Larger Than Life: Biography | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

Readers of this season’s biographies can expect to travel through time to meet characters from long ago, investigate various careers by meeting stars of today, and be inspired to invent and create. They’ll be able to imagine starting a new country with the founding fathers, swinging with jazz greats, becoming modern business entrepreneurs, or performing with some of the most popular acting and musical icons of today. There’s something in these sets for a wide range of readers.

Preschool-Grade 4

DOOLING, Sandra. James Madison. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-7898-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-8058-4. LC 2011048409.
GOULD, Jane H. Alexander Hamilton. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-7895-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-8055-3. LC 2011048472.
–––– . Benjamin Franklin. ISBN 978-1-4488-7896-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-8056-0. LC 2011048438.
–––– . John Adams. ISBN 978-1-4488-7899-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-8059-1. LC 2011049786.
PELLESCHI, Andrea. George Washington. ISBN 978-1-4488-7897-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-8057-7. LC 2011048469.
–––– . Thomas Jefferson. ISBN 978-1-4488-7900-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-8060-7. LC 2011048460.
ea vol: illus. by Planman Technologies. 24p. (Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers Series). chron. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.
Gr 2-5–These volumes all begin with short introductions and helpful lists of “Main Characters,” setting the stage for interesting stories about America’s founding fathers. The main texts hit the highlights of the subjects’ lives, mostly ignoring negative or controversial aspects. The language is simple, but rather stilted, with invented dialogue a necessary evil of the graphic-novel-style format. The layout is simple and easy to follow. The glossy illustrations are true to the time periods, but are otherwise unremarkable.

SANDLER, Michael. John Cena. map. ISBN 978-1-61772-573-9; ISBN 978-1-61772-640-8. LC 2012003325.
–––– . Randy Orton. ISBN 978-1-61772-572-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-639-2. LC 2012007275.
–––– . The Rock. map. ISBN 978-1-61772-574-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-641-5. LC 2012014766.
–––– . Triple H. map. ISBN 978-1-61772-575-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-642-2. LC 2012010034.
ea vol: 24p. (Wrestling’s Tough Guys Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Bearport. 2012. PLB $23.93; ebook $30.60.
Gr 3-5–Beginning with curiosity-piquing openers, these flashy biographies will grab and hold readers’ attention. Writing with classic, dramatic sports jargon, Sandler covers the subjects’ childhoods to present careers and includes information about their schooling and other accomplishments. The captioned color photos are clear, action-filled, and eye-catching. The layout is well balanced, with additional interesting factoids or definitions included in text boxes. Words in bold type are defined in the glossaries. However, there is no mention of the staging involved in professional wrestling, leading readers to believe that the sport is all about physical skill. The violence inherent in the sport is depicted and described. Stats and “Fun Facts” are listed.

Grades 5 & Up

ARETHA, David. Awesome African-American Rock and Soul Musicians. ISBN 978-1-59845-140-5. LC 2011019956.
FEINSTEIN, Stephen. Incredible African-American Jazz Musicians. ISBN 978-1-59845-137-5. LC 2010025167.
–––– . Inspiring African-American Civil Right Leaders. ISBN 978-1-59845-136-8. LC 2011019952.
GRAHAM, Amy. Celebrated African-American Novelists. ISBN 978-1-59845-138-2. LC 2011019953.
NEIS, Therese. Extraordinary African-American Poets. ISBN 978-1-59845-139-9. LC 2011019954.
YOUNG, Jeff C. Amazing African-American Actors. ISBN 978-1-59845-135-1. LC 2011019951.
ea vol: 112p. (African-American Collective Biographies Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. CIP. Enslow. 2012. PLB $31.93.
Gr 5-9–These volumes illuminate 8 to 10 notable individuals from various categories. Featured subjects are chosen from various time periods, beginning with earlier figures and working up to the present day. For example, Actors covers Paul Robeson (1898-1976) to Halle Berry (1966). An introductory chapter places the individuals’ lives in historical, social, and political context, and then devotes one chapter for each subject. The people profiled range from little known to well known (e.g., Novelists explores the life and work of both Harriet Adams Wilson and Toni Morrison). Each book is attractively laid out and organized. The texts flow well, and color and black-and-white photos are pleasingly reproduced.

BERNARD, Jan. Daniel Radcliffe. ISBN 978-16147-32907. LC 2012933676.
–––– . Justin Bieber. ISBN 978-16147-32914. LC 2012933680.
–––– . Katy Perry. ISBN 978-16147-32938. LC 2012933734.
–––– . Selena Gomez. ISBN 978-16147-32952. LC 2012933736.
BRYAN, Dale-Marie. Anne Hathaway. ISBN 978-16147-32860. LC 2012933678.
–––– . Emma Watson. ISBN 978-16147-32891. LC 2012933679.
–––– . Johnny Depp. ISBN 978-16147-32884. LC 2012933677.
–––– . William and Kate. ISBN 978-16147-32877. LC 2012933739.
SHAFFER, Jody Jensen. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. ISBN 978-16147-32921. LC 2012933663.
–––– . Lea Michele. ISBN 978-16147-32945. LC 2012933735.
–––– . Taylor Lautner. ISBN 978-16147-32969. LC 2012933737.
–––– . Taylor Swift. ISBN 978-16147-32976. LC 2012933738.
ea vol: 32p. (Stars of Today Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-8–Starting with attractive, clear, close-ups on the covers and catchy opening paragraphs, these biographies are solid, but unexceptional. The clean layout includes plenty of white space around simple, direct text presented in a large font and short sentences and chapters. Subject matter is limited, briefly covering the featured celebrities’ paths to stardom from childhood to the present day, but short text boxes add additional information. The profiled personalities might make this set attractive to hi/lo and reluctant readers, with different volumes appealing to different ages. Every spread sports a captioned color photograph, though some are rather grainy.

BOONE, Mary. Dizzy Gillespie. ISBN 978-1-61228-272-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-348-7. LC 2012008630.
MATTERN, Joanne. Benny Goodman. ISBN 978-1-61228-269-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-345-6. LC 2012008483.
ORR, Tamra. Louis Armstrong. ISBN 978-1-61228-264-0; ISBN 978-1-61228-340-1. LC 2012008631.
–––– . Miles Davis. ISBN 978-1-61228-265-7; ISBN 978-1-61228-341-8. LC 2012008632.
RICE, Earle, Jr. Charlie Parker. ISBN 978-1-61228-266-4; ISBN 978-1-61228-342-5. LC 2012008628.
ROBERTS, Russell. Scott Joplin. ISBN 978-1-61228-273-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-349-4. LC 2012008633.
ea vol: 48p. (American Jazz Series). photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. discography. websites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2012. PLB $29.95; ebook $29.95.
Gr 6-9–This attractive, well-researched series is written in sophisticated language, with the more difficult vocabulary and musical terms defined within the text. Information about the subjects’ childhoods and preparation for their musical careers is included, as are the positive and negative aspects of their adult lives. Their contributions to the world of jazz are thoroughly explored. Sidebars in every volume expand the main texts, and quotes from other biographers add authenticity. Well-captioned color and black-and-white photos are cleanly reproduced, and the layout of text, photos, captions, and sidebars is bright and pleasing.

EARL, C. F. Black Eyed Peas. ISBN 978-1-4222-2511-0; ISBN 978-1-4222-9213-6. LC 2011005426.
–––– . Dr. Dre. ISBN 978-1-4222-2517-2; ISBN 978-1-4222-9219-8. LC 2011005428.
–––– . Rihanna. ISBN 978-1-4222-2526-4; ISBN 978-1-4222-9228-0. LC 2011020113.
–––– . Timbaland. ISBN 978-1-4222-2528-8; ISBN 978-1-4222-9230-3. LC 2011020117.
HILL, Z. B. Eminem. ISBN 978-1-4222-2518-9; ISBN 978-1-4222-9220-4. LC 2011005800.
–––– . LL Cool J. ISBN 978-1-4222-2522-6; ISBN 978-1-4222-9224-2. LC 2011019647.
–––– . Sean “Diddy” Combs. ISBN 978-1-4222-2514-1; ISBN 978-1-4222-9216-7. LC 2011019652.
–––– . Usher. ISBN 978-1-4222-2531-8; ISBN 978-1-4222-9233-4. LC 2011019650.
ea vol: 48p. (Superstars of Hip-Hop Series). photos. chron. further reading. index. discography. websites. CIP. Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $19.95; ebook $24.95.
Gr 5-8–Dark, almost foreboding-looking covers set the mood for this series. The inside images, which are unfortunately very grainy and unfocused color photographs, continue to emphasize the gritty aspects of hip-hop. Chapters include a look at the artists’ childhoods and how they shaped their lives. Subsequent sections cover their career development, lives today, and impacts on the music scene. Each chapter begins with a helpful “Hip-Hop lingo” text box that defines industry terms and vocabulary, but usually only as they relate to music; e.g., “auditioned” is described as “A person who auditioned sang or performed for someone to see if that person liked his work and wanted to give him a job.” Defined terms are in bold type throughout the texts. The writing is rather poor with short, choppy sentences, and the editing can be sloppy.

ETINGOFF, Kim. Harry Truman: From Farmer to President. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4222-2482-3 ; 978-1-4222-9364-5 . LC 2011020320.
–––– . James Cameron: From Truck Driver to Director. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4222-2481-6; 978-1-4222-9356-0. LC 2011020319.
–––– . Jennifer Aniston: From Friends to Films. map. ISBN 978-1-4222-2480-9; 978-1-4222-9353-9. LC 2011020321.
HILL, Z. B. Mark Zuckerberg: From Facebook to Famous. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4222-2303-1; 978-1-4222-9365-2. LC 2011023726.
SEBA, Jaime. Steve Jobs: From Apples to Apps. ISBN 978-1-4222-2299-7; 978-1-4222-9360-7. LC 2011029218.
ea vol: 64p. (Extraordinary Success with a High School Diploma or Less Series). chart. photos. further reading. index. websites. CIP. Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $22.95; ebook $28.95.
Gr 5-8–Each title begins with the same introduction explaining that it isn’t necessary to have a college degree to be an achiever; motivation, hard work, and a dream are enough. Then subsequent chapters follow their subjects from their early to present lives (or deaths), without avoiding the darker facts. What isn’t stressed is that most of these individuals did attend college for some time and/or were trained in their fields. Further complicating the point, each book ends with a chart of the highest-paying jobs that don’t require a college career, but the authors don’t mention that various positions require specialized training. Chapters begin with valuable “Words to Know” sections, but the layout is text-heavy and uninviting. These titles are poorly written and, at times, inaccurate.

FERTIG, Dennis. Mark Zuckerberg. chart. ISBN 978-1-4329-6426-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-6433-7. LC 2011050749.
–––– . Richard Branson. map. ISBN 978-1-4329-6429-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-6436-8. LC 2011050756.
–––– . Rupert Murdoch. maps. ISBN 978-1-4329-6431-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-6438-2. LC 2011050760.
SPILSBURY, Richard. Jay-Z. ISBN 978-1-4329-6430-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-6437-5. LC 2011050758.
–––– . Simon Cowell. chart. map. ISBN 978-1-4329-6427-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-6434-4. LC 2011050750.
ea vol: 48p. (Titans of Business Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $32; pap. $8.99.
Gr 4-7–This series is written in a lively fashion, beginning with the table-of-contents pages that contain text boxes with blurbs about what readers can expect to learn in the subsequent sections (“Find out what you need to do to have a successful career like Jay-Z.”). Captioned photos, sidebars, and off-set quotes make for an interesting layout. The various fonts and black-and-white borders are reminiscent of a computer screen, adding to the idea that the individuals are cutting edge in their fields. The volumes span the subjects’ entire lives, but hone in on their careers. Controversies are noted, but downplayed. For example, Zuckerberg’s legal issues are given little space, and Jay-Z’s hustling past is rationalized (“At first, the only way Shawn could see to make money for himself and his family was to become a hustler…”) and accompanied by a photo of a crack addict using drugs. Each title concludes with a “How to Become an Entrepreneur” chapter, recapping how the subjects achieved their wealth.

GOGERLY, Liz. Justin Bieber. ISBN 978-1-59771-415-0. LC 2012002537.
–––– . Taylor Momsen. ISBN 978-1-59771-418-1. LC 2012002539.
HIBBERT, Clare. Dakota Fanning. ISBN 978-1-59771-413-6. LC 2012002535.
–––– . Jaden Smith. ISBN 978-1-59771-414-3. LC 2012002536.
VAUGHAN, Jenny. Selena Gomez. ISBN 978-1-59771-417-4. LC 2012002538.
ea vol: 32p. (Teen Stars Series). photos. chron. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Sea-to-Sea. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-6–Despite the fact that most of the subjects in this series are already covered in other sets, these volumes will prove popular (particularly with hi/lo readers) because of the pop culture topics, pleasing layouts, large font, and well-captioned, color photos. Quotes appear in offset boxes and words in bold are defined in the glossaries. Unfortunately, the writing is choppy and sources for quotes are not noted. The books conclude with “Fan Guide” sections, which include Web resources and time lines.

HIGGINS, Nadia. Bruno Mars: Pop Singer and Producer. ISBN 978-0-7613-4144-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0235-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0163-1. LC 2012006518.
–––– . Justin Bieber: Pop and R & B Idol. ISBN 978-1-4677-0294-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0295-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0296-6. LC 2011051068.
–––– . Katy Perry: From Gospel Singer to Pop Star. ISBN 978-0-7613-4145-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0236-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0164-8. LC 2012004577.
LANDAU, Elaine. Beyoncé: R & B Superstar. ISBN 978-0-7613-4147-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0234-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0166-2. LC 2012000144.
LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. One Direction: Breakout Boy Band. ISBN 978-1-4677-0877-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0879-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0878-4. LC 2012014921.
NELSON, Robin. Selena Gomez: Pop Star and Actress. ISBN 978-0-7613-4142-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-0238-6; ISBN 978-1-4677-0097-9. LC 2011044683.
–––– . Taylor Swift: Country Pop Hit Maker. ISBN 978-0-7613-4143-7; ISBN 978-1-46770-0239-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-0098-6. LC 2011052631.
ea vol: 32p. (Pop Culture Bios: Super Singers Series). photos. further reading. index. notes. websites. CIP. Lerner. 2012. PLB $26.60; pap. $7.95; ebook $19.95.
Gr 4-6–These crowd-pleasing titles will fly off the shelves. Written in shorts chapters and sentences, with easy font size, and filled with well-captioned, eye-popping photographs, they will draw in readers. Each title has a pleasing layout, trivia boxes, and sidebars of additional information, including definitions of more complex terms. Stars’ quotes are in bold type and easily identifiable. Each book begins with an introduction, followed by sections on childhood, early career years, and current stardom and the qualities that make each individual unique, and concludes with more photos. The authors point out their subjects’ artistic accomplishments as well as any social contributions they offer, but they also relay information about controversial aspects of their lives. The writing style is engaging throughout. At times, the slang is a bit jarring (e.g., the word “sucktastic” is used to describe Katy Perry’s office job in a music company) and will date the books at some point.

These sets are varied in subjects, time periods, and careers, as well as quality. Bold colors, intriguing photos, and fresh layouts make attractive and informative appearances, while the storytelling quality of most of the books makes for interesting reading. Lerner’s “Pop Culture Bios: Super Singers” hits the mark on all of those characteristics. Well researched and attractively put together, Mitchell Lane’s “American Jazz” is worth acquiring. The graphic-novel format works well for introducing historic figures in PowerKids’s “Jr. Graphic Founding Fathers,” while Heinemann’s “Titans of Business” offers several inspiring profiles. Mason Crest’s “Superstars of Hip-Hop” and Bearport’s “Wrestling’s Tough Guys” might best be suited to mature hi/lo readers.