(3) 1-3 Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe series. While on a field trip to the state capitol, Missy discovers that the building doesn't have a gift shop, so she devises one of her over-the-top plans to petition the governor and save the day. The comics-like mix of narrative with speech bubbles will entice reluctant readers, and the punchy, bright illustrations are perfect complements to Missy's upbeat personality.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Collins. This picture book biography presents the life of revered Texan Sam Houston, from his early life to his governorship of Tennessee and involvement in Texas independence. Houston's later political career as president of the Republic of Texas, United States senator, and then governor of the state is briefly recounted. Collins's colorful, realistic illustrations mirror the simplicity of the informative text. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Political Profiles series. Already outdated post–2012 presidential race, this standard-issue biography touches on Romney's childhood, family background, and the trajectory of his business and political careers. Although it tries to be balanced by including some criticisms of Romney, the portrayal is mostly positive, sometimes bordering on biased (Romney's pro–Vietnam War stance is dubbed "patriotism"). Plentiful photos add interest. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Courageous Heroes of the American West series. All originally published under different titles, the updated editions of these brief biographies, written in short, easy-to-read sentences, outline the lives of adventurous individuals who helped shape the American West during the nineteenth century. Black-and-white photographs and drawings add some interest to the text-heavy pages; the lurid cover illustrations are unappealing. There are four other fall 2012 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Courageous Heroes of the American West titles: Bill Pickett, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Richard King, Sacagawea, and Sam Houston.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) YA Military Heroes series. Filled with photographs and archival illustrations, this series presents a range of famous and lesser-known people involved in U.S. military history. In addition to standard biographical details, the texts also examine controversies and career flops as well as successes; sidebars provide historical context. Though the writing is on the bland side, the texts are useful for reports. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Military Heroes titles: Samuel Houston, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., George S. Patton, Clara Barton, John McCain, and Colin Powell.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Political Profiles series. These three uneven political biographies cover their subjects' childhoods, important life events, and present-day careers. Though the texts are marred by occasional inaccuracies (e.g, Lewis incorrectly states that Martin Luther King Jr. went to Boston College instead of Boston University), they could appeal to budding politicians. Photographs, some without captions, help illuminate history and personalities. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Political Profiles titles: Sarah Palin, John Lewis, and Joe Biden.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Vanessa would like to concentrate on spelling bees, her crush, and seventh grade. However, with her oft-absent governor mother running for president, there are distractions--particularly the threatening notes in her locker. Vanessa's subsequent worries are realistic, but her total ignorance about involvement in a national campaign is not.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 First Guide to Government series. Each volume explains a subset of government, including federal, state, and local branches. Topics include how elections are held and the importance of individual government positions and group governing bodies. The books are profusely illustrated with stock photographs; most include websites. The information, though scant, is clearly presented. There are five other fall 2007 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Guide to Government titles: What Are Elections?, What's a City Council?, What's a Governor?, What's a Mayor?, and What's Government?

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Political Profiles series. These profiles of seven politicians currently in the spotlight are thorough, concentrating heavily on childhood, background, and the forces that shaped these leaders. The volumes will quickly be dated (especially in the four on presidential candidates); Gore ends before his Nobel Peace Prize award. Photographs help break up the dense pages. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Political Profiles titles: Al Gore, Barack Obama, Rudy Giuliani, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 1-3 Cam Jansen Adventure series. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. When Governor (and presidential candidate) Zellner arrives to dedicate the new school library, thieves simulate a gunshot sound to disrupt the program and steal the library benefactor's pearl necklace. Cam beats Zellner's Secret Service agents to the punch--solving the case with her super memory and help from class clown Danny. It's boilerplate fare, but Cam's fans will gobble it up.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 People to Know Today series. All five of these biographers write about their subjects in glowing terms. With the exception of Frost, the books offer limited, anecdote-heavy information. Many photographs, sidebars, and pull-out quotes support the texts, and their clean design makes the chronologies easy to follow. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People to Know Today titles: Laura Bush, J.K. Rowling, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Frost, and George W. Bush.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ronald Himler. In measured prose, the Adlers recount Adams's life, particularly his contributions to the American Revolution, from an early involvement in politics through organizing groups such as the Sons of Liberty, the Stamp Act Congress, the Boston Tea Party, and the Second Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. Art in subdued tones illustrates the text. Source notes, timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) YA Picking up where Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado leaves off, this grand-scale narrative charts a parallel history between seventeenth-century Great Britain and colonial New England, as represented by emblematic figures Oliver Cromwell and John Winthrop. Aronson keeps the reader engaged with intriguing anecdotes and cogent analysis. Archival maps and images expand upon the demanding text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2004

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Illustrated with archival photos and art (as well as unfortunately cartoonish illustrations), each of these books presents a brief overview of the life of a famous American leader. Sidebars with tidbits of additional information extend the choppy text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Andrew Jackson, John Hancock, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 A & E Biography series. This matter-of-fact profile includes very little information on Schwarzenegger's personal life. Though Sexton attempts to be evenhanded--she mentions without judgment the accusations of sexual harassment and his lack of political experience before he ran for governor--the book still paints a heavily positive picture of him. Small black-and-white and color photos and occasional sidebars extend the text. Reading list. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Latinos in American History series. This biography of Mexican explorer Anza, who helped develop a land route between Mexico and California and became governor of New Mexico, is dramatic in the telling. Bankston supplies hypothetical impressions ("As a youngster, Juan must have heard countless stories...") for added dimension. A map and color reproductions appear throughout. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Notable Americans series. Barraging readers with names, dates, places, and events, this portrait of the military and political leader includes discussion of his personal and professional disappointments. The rushed text covers Houston's relationship with the Cherokee Nation and his divided loyalties between Andrew Jackson and Cherokee Chief Jolly. Black-and-white illustrations are included. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kimanne Smith. This introductory biography concentrates on the populist Long's positive contributions to Louisiana, including better roads, free textbooks, good hospitals, and a strong state university. Alluding only briefly to such negatives as his political machine and charges of corruption, the book emphasizes his propensity toward action surrounded by cascades of talk. Detailed art notable for its period authenticity supports the text.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Casual prose relates the story of Ventura from his boyhood, when he was known as Jim Janos, through his experiences as a Navy SEAL, as a professional wrestler, and now as governor of Minnesota. Illustrated with an insert of color photographs, the text does a good job showing the perseverance, the straight-talking, and the occasional personal contradictions that have made Ventura unique among modern politicians. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA This well-researched volume presents the life of Bradford, the second man to sign the Mayflower Compact and the second to serve as governor of Plymouth, in simple prose that does not overwhelm the inherent drama of the events. Doherty separates fact from widely accepted myths about the Pilgrims and provides informed speculation when historical records are silent or vague on specific topics. Black-and-white reproductions are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta