(3) 4-6 The trajectory of the French fashion designer's life and successful career is outlined in a well-researched, highly readable biography. Rubin addresses the darker parts of Chanel's history--her childhood in an orphanage, her relationship with a Nazi intelligence officer--as well as her iconic industry "firsts," including women's suits and the little black dress. The elegantly designed volume includes plenty of photographs. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) K-3 An orphan grows up and declares she "never wanted to be poor again." So Coco befriends "genteel ladies" for whom she eventually revolutionizes fashion with more comfortable silhouettes fated to become classics. This Dutch picture book based on Coco Chanel's life lacks sources and background (besides a brief bio), but it's a mildly inspiring gender-role-breaking success story, stylishly illustrated with dainty pen-and-ink work.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) 4-6 Matthews presents the fashion icon Coco Chanel as a spirited girl who overcame poverty with her creativity and a lot of attitude. Chanel's confidence and originality are translated directly into her designs; the amusing pen-and-ink drawings capture her bearing and style. These selected highlights from Chanel's life present her against a backdrop of social change, celebrating her daring and independence. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2007

(4) YA Women in the Arts series. While informative, these success stories about actress Bernhardt and fashion designer Chanel are repetitive and oversimplified, although neither shies away from the less attractive aspects of these glamorous Frenchwomen. The accounts are enriched with cultural context and illustrations and appended with lists of achievements. Chronology, reading list, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Women in the Arts titles: Coco Chanel and Sarah Bernhardt.]

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(4) 4-6 Creative Lives series. Suitable for report writers, the books in this series depict their subjects as sometimes flawed individuals with realistic hopes and fears. Sidebars provide quotations and historical context. Photographs and illustrations enliven the text, but the busy page design is distracting. Each book includes a timeline. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Coco Chanel.]

Reviewer: Kathleen Smith