intended audience. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Amazing Athletes titles: Lance Armstrong, Annika Sorenstam, Carly Patterson, Yao Ming, and Michael Phelps.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Benchmark All-Stars series. Six well-known athletes are profiled in these readable biographies. The texts, an appealing mix of personal and professional details, are accompanied by a variety of large color photographs. A couple of the books are missing up-to-date information, such as Armstrong's 2004 Tour de France win, and there's only a brief mention of Rodriguez's trade to the Yankees. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Benchmark All-Stars titles: Alex Rodriquez, Donovan McNabb, Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams, Tony Hawk, and Yao Ming.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) 4-6 Overcoming Adversity series. Though this biography of the champion cyclist is slightly dated (Armstrong's second Tour de France win is barely mentioned, his third not at all), it still provides a well-rounded portrait of the athlete. Armstrong's bout with cancer is extensively discussed, but the emphasis remains on his biking career and his own personal growth through adversity. The book is illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and a time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Beginning with a chapter on the cyclist's childhood, this laudatory sports biography focuses on Armstrong's bicycling career, successful battle against cancer, and subsequent Tour de France victory. While the many photos of bike-race action become repetitive, young athletes will appreciate the detailed information about competitions, and those facing physical challenges will be drawn to his inspiring story. Ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo