(4) YA Modern World Leaders series. By placing the featured leader in a historical context, this series, part history and part biography, challenges the reader to consider the concept of leadership. Each book features a comprehensive discussion of the subject's childhood experiences and rise to power, significant historical events, international relationships, and ideology. The text is dense; some photographs and drawings help break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern World Leaders titles: Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Hugo Chávez, The Saudi Royal Family, Pope John Paul II, Vladimir Putin, and Pervez Musharraf.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Major World Leaders series. Students researching current events will appreciate these volumes about six newsworthy subjects. Workmanlike prose balances biographical details with information--both positive and negative--about how these political figures have led, or continue to lead, their countries. The accompanying color photos are often pallid. Timelines are included. There are six other fall 2002 books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Major World Leaders titles: Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Anwar Sadat, Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin, and Yasir Arafat.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Latinos in the Limelight series. These formulaic biographies profile well-known Latinos in business, the arts, and sports. After a chapter about the subject's childhood and early years, the books provide basic background information about his or her career. The adulatory texts are accompanied by average-quality photos. A chronology and, where appropriate, lists of accomplishments and awards are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(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

(4) 4-6 Female Figure Skating Legends series. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, each volume begins with a dramatic episode, then goes back to trace the dedication that led each skater to become an elite athlete. Facts are often repeated several times within each book and the biographical coverage is perfunctory and glossy, but the information on technique and competitions is solid. Other titles in the series profile Oksana Baiul, Nancy Kerrigan, Katarina Witt, and Ekaterina Gordeeva. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Female Sports Stars series. Despite the trite, though accessible, prose in both these books, avid fans will be interested in the information about skating skills, personal life, and competition--but may be disappointed that the books don't cover the 1998 Olympics. Black-and-white photos, which don't always seem to fit with the text, illustrate these biographies. Chronologies are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.