(4) 4-6 History's All-Stars series. Illustrated by Al Fiorentino. Originally published in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, these fictionalized biographies are reissued with a new series name but are otherwise unchanged, dated-looking black-and-white illustrations and all. Focusing on events in each historical figure's childhood, the congenial narratives read smoothly with natural-sounding invented dialogue. Both books end "many years later..." with accounts of the subject's adult accomplishments. Review covers these History's All-Stars titles: Walt Disney and Betsy Ross.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) PS Illustrated by Megan Lloyd. "Betsy ripped. / Rip, rip. / Seven rich, / Crimson strips. / Betsy clipped. / Clip, clip..." So begins this inventive, onomatopoeia-heavy introduction to Old Glory's creator. The text is geared to the youngest audience, but the appeal of the visual details in Lloyd's appliquéd illustrations knows no age limit. A "Make Your Own Betsy Ross Star" activity is appended.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read series. Illustrated by Diana Magnuson. Each of the early readers in this series takes an anecdote, true or not, from its subject's youth and presents it as a reflection of the notable figure he or she grew up to become. Although the realistic illustrations are rather stiff, the books do give fairly entertaining glimpses into the three individuals' lives and personalities. A timeline of the subject's life follows each story. [Review covers these titles: Betsy Ross and the Silver Thimble, Abe Lincoln and the Muddy Pig, Helen Keller and the Big Storm.]

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(4) 4-6 Let Freedom Ring series. With occasionally stilted language, each of the flattering biographies in this series briefly chronicles the early life and later accomplishments of colonial figures. Features include maps, time lines, Internet sites, and historical places related to the subject. Archival paintings, without bibliographic citations, and photos of period clothing and household items serve as illustrations. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Let Freedom Ring titles: Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin, Phillis Wheatley, George Washington.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang