(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Julia Denos. This story of the freed slave who became a preacher and a fighter for women's rights is told cleanly and clearly in this book for more sophisticated beginning readers. Merchant provides some historical context and the motivations behind Truth's actions. Many of the illustrations are atmospheric and powerful (though a few look unfinished). Timeline.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Bob Dacey & Debra Bandelin. Abigail Adams's strong will and devotion to family, in addition to her independent intellectual life, come through in this simple, easy-to-read biography. Some of the ideas presented are quite sophisticated for early readers; quotes from Adams are woven into the story. The colorful watercolor-washed pages and pictures adequately illustrate the scenes but are somewhat bland and static. Timeline.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. Covering Adams's major contributions to U.S. history, including his stirring speech in favor of independence, ambassadorship to France, vice-presidency, and presidency, this book reflects the difficulties of writing complicated material for early readers. Its sentences are somewhat truncated and it emphasizes excitement, such as a dangerous voyage, instead of Adams's more nuanced statesmanship. Soft-edged illustrations accompany the text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Bob Dacey & Debra Bandelin. For emergent readers, this introduction to the life of Theodore Roosevelt focuses on well-known anecdotes about Roosevelt's bravery, compassion, and overcoming adversity. The illustrations break up the readable, if listless, account of the twenty-sixth president. Timeline.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Bob Dacey & Debra Bandelin. Illustrated with realistic paintings that portray Crockett as a heroic figure, the four chapters of this brief biography are introduced with snippets of folklore. Information about Crockett, clearly and entertainingly conveyed, seems to be accurate, but no sources for information are provided. Timeline.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Stories of Famous Americans series. Illustrated by Simon Sullivan. Barton's childhood, her early life helping soldiers during the Civil War, and her founding of the American Red Cross are briefly detailed in this biography for emergent readers. The information is sound, but the illustrations are awkward, and at times Barton looks grotesque, as if Sullivan is ramming home the reference to her homeliness made in the text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman