(4) K-3 Little People, Big Dreams series. Illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi. Each appealing picture-book biography spotlights a famous woman and her accomplishments, foregrounding the influence of childhood experiences. Vegara emphasizes empowerment and tackles difficult issues (such as slavery in Tubman) with honesty and sensitivity, but overall the texts are pretty simplistic. The illustrations (each book by a different artist) vary greatly in style. Back matter includes photos and/or paintings along with more detailed biographical information. Reading list. Review covers these Little People, Big Dreams titles: Harriet Tubman, Jane Austen, Jane Goodall, L. M. Montgomery, and Simone de Beauvoir.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) YA Women in Science series. These thorough biographies of pioneering women in scientific and technical fields delve deeply into their personal and professional lives. The series includes frank and balanced discussions of both the successes and challenges each woman faced, as well as the qualities and intellect that drove her significant accomplishments. Numerous photographs of the scientists and additional information about their fields are included. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Women in Science titles: Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Mae Carol Jemison, Rosalind Franklin, Grace Hopper, and Chien-Shiung Wu.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Awesome Animal Heroes series. This well-designed early-reader series, suitable for both independent and guided reading settings, introduces wildlife experts and champions of animals. In simply worded text and crisp stock photos, one-page chapters cover each subject's early life and influential work. A "Fun Facts" section and comprehension-testing review questions are appended. Glos. Review covers these Awesome Animal Heroes titles: Eugenie Clark, Jane Goodall, Temple Grandin, Cesar Millan, Jack Hanna, and Steve Irwin.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. The continuation of the series, this time featuring all-female science and technology innovators from modern history, will tie in well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum objectives. The inspiring profiles touch on childhood, education, and the subjects' breakthrough accomplishments. A colorful, easy-to-read format features photos and "tech talk" sidebars with quotes, mostly from the "trailblazers" themselves. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Nuclear Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, Programming Pioneer Ada Lovelace, Animal Scientist and Activist Jane Goodall, Environmentalist Rachel Carson, Astronaut Mae Jemison, Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper, Computer Scientist Jean Bartik, and Vaccine Innovators Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Zoom In on Great Women series. The lives of six diverse, inspirational women--three of whom (Goodall, Yousafzai, and Winfrey) are still living--are summarized in this series, which aligns to Common Core Standards. Though only broadly chronicling their challenges and/or accomplishments, these offerings may spur interest in further study. The archival photographs included are noteworthy, and lists of quick stats and key dates are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Zoom In on Great Women titles: Anne Frank, Jane Goodall, Malala Yousafzai, Mother Teresa, Oprah Winfrey, and Rosa Parks.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) 4-6 Foreword by Jane Goodall. This accessible account of Goodall's life explores her nontraditional entry to scientific fieldwork; the attention from the National Geographic Society that made her famous; her work ethic and innovative scientific methods; her efforts to reform the use of chimpanzees in research laboratories; and current technological advances in primate research. Silvey accompanies her main narrative with informative text boxes and vivid photographs. Map, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2015

(2) YA Illustrated by Maris Wicks. A graphic format admirably propels this lightly fictionalized group biography of "Leakey's Angels": Jane Goodall (chimps in Tanzania), Dian Fossey (gorillas in Rwanda), and Biruté Galdikas (orangutans in Borneo). In a neat division of labor, the scientists themselves narrate the story while speech balloons and the small, tidy comic illustrations take readers to each moment. The tone is lively but respectful. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(1) K-3 McDonnell's inspirational book focuses on the great primatologist's formative years; young Jane, with her stuffed toy chimp, studies nature wherever and however she can. Homey, earth-toned pen and watercolor pictures, simple and intimate, are accented with casually arrayed stamped motifs and some of Goodall's childhood drawings. A note about Goodall's current projects and "A Message from Jane" are appended.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(2) K-3 In this tranquil picture book biography, the theme of persistence shapes spare, inviting text, which takes Goodall from backyard observations to scientific study of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Winter's signature stylized paintings show the jungle in cool blues and greens. Overall the volume gives an accurate, visually appealing account of Goodall's discoveries and her transition from watching chimpanzees to campaigning to save them.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(4) 4-6 Scientists Saving the Earth series. These books offer biographical information about environmentalists. The series' focus is uneven; for example, the Carr volume tells much more about sea turtles than about the man himself while the Carson book relies on lengthy excerpts from her writing to highlight her story. Nevertheless, readers will get a sense of the subjects' importance in their fields. Photographs illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Scientists Saving the Earth titles: Who on Earth Is Jane Goodall?, Who on Earth Is Dian Fossey?, Who on Earth Is Sylvia Earle?, Who on Earth Is Aldo Leopold?, Who on Earth Is Rachel Carson?, and Who on Earth Is Archie Carr?.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(2) YA As a child, Goodall dreamed of traveling to "wild untouched Africa." This book effectively incorporates excerpts from her writings, revealing her passion for research. The text also provides glimpses of Goodall the woman: extroverted, flirtatious, and loving. Bardhan-Quallen never glamorizes her subject's life, emphasizing instead her hand-to-mouth existence and unflagging efforts today. Black-and-white photographs are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(2) 4-6 Goodall centers her discussion on the animals: their tool use, interactions among family groups (especially mothers and their young), and intelligence and emotions. Descriptions of the chimpanzees are richly detailed and filled with personality. Goodall's affectionate relationship with the chimpanzees is evident in the photos from forty years of research. Final chapters explain the dangers faced by chimpanzees not only in the wild but in captivity.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002