(3) K-3 Illustrated by Steven Salerno. Bold colors and a rainbow motif decorate this picture book introduction to Harvey Milk, his cause, and the symbol he helped create (with designer Gilbert Baker) for gay equality. The book's first half focuses on Milk's biography; the second tells of gay rights achieved after his assassination and the evolution of the pride flag. Back matter includes notes and photos of pride demonstrators. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer:

(3) 4-6 Turning Points series. In these volumes in a well-researched series focusing on crucial historical moments, the assassinations of American icons Kennedy and King are relayed in fascinating detail--from the demeanor of the subjects just before their deaths to the assassins' escape plans. Large glossy photographs are included throughout, along with sidebars providing background or expanding on information. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Turning Points titles: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy and The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr..

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Tangled History series. Weaving together personal accounts from the days surrounding each event, the authors spin compelling tales of what happened (and what might have happened) during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the 1963 assassination of JFK. The books read like narrative nonfiction but with a significant amount of speculation and fictionalization; informative supplementary matter adds value. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Tangled History titles: Impact and Tragedy in Dallas.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) YA O'Reilly contrasts the lives and deaths of JFK and his assassin Oswald in episodic chapters that recreate the 1960s and capture important moments. Photographs and illustrations are ample and well selected, and the narrative is energetic and easy to read. See also James L. Swanson's "The President Has Been Shot!", which offers a more in-depth (and less personal) treatment.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(2) YA Swanson's clear, concisely written, and riveting narrative highlights the key events of the Kennedy administration before focusing on the moment-by-moment details of JFK's assassination. Also included are an exploration of Lee Harvey Oswald's background, an aerial-view photograph of Dealey Plaza in Dallas, a detailed map of the motorcade route, and images of the Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald perched, rifle in hand. Extensive back matter. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Food Dudes series. These corporate histories contain some intriguing tidbits about the lives and methods of the inventors and entrepreneurs (though it's hard to imagine that kids would be interested in reading about the Kellogg brothers' feud or the fact that the Mars family has "clean, well-managed factories"). Photographs of the people and their products are interspersed throughout the texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Food Dudes titles: Ben & Jerry, Clarence Birdseye, The Kellogg Family, and The Mars Family.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA Civil Rights Leaders series. In 1977 when Harvey Milk was elected a city supervisor in San Francisco, he became one of America's first openly gay politicians. Though largely known for his work in the burgeoning gay rights movement, Milk made human rights in general the backbone of his politics. Using photographs and clear text, this unabashedly laudatory--and informative--biography emphasizes Milk's lasting legacy. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. These revised editions recount important scientific developments and discoveries as well as provide information about the scientists' lives. The writing is generally straightforward but tends to be simplistic, making the subjects seem dull, or confusing when trying to explain their theories. Black-and-white illustrations include portraits and scientific diagrams. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Antoine Lavoisier, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and William Harvey.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Geoff Butler. When the Despatch runs aground off the coast of Newfoundland, Anne, her brother, their father, and their dog race to the rescue. The storm prevents their boat from getting near the ship, but the Newfoundland dog saves the day. Based on a true 1832 event, the story has appeal, but the dark, impressionistic paintings vary widely in effectiveness.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn