(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) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Five short chapters give simplified versions of the lives of these generals, from families and early difficulties through military academies, commissions, first assignments, and later accomplishments: Patton's battlefield leadership in WWII, Marshall's conception of a plan to rebuild Europe, and Powell's service as Secretary of State. Photos, sidebars, and cartoons expand the short sentences of the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review includes these History Maker Bios titles: George S. Patton, Jr., Colin Powell, and George C. Marshall.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA A & E Biography series. While Hussein, Arafat, and bin Laden attempt to provide unbiased biographies of controversial figures, Powell is an adulatory look at the Secretary of State. The books cover childhood and early influences but do not go into much detail about the current "war on terrorism." Some of the photos aren't relevant to the text. Reading list. Bib., ind. [Review covers these A & E Biography titles: Saddam Hussein, Colin Powell, Yasser Arafat, and Osama bin Laden.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 These adequately written biographies of five African Americans influential in science, the military, the abolitionist movement, and women's and civil rights causes convey each subject's drive and courage in pursuit of their goals. The accessibly designed books are illustrated with archival reproductions and sepia-toned photographs. A time line is included in each volume. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA People in the News series. Tracing the lives and careers of six notable figures, these admiring biographies are generally superficial in tone. The most recent events in the subjects' lives are sometimes given brief coverage but are not explored in any depth--making the books seem already dated. Murky black-and-white photographs of varying quality illustrate the texts. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta