(4) 4-6 Versus series. Each volume pits a present-day superstar against one from an earlier era. Comparisons include technical skills, statistics and records, and past or potential legacies. Sports fans will appreciate the many action photographs illustrating the choppy but accessible texts; side-by-side charts provide additional data. No attempt is made to name the superior athlete: that decision is left to the reader. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Versus titles: Lionel Messi vs. Pelé, Tiger Woods vs. Jack Nicklaus, Sidney Crosby vs. Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, Serena Williams vs. Billie Jean King, and Tom Brady vs. Joe Montana.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Sports Illustrated Kids: Hockey Superstars series. Glossy action photographs, brightly colored sidebars, and "Fast Facts" combine with game-detailed, statistics-filled texts to superficially profile two of hockey's most popular players. Ovechkin hails from Russia, where the breakup of the Soviet Union allowed him to play in the NHL. Crosby's narrative begins with his "Golden Goal" to win the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team Canada. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Sports Illustrated Kids: Hockey Superstars titles: Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 SportsZone: Playmakers series. Focusing on the stars' sports accomplishments and game highlights, these brief, adulatory profiles also touch on the players' childhoods and personal lives along with mentioning charitable contributions to their communities. Brees and Bryant are slightly better organized than the other two. The many clear photographs will satisfy sports fans. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these SportsZone: Playmakers titles: Drew Brees, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Sidney Crosby.

Reviewer: Jack Forman