(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alix Delinois. Roy, who has emigrated from Jamaica, emails his friend Leroy about his first day of school in his new Canadian city. He's greeted with Bob Marley references everywhere: his Irish neighbor gives him a Marley button; his classmates greet him with "Welcome, Roy, one love"; and more. While a bit contrived, this mature picture book demonstrates a warm, positive perspective on immigration. Bold paintings show Canadian urban diversity.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) PS Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Bob Marley's daughter adapts the lyrics to his song “Three Little Birds,” reminding a young boy that, despite a mishap or two, “every little thing is gonna be all right.” As usual with the song-as-picture-book gambit, some magic evaporates along with the melody and instrumentation. The mix of what looks like cartoons, realistic drawings, and collage has patchwork-y charm.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. The lyrics to "One Love," by reggae great Bob Marley (the adapter's father), accompany a smiling girl who spends her day participating in a multi-generational neighborhood cleanup and ensuing celebration. Like most lyrics flowed into a picture book format, these are listless on the page, burdening the illustrator to supply the music. Brantley-Newton's pictures have the spirit (if not the depth).

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Through seventeen poems, Medina tells the story of the reggae icon, starting and ending with his Jamaican roots ("I am the boy / From Nine Miles..."). The lyric-like pieces are thoughtful and adept; appended notes explain the biographical events on which the poems are based. Watson's acrylics capture Marley's public magnetism as well as private, introspective moments.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Modern Music Masters series. This biography tells of the internationally famous Jamaican-born singer, poet, musician, and pioneer of reggae music. The writing effectively depicts the social and historical climate in which Marley was raised: the stigma of his parents' interracial marriage, struggles with dishonorable producers and managers, political and religious beliefs, and mentors. Many quotes and photographs further show Marley's personality. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) YA Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition series. Each of these biographies details a well-known figure's rise from adversity to national and/or international recognition. The books go beyond the typical personal information to provide some social history relevant to the subject's time. Captioned photographs and boxed inserts enhance the conversational texts, most of which have been completely revised. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition, titles: Maya Angelou, Jimi Hendrix, Scott Joplin, Bob Marley, Oprah Winfrey, Josephine Baker, and Chris Rock.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mariah Fox. The early life of reggae singer Marley is related here, including his family life in Nine Miles, Jamaica, and his sojourn in Kingston after his father promised him schooling. Few of the influences, save poverty, that shaped the singer's work are cited, but a combination of text (coauthored by Marley's daughter) and naive yet attractive color art help show Marley's cultural background. A timeline and discography are included. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam