(3) K-3 Little People, Big Dreams series. Illustrated by Melissa Lee Johnson. This picture-book biography focuses on the blind musical prodigy's rise to superstardom. Per the series's formula, Vegara breezes through some highlights from the musician/composer/singer's life and career, from signing with Motown at eleven to being named the United Nations' 2009 "Messenger of Peace." The cheery cartoon illustrations are a good match for the accessible text. Back matter includes four photos, a simple timeline, more biographical information, and two recommended books.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lisa Cohen. "Oh, isn't he lovely, / this blind black boy / born to love everyone?" This refrain (or variations on it) features prominently in this exuberant biographical poem about musician Stevie Wonder. The acrylics are composed of matte geometric shapes in the loud, uncompromising colors of pop music. The book comes with a CD featuring "Fingertips (Part 2)" and "Uptight (Everything's Alright)." Discography, timeline.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Overcoming Adversity series. In the books in this series, each subject triumphed over hardships that ranged from physical disability to nationwide political oppression. The clearly written texts do not overplay this aspect of each subject's story but incorporate it into informative and cohesive biographical portraits. Illustrated with average-quality black-and-white photos, each volume contains a timeline; Twain and Wonder also feature discographies. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Triumph of the Imagination, John McCain, Shania Twain, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Stevie Wonder.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta