(3) K-3 This picture book inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's friendship with Marilyn Monroe centers on an instance in the 1950s when Monroe's influence supposedly helped black Fitzgerald be allowed to perform at a popular NYC venue. Evoking the nightclub's glitz and glamour, the bright-colored, graphic illustrations on thick pages are the draw here. Short bios of both women and a photo conclude the book.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 Calico: The Art of Time Travel series. Illustrated by Courtney Bernard. In each book, two kids flash back in time to meet famous artists of different disciplines: Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Shelley, Monet, and Shakespeare. The structure is formulaic--an unimpressed character gains appreciation while having an impact on a pivotal moment in history--but gentle unpacking of biographical information may spark history young buffs' interest. Each volume is illustrated in a different monochromatic color scheme. Review covers the following Art of Time Travel titles: Get Ella to the Apollo, Mary Molds a Monster, Monet Changes Mediums, and Shakespeare Saves the Globe.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) K-3 Candlewick Biographies series. Illustrated by Sean Qualls. In jazzy prose, Orgill tells of young Ella's sad childhood and up-from-her-bootstraps rise to fame. Interspersed in the main text are lyrics from songs Fitzgerald made her own (e.g., "A Tisket, A Tasket"), giving the volume an improvised feel. Qualls's acrylic, pencil, and collage illustrations hum with the energy of a night out in Harlem. This "reformatted edition" includes a list of recommended recordings. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sean Qualls. In jazzy prose, Orgill tells of young Ella's sad childhood and up-from-her-bootstraps rise to fame. Interspersed in the main text are lyrics from songs Fitzgerald made her own (e.g., "A Tisket, A Tasket"), giving the volume an improvised feel. Qualls's acrylic, pencil, and collage illustrations hum with the energy of a night out in Harlem. A list of recommended recordings is appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) YA These well-written, carefully researched biographies aren't mired in adulation. Meltzer details Steinbeck's self-doubt, messy relationships, and alcoholic bouts as he traces the novelist's rise from college dropout to Nobel Laureate. Stone notes some of the inaccuracies in other Fitzgerald biographies as she follows the jazz singer (and would-be dancer!) from the streets of Harlem to concert halls worldwide. Bib., ind. Review covers these titles: Up Close: Ella Fitzgerald and Up Close: John Steinbeck.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Feline narrator Scat Cat Monroe guides readers through a four-part presentation of Ella Fitzgerald's development as one of the world's premier jazz singers: "Hoofin' in Harlem," "Jammin' at Yale," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and "Carnegie Hall Scat." The rhythmic prose suits the subject admirably, as do the vibrantly colored scratchboard illustrations, which feature lots of energy and varied perspectives. A discography is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Lerner Biographies series. Illustrated with clear black-and-white photos, these two biographies begin with short chapters describing a memorable event--seventeen-year-old Fitzgerald winning an amateur music contest at the Apollo Theater and Deng impressing American audiences on a 1979 visit. The two books then chronologically and matter-of-factly trace these eventful lives from birth to death. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman