Eli Whitney

Gr 3–6—With their user-friendly nonfiction features and smooth narrative style, these biographies in a graphic-novel format are a fantastic way to introduce reluctant (and enthusiastic) readers to the lives of important historical figures. From Robert Fulton to Steve Jobs, they profile six inventors, highlighting their accomplishments, struggles, and contributions to the world (e.g., Steve Jobs "changed the way people live"). The table of contents, brief introductions, and helpful lists of main characters are all presented on one page, giving readers helpful context for the pages that follow. Narrative text and dialogue boxes float above and in the illustrations, which are attractive and engaging. With clear, interesting, and accessible language, the volumes are easy to read. These biographies flow just like conventional graphic novels-a plus when trying to engage students with nonfiction material.