(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the figure's childhood, adult life, achievements, and surrounding controversies. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory (not so in Madoff), difficult issues are occasionally addressed ("Leonardo's Stalker," "Is Spike Lee a Racist?"). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Leonardo DiCaprio, Spike Lee, and Bernie Madoff.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA Essential Critiques series. From a clear definition of critical theory and its purpose to practical applications, this series is a worthy introduction to film analysis, critical thinking, and thesis development. Each volume begins with the biographical sketch of the title artist followed by discussion of his work through four different critical lenses (e.g., feminism, historical criticism). "You Critique It" assignments provide additional guidance. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Critiques titles: How to Analyze the Films of Quentin Tarantino, How to Analyze the Films of Spike Lee, and How to Analyze the Roles of Paul Newman.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) YA Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition series. Each of these biographies details a well-known figure's rise from adversity to national and/or international recognition. The books go beyond the typical personal information to provide some social history relevant to the subject's time. Captioned photographs and boxed inserts enhance the conversational texts. Lee, Walker, and Thomas have been revised and updated. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition titles: Spike Lee, Madam C. J. Walker, Clarence Thomas, Ray Charles, and Jamie Foxx.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) 4-6 Book Report Biography series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges