(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. The volumes in this readable series are chock-full of trivia about the title figures. Section headings help organize the information (and will help readers navigate the crowded spreads) while sidebars provide additional information. Each title's "A Day in the Life" section and "Do You Have What It Takes?" personality quiz may engage readers. The many photographs are generally relevant. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Simon Cowell, Barack Obama, and J.K. Rowling.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. This readable volume is chock-full of trivia about cycling champion Armstrong (minus doping allegations and divorce). Section headings help organize the information--and will help readers navigate the crowded spreads--while sidebars provide additional information. The "A Day in the Life" section and "Do You Have What It Takes?" personality quiz may engage readers. The many photographs are generally relevant. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. The volumes in this readable series are chock-full of trivia about the title figures. Section headings help organize the information (and will help readers navigate the crowded spreads) while sidebars provide additional information. Each title's "A Day in the Life" section and "Do You Have What It Takes?" personality quiz may engage readers. The many photographs are generally relevant. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Simon Cowell, Barack Obama, and J.K. Rowling.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. The volumes in this readable series are chock-full of trivia about the title figures. Section headings help organize the information (and will help readers navigate the crowded spreads) while sidebars provide additional information. Each title's "A Day in the Life" section and "Do You Have What It Takes?" personality quiz may engage readers. The many photographs are generally relevant. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Simon Cowell, Barack Obama, and J.K. Rowling.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. These informative biographies focus on the people, events, and artistic movements that shaped the two painters, but the books lack visual panache. Claybourne emphasizes van Gogh's relationship with his brother Theo, and Gogerly concentrates on Picasso's artistic innovations. Both volumes are generously illustrated with photos but are surprisingly thin on reproductions. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. Effectively integrating historical context into the discussion, these biographies present an overview of each subject's life and notable contributions. The large format includes photos, archival reproductions, and a spacious layout, making the books accessible and easy to read. The quality of the writing is uneven, but readers will gain a basic appreciation of these important figures in history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. Effectively integrating historical context into the discussion, these biographies present an overview of each subject's life and notable contributions. The large format includes photos, archival reproductions, and a spacious layout, making the books accessible and easy to read. The quality of the writing is uneven, but readers will gain a basic appreciation of these important figures in history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. Effectively integrating historical context into the discussion, these biographies present an overview of each subject's life and notable contributions. The large format includes photos, archival reproductions, and a spacious layout, making the books accessible and easy to read. The quality of the writing is uneven, but readers will gain a basic appreciation of these important figures in history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Famous Lives series. Effectively integrating historical context into the discussion, these biographies present an overview of each subject's life and notable contributions. The large format includes photos, archival reproductions, and a spacious layout, making the books accessible and easy to read. The quality of the writing is uneven, but readers will gain a basic appreciation of these important figures in history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Famous Lives titles: Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Famous Lives series. The lives of these two famous leaders are each related in streamlined fashion, combining personal details with just the highlights of their public careers. The layout includes plenty of white space, boxed quotes from the subjects, and large-size photos (of varying quality) that show Mandela and Castro at various stages in their lives and offer background on their countries. Chronologies are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Famous Lives series. The lives of these two famous leaders are each related in streamlined fashion, combining personal details with just the highlights of their public careers. The layout includes plenty of white space, boxed quotes from the subjects, and large-size photos (of varying quality) that show Mandela and Castro at various stages in their lives and offer background on their countries. Chronologies are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam