(4) 4-6 History's Worst series. The life and actions of infamous historical figures are recounted in these engaging but uneven middle-grade biographies. In Hitler, Buckley's use of colloquialisms can be off-putting, and readers will learn little new information. In Ripper, Burgan shares grisly details, but the narrative gets bogged down overviewing the many theories regarding the killer's identity. Ripper lists suggested resources; both books include a timeline and notes. Review covers the following History's Worst titles: Adolf Hitler and Jack the Ripper.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Wendell Minor. This is a well-researched account of Jack London's 1897–98 adventures during the Klondike Gold Rush, after which he returned to California with little gold but a wealth of writing material. In notes, Lourie admits he's "taken a few liberties" in crafting the compelling wildnerness narrative, which is enhanced by archival photographs and Minor's evocative illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA A kinship over physical deformities evolves into friendship between Joseph Merrick ("the Elephant Man") and his new maid, Evelyn, who has "phossy jaw." As Evelyn seeks refuge from London's streets, a series of murders brings ghosts to their door. Kirby's gritty novel includes historical references within a unique story of self-acceptance, murder, and friendship.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) YA Defying Victorian-era gender conventions, Audrey Rose secretly studies forensics with her coroner uncle. When he's consulted in the Ripper case, then accused of the murders, Audrey Rose investigates. Her first-person narration is uneven--by turns lavishly detailing high-society fashion and crime scenes or swooning over forensics student Thomas and suspecting him. Still, readers intrigued by forensics will be entertained by Maniscalco's revisioning.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) YA Secret Journeys of Jack London series. Illustrated by Greg Ruth. While returning home from the Yukon, Jack is abducted by pirates, whom he soon discovers are werewolves. Jack's humanity is challenged by the savagery of the supernatural crew, but he maintains that their human sides can best the beasts within. Fans of The Wild will enjoy this exciting second installment in the adventure series.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(3) YA Secret Journeys of Jack London series. Illustrated by Greg Ruth. Seventeen-year-old Jack London heads to the Yukon Territory in search of riches and adventure. He encounters friends, foes, and supernatural forces that complicate his journey, all the while battling nature, humankind, and self to return home a new man. It's not deep, but adventure seekers will enjoy the tale's frozen North action. Occasional full-page black-and-white illustrations help set the scenes.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) YA Understanding Literature series. This series explores the biographical and historical factors that influenced these authors. Each book includes a detailed synopsis of the subject's life and his selected works. Though dry, the books will provide a solid background for readers seeking a deeper understanding of literary classics. Some sidebars and photographs help break up the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Literature titles: A Student's Guide to Jack London, A Student's Guide to Mark Twain, and A Student's Guide to Tennessee Williams.

Reviewer: Allison Cole

(4) YA Oxford Portraits series. The adventurous author's brief life is thoroughly, if somewhat blandly, recounted in a volume illustrated with black-and-white photos and reproductions. Although the book contains some excerpts of London's writing, and a chapter is devoted to his literary legacy, readers may be disappointed that his best-known works, such as The Call of the Wild and White Fang, are not discussed in greater depth. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA A & E Biography series. These biographies offer straightforward information about their subjects in accurate, if adulatory, packages. Illustrated mostly with low-grade black-and-white photos, along with a few color photos, these books generally afford serviceable, well-documented introductions to their subjects. Crazy Horse, Cousteau, and Gandhi contain time lines; Gates, Sagan, and Gandhi contain glossaries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA People to Know series. Illustrated with unexceptional black-and-white photographs, these biographies are clearly written but superficial in their coverage of the subjects' lives. Career highlights are documented, though personal flaws are either ignored or glossed over. Nevertheless, the books will be helpful for school reports. Time lines are included, and Ballard contains a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta