(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Rebecca Guay. The authors introduce twenty-six women who either lived a life of criminality or were morally condemned for their actions. Each lighthearted, succinct summary is followed by a one-page graphic novel–format conversation--sardonic and mirthful--between Yolen and Stemple. Biblical figures, pirates, thieves and spies, murderesses and gangsters, rulers and queens are included as the authors consistently point out the very fine line between right and wrong. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) YA Illustrated by Rebecca Guay. Hawes presents fairy tales gone rotten at the core; the innocent heroes of the originals are shown to be perverse, pathetic, or simply unpleasant. Self-absorbed Cinderella is obsessed with glamour; Hansel turns against Gretel; one of the dwarfs lusts after comatose Snow White. Hawes's prose is sharp and memorable. Guay's digitally enhanced graphite and paint illustrations pick up on the tales' darkness.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rebecca Guay. A short history of the development of ballet opens the book. With the exception of Giselle, the major classic "story ballets" are introduced and retold. Daphnis and Chloe and the more contemporary Shim Chung, based on a Korean folktale, round out the collection. Illustrations that are lush and romantic, but curiously static, accompany each tale. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Milestone Books series. Illustrated by Rebecca Guay. These books for younger readers offer only a few personal details and focus on the subjects' accomplishments. Krensky provides a sprightly account of the maverick Nellie Bly's work exposing corrupt politicians, unfair treatment of the mentally ill, and fraud. Soto covers Chávez's role in helping California farm workers fight for their rights. Both books include black-and-white drawings; Bly has a timeline. Bib. [Review covers these Milestone Books titles: Nellie Bly and Cesar Chavez.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rebecca Guay & Rebecca Guay. Delicate mixed-media paintings illustrate this encyclopedia of goddesses from around the world. Each alphabetical listing, from Aataentsic of North America to the Zorya of Czechoslovakia, provides the subject's land of origin, power, and representation (e.g., animal, flower). Because the profiles are so brief, it's disappointing that the author doesn't provide specific sources and a reading list appropriate for the book's intended audience.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman