(3) YA Beginning with the announcement of Lennon's death on December 8, 1980, the author then adeptly presents two chronological biographies of Lennon and Mark David Chapman and comes full circle with a more detailed telling of the events leading up to the assassination. Black-and-white photographs, sidebars, and first-hand accounts enhance and extend a well-researched, engaging narrative. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins. Two contemporary urban children meet colonial-era orchardist John "Appleseed" Chapman and accompany him around the country as he communes with nature and shares its bounty. Codell's lyrical text paints a heroic portrait; Perkins's detailed, homespun watercolor and gouache illustrations embrace the natural world, evoking its sounds, smells, and changing seasons. An author's note includes craft ideas and an apple pie recipe.

Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(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

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jim Burke. Yolen attempts to distinguish mythology from biography regarding the famed apple evangelist. Each spread includes a snippet of a hagiographic poem, some myth-busting information ("The History"), and thumbnail supplemental details ("The Fact," which sometimes includes Yolen's source). Burke's accomplished earth-tone paintings reflect imaginative Johnny's preoccupation with apples, starting in childhood and continuing throughout his life.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Mary Haverfield. This easy reader features a rough biographical sketch of John Chapman, a historical American figure commonly known as Johnny Appleseed. The poorly rhymed text conveys Appleseed's passion for planting, growing, and giving away apple products while hinting at his nomadic and eccentric character. Sentimental watercolor illustrations idealistically picture Appleseed's westward travels along the Ohio River.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by S. D. Schindler. Written in 1933, this short poem provides a brief, whimsical account of Jonathan Chapman's quest to plant apple trees all over the United States. Emphasizing his solitude, the text presents Chapman as a model of American determination and independence. Clever, humorous illustrations breathe new life into the somewhat dated text and help to make the verse sound both fresh and relevant.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. In a folksy text with tall-tale elements, Johnny Appleseed himself recounts his story to two pioneer kids. The story-within-a-story device is contrived, but the retelling, accompanied by friendly cartoonlike illustrations, is adequate for beginning readers.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Although Moses doesn't completely succeed in clearly distinguishing between fact and legend, this lengthy text does offer a credible account of the man behind the myth. Depicted in a folk-art style, the skilled illustrations complement the conversational tone of the story. This picture-book biography is a nice addition to Johnny Appleseed lore.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. Packed with information and illustrated with bold, folk-flavored artwork, this easy-to-read book explores the life of John Chapman from his childhood to his life as a frontiersman. The concise text both acknowledges that scant facts of Chapman's life are available and clearheadedly challenges some well-known legends about this popular folk hero. Bib.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These competently written biographies cover a wide range of subjects who lived between the American Revolution and World War II. The texts are supplemented by black-and-white photographs and reproductions, as well as information boxes that provide colorful background information or place events within historical context. The final pages of each volume discuss the legacy of each subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta