(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. The forty-fourth U.S. president, the longtime Massachusetts senator, and the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur are all given cursory biographical treatments. These books effectively describe the subjects' political or business successes and philanthropic work. However, anything negative is often oversimplified or omitted, especially in Kennedy. Banks includes a glossary and bibliography; Kennedy lists "Fun Facts" and other notable Kennedys. Obama has been updated through 2008. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Barack Obama, Tyra Banks, and Ted Kennedy.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) YA Collective Biographies series. Each book in this series profiles at least ten figures, ranging from the very famous (Spielberg, Earhart) to the less well known (contemporary pilots Nelda K. Lee and Martha King). The biographical entries are superficial and occasionally sanitized but will prove good starting points for those seeking basic information. Overly dark black-and-white images illustrate the books. Pirates contains a glossary. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Collective Biographies titles: Ten American Movie Directors, American Women of Flight, Great African-American Lawyers, and Pirates and Privateers of the High Seas.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Female Firsts in Their Fields series. Accompanied by poorly reproduced black-and-white photos in an uninspired design, each of these volumes profiles the professional accomplishments of six pioneering women. The books don't discuss their subjects' personal lives in any depth, but they do address issues such as how individuals have made decisions about career, marriage, and/or family. This series offers a general history of women entering traditionally male-dominated professions. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey

(3) YA Overcoming Adversity series. These biographies cover the personal lives and professional careers of two major figures in the world of skating. Focusing on their struggles with adversity (Hamilton's mysterious childhood illness and his recent bout with cancer, and the sudden, tragic death of Gordeeva's partner and husband), the books present their subjects' human and heroic sides. Black-and-white photos accompany the capably written books. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Black Americans of Achievement series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander