Julian Assange

Gr 6–9—The authors of these biographies present information that is current, accurate, and relevant, while also providing an overview of their subjects' early lives and cultural significance. The books are primarily positive in tone, delivering a balanced, informative description of each subject. Sidebars expand the texts in an effective manner. The first book relates WikiLeaks to whistle-blowers such as Daniel Ellsberg and explains the issues that governments have with the disclosure of classified documents. It will be quickly dated because the story is still unfolding. So, too, is the case with Zuckerberg, but Lusted addresses the man's history, social networking issues related to privacy, the 2010 movie The Social Network, about the creation of Facebook, and the disputes it depicts. Historical context is provided in Steinem, and readers will come away with a broader understanding of feminism as well as knowledge of a natural leader and master organizer. These are accessible and engaging treatments filled with colorful but unexceptional photos of the subjects. Worthwhile additions for most collections.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library