(4) K-3 NASCAR Heroes series. These books highlight the paths taken to the top by four popular NASCAR drivers. Each volume superficially covers information about the subject's background, early racing record, and the struggles encountered in attaining his goals. Reluctant readers will appreciate the accessible (though choppy) writing style, the numerous photographs, and the "Fast Fact" sidebars that provide additional information. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these NASCAR Heroes titles: Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Busch.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Sports Stars Who Care series. This series ostensibly highlights professional athletes' good works. The majority of each text is actually biographical information which, while not inaccurate, is nothing really new. Philanthropic work is usually touched upon at the end. Reluctant readers will appreciate the accessible writing style and sports photographs. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Sports Stars Who care titles: Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., David Wright, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(4) 4-6 Heroes of Racing series. These titles cover the highs and lows in the careers of racing stars; very brief details about their personal lives are also included. Though the information is superficial, there's enough detail to hook fans. Crisp full-page photos, sidebars, and appended statistical charts and lists of accomplishments enhance the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Heroes of Racing titles: Jeff Burton, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Kevin Harvick, Danica Patrick, and Richard Petty.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA People in the News series. These volumes cover basic biographical facts about auto racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and baseball star Derek Jeter, from their childhoods through their early careers to their status as of 2008. The texts, accompanied by photographs and occasional sidebars on related topics (e.g., "The Popularity of NASCAR"), are generally adulatory but also acknowledge issues such as diva behavior and romantic entanglements. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Derek Jeter.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Heroes of Racing series. This series profiles contemporary race car drivers, focusing mainly on their careers. Each first chapter describes a career high point, then subsequent chapters sketch out childhood and the ups and downs of the subject's racing development. Though the information is superficial, there's enough detail to hook racing fans. Photographs, sidebars, and statistical charts enhance the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Heroes of Racing titles: Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Mark Martin, and Matt Kenseth.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 New Wave series. These dry biographies feature two young sports stars whose careers took off in the 1990s. Brief chapters crammed with text tell the stories of Earnhardt, a NASCAR driver and the son of the late, legendary driver, and Tom Brady, the quarterback who led his team to a Super Bowl championship. Lots of color photos add appeal. Ind. [Review covers these New Wave titles: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tom Brady.]

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Sports Reports series. Super Bowl MVP Davis, Caribbean-born basketball player Duncan, and longtime NASCAR driver Earnhardt are the subjects of these biographies that provide detailed coverage of their achievements on sports but only sketchy information about their personal lives. The black-and-white photographs are unexceptional, but the big print, wide margins, and boxed facts will draw kids who may ordinarily be more interested in sports than reading. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta