(4) K-3 Dorling Kindersley Readers series. This entry follows the series format, with each double-page spread devoted to an aspect of baseball and illustrated with copious photographs and drawings. Most aspects of the game are afforded a surprisingly high level of detail, with attention paid to related topics such as softball, Little League, and the game's growing international presence. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(4) 4-6 Baseball Legends series. Each of the books begins with an action-packed chapter focusing on a decisive ice hockey game, then goes back to trace the athlete's journey from childhood to the NHL and, except for Kariya, an Olympic hockey team. Personal information is sometimes glossed over in favor of sports details, but fans probably won't mind. The accompanying black-and-white photographs are often mediocre. Time lines and player stats are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(3) 4-6 These well-written biographies present in-depth profiles of contemporary sport stars. The development of their impressive careers is coupled with engaging and often humorous personal stories. The books are packed with black-and-white and color photographs, from current action shots to childhood portraits--including prom pictures of Bledsoe and Jeter. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) K-3 Sports Stars series. Both the professional and personal lives of superstars McGwire and Sosa are effectively portrayed in Stewart's text. Especially interesting to young readers will be the ways each player coped with the pressures of constant public scrutiny and their own high expectations of breaking Roger Maris's home run record. Sports action photos supplement the informative text. Ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(3) 4-6 Both the professional and personal lives of superstars McGwire and Sosa are effectively portrayed in Stewart's text. Especially interesting to young readers will be the ways each player coped with the pressures of constant public scrutiny and their own high expectations of breaking Roger Maris's home run record. Sports action photos supplement the informative text. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Sports Reports series. Athletes from football, basketball, hockey, and baseball are profiled in books that emphasize professional achievements but reveal limited information about each sportsman's personality. The accessible format, which includes a large typeface, wide margins, and fact boxes, will lure reluctant readers; the accompanying black-and-white photos all look the same and are frequently dark. A list of stats is included in each volume. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta