(4) YA Essential Lives series. These series entries, with straightforward writing and frequent sidebars, vary in quality. Hitler contains some startling generalizations (e.g., "European citizens were becoming indifferent to the plight of the Jews"); Guevara includes two stills from The Motorcycle Diaries, despite plenty of other available images. Rockefeller is bland but generally informative, and Dandridge's rather sensational life experiences are handled in a refreshingly matter-of-fact way. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Lives titles: Che Guevara, John D. Rockefeller, Dorothy Dandridge, and Adolf Hitler.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Giants of American Industry series. The books in this series cover the lives of individuals who founded vast empires in various fields, including Hearst's groundbreaking newspaper empire and Arden's revolutionary ideas in the beauty industry. The black-and-white photos are too dark and aren't always well reproduced, but the authors don't try to edge around the controversial nature of their subjects. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Giants of American Industry titles: John D. Rockefeller, William Randolph Hearst, John Paul Getty, Elizabeth Arden.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) YA This readable biography of Rockefeller, once the world's richest man, outlines his rise to the top of the oil industry, while presenting a balanced portrait of both his harsh business practices and his many acts of charity. Occasional black-and-white photographs and reproductions illustrate the clear text. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Oxford Portraits series. Rockefeller is presented as one of the nineteenth century's premiere industrialists, known for both his philanthropy and questionable business practices (which led to Standard Oil being charged with violating U.S. antitrust laws.) The thorough but dry text is accompanied by black-and-white photographs. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta