(2) 4-6 Tom Thumb was discovered at age four by P. T. Barnum, given a thorough makeover, and promoted far and wide. Little people had long been displayed as freaks, but Tom Thumb, with his genuine show business skills, broke the mold. Sullivan places the man in the context of his times, bringing both to life in an engaging text complemented with black-and-white photographs. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(3) 4-6 The first half of the book looks at modern photography (digital versus film), famous photographs, and eight pioneers in the field. The second half includes sections on becoming a photographer: how to capture action, take group photos, tell stories, edit photographs, etc. Numerous photographs illustrate this book that will prove of interest to young shutterbugs. Glos.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Sterling Biographies series. Each title opens with an introduction that arouses compassion and interest for the featured subject. Succeeding chapters present chronological biographies, with vivid portrayals of daily life, culture, and the impact an expanding America had on the individual and his or her people. Paintings, drawings, and occasional photographs combine with detail-rich sidebars and maps to provide a cumulatively engaging, accessible history lesson. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Sterling Biographies titles: Sacagawea, Chief Joseph,Pocahontas, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, and Tecumseh.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 This book recounts the life of African American boxing legend Joe Louis. The text follows Louis from his birth into poverty in 1914, his successes in boxing circles, his heavyweight world championship bouts, and finally his acceptance by both blacks and whites as an American sports hero. The many archival photographs personalize and enhance the readable and straightforward text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Biographical information takes second place to the photographs--two or more on most spreads--of Keller from childhood through old age. Many are of her with artists and political leaders (Mark Twain, Charlie Chaplin, Martha Graham; Eleanor Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nehru), giving readers a sense of the scope of Keller's life. A picture of the Braille alphabet is on the copyright page. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Anne Canevari Green. Many of the players Sullivan writes about in this often humorous book are not well known, but their antics--including bizarre behavior, calculated mischief, superstitions, and strange facial expressions--will probably make them memorable to young baseball fans. The caricatures that illustrate the text will amuse readers, but the unattractive design and the lack of photos are drawbacks. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 In Their Own Words series. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and reproductions, the biographies in this series feature excerpts from the subjects' writings (if they exist) and other primary sources to present fairly complete pictures of these historical figures. The texts are accessible and straightforward but generally dry. A timeline and a list of resources are appended. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Pocahontas.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 In Their Own Words series. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and reproductions, the biographies in this series feature excerpts from the subjects' writings (if they exist) and other primary sources to present fairly complete pictures of these historical figures. The texts are accessible and straightforward but generally dry. A timeline and a list of resources are appended. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Pocahontas.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 In Their Own Words series. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and reproductions, the biographies in this series feature excerpts from the subjects' writings (if they exist) and other primary sources to present fairly complete pictures of these historical figures. The texts are accessible and straightforward but generally dry. A timeline and a list of resources are appended. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Pocahontas.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) 4-6 In Their Own Words series. Short but comprehensive, the stories of Keller and Lincoln are told with many quotations from their own writings and black-and-white photographs. Although the Lincoln biography is not as engaging as Keller's, the narratives read smoothly and will be accessible to younger readers. A chronology and list of related organizations are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 In Their Own Words series. Short but comprehensive, the stories of Keller and Lincoln are told with many quotations from their own writings and black-and-white photographs. Although the Lincoln biography is not as engaging as Keller's, the narratives read smoothly and will be accessible to younger readers. A chronology and list of related organizations are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Archival photos illustrate this clear discussion of the war's relatively overlooked naval conflicts. Sullivan describes how each side developed their navy, details the life of the Union and Confederate sailor, identifies the most significant naval battles, and demonstrates the importance of the Union's successful blockade of Southern ports in the eventual defeat of the Confederacy. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Fans and newcomers to the sport will appreciate this well-written, comprehensive guide to soccer. Early chapters describe rules, positions, equipment, and skills; later chapters focus on U.S. successes and failures in World Cup and Olympic matches and the troubled history of U.S. soccer leagues. Of note is the equal attention given to both men's and women's teams. Black-and-white photos and diagrams round out the volume. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 This engagingly written biographical compilation covers eighteen of the most famous running backs in football history. Each brief three-page profile provides highlights from the player's career, personal tidbits, and quotes from teammates, coaches, and football commentators. Some of the players covered, most of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, include Terrell Davis, Walter Payton, Franco Harris, and Jim Thorpe. Color and black-and-white photographs add additional appeal.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(2) 4-6 Since photographs were difficult to duplicate, engravers and others primarily used five of the 130 known photos of Lincoln and created new images, typically with artistic license that ranged from slight to major. Sullivan builds on this fascinating historical footnote by showing both the process and the resulting products. The handsome layout contributes to the success of this unusual account. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2001

(4) 4-6 Though an account of the wreck of the Titanic introduces this text, many other ocean floor features and inhabitants are driving scientific and economic exploration of the deep sea. Following a history of submarine vessels, Sullivan surveys expeditions to study underwater volcanoes, mineral deposits, sea creatures, and shipwrecks. Color photos and factual asides punctuate the somewhat wordy text. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Illustrated with color photos and filled with interesting facts about stock car racing, this is an informative, though somewhat uneven, treatment of the popular sport. Sullivan emphasizes the art and science of competing successfully in this event but downplays the dangers of racing and largely ignores the many fatal accidents that have occurred. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 This book profiles eighteen notable quarterbacks, including Brett Favre, Sammy Baugh, and Terry Bradshaw. After an introduction that discusses the history of the position, Sullivan provides details about the players' younger years, recollections of big games, and the physical and emotional obstacles the men faced. Sharp black-and-white and color photos within a clean design complete the package. A list of all-time quarterback records is included.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(3) 4-6 This is an easy-to-read, accurate guide to the sport's history, rules, strategies, tactics, and equipment, illustrated with photos and diagrams. Special emphasis is placed on the organization of the professional leagues, international competitive events, and biographical portraits of six famous professional hockey stars from the past and present. Lists of "All-Time Records" and resources are included. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Published spring 1998. Biographies of Civil War photographers--including the famous Mathew Brady and the less well known Alexander Gardner--knit together this history of the bloody era captured by their cameras. Peppered with quotes from primary and secondary sources, the text is very readable, as are the lengthy captions for the striking black-and-white photographs of generals, battle sites, and dead soldiers. Ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger