(4) YA Modern Music Masters series. These biographies exemplify the diversity and genius of recent American music icons. Brown's compelling story is set in the context of 1960s civil rights struggles and the Vietnam War, while Bernstein's chronicles the development of his whole-body conducting style and rise to international fame amid equally illustrious influences. The books' design, which includes many black-and-white photos, is drab. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern Music Masters titles: Proud and Leonard Berstein and American Music.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Americans--The Spirit of a Nation series. From heroes and heroines to bandits and beloved American icons, these balanced titles consistently sort fact from fiction and confirm each figure's place in history. First chapters successfully introduce the subjects and draw readers in by describing dynamic events. Archival photographs, maps, primary sources, and sidebars combine with dry but informative texts to complete these well-documented biographies. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Americans--The Spirit of a Nation titles: Jesse James, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, John Brown, Harriet Tubman, Billy the Kid, and Johnny Appleseed.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale