There’s something for nearly every reader here, including perennial report favorites and historical stand-outs, as well as contemporary celebrities and innovators and even some lesser-known but fascinating figures of the past. Some of the titles make excellent research materials, while others focus on maintaining high interest for lower level readers. A few manage to do both. Many of the titles build engagement by bringing attention to personal narratives, whether emphasizing how the subjects overcame adversities and obstacles or how they broke new ground in competitive fields. While some volumes showcase young and contemporary stars whose lives are likely to change rapidly, they nonetheless will feed a hunger for relevant pop culture subjects.

Elementary

Gr 1-3 –Covering major figures in U.S. history, these titles present content in an interview format. The subjects are questioned by Cub Reporter, a cartoon bear journalist, which sometimes leads to unusual or odd responses (for instance, Abraham Lincoln saying, “I was killed by a man named John Wilkes Booth.”). The tone is conversational and readable, if less useful for informational purposes. The level of detail ranges from extremely specific (Harriet Tubman’s father taught her which berries to eat for survival) to bafflingly imprecise (Helen Keller’s “illness hurt my eyes and my ears”). A simple layout incorporates historical photographs, painted illustrations, and, occasionally, stock images. VERDICT Though these are serviceable introductions to important historical figures, their value for research is limited.

K-Gr 3 –Children’s book authors both classic and current are covered in this set. While the writing is spare and can be frustratingly vague at times, the books here also contain interesting and often valuable facts about their subjects (for instance, after college, Schulz worked as a golf caddy and delivery boy) and make useful historical connections. Photographs are well placed and illustrate the full range of the authors’ lives. “Fun Fact” sidebars contain generally useful tidbits, such as that J.K. Rowling’s initials stand for Joanne Kathleen or that Shel Silverstein wrote more than 800 songs. There are no source notes, though a few books are suggested for additional reading. Each book refers readers to factsurfer.com, a search engine of sorts that restricts results to a few selected sites. VERDICT Worthwhile selections for younger readers who are interested in writing or who want to find out more about a favorite writer.

Gr 3-6 –Bright colors and copious illustrations, along with the always-popular subject, will attract readers. Inside, there is a great deal of information, though the presentation is visually busy and material is sometimes conveyed out of sequence. Some sidebars are printed in light-colored text on bright backgrounds and are difficult to read. Short, two-to-three-word column headings can be distracting. Despite these difficulties, the books do contain relevant and interesting content, both about main and related topics. John Franklin includes information about survival in the Arctic, while John Cabot considers the aboriginal Beothuk people of Newfoundland. “My Explorer Journal” sidebars provide insightful discussion prompts. Illustrations include several reproductions and daguerreotypes. Lists of suggested online and print materials are well done. VERDICT These are attractive high-interest materials for lower level readers.

Gr 3-5 –A quick look at some big names in reality TV. Some of these titles may have a limited shelf life, though others profile celebrities who have transcended the genre and are more widely known. The layouts are attractive and varied, making ample use of current and archival photos. Readers will learn some intriguing and illustrative facts, such as that Mike Rowe spent six years with the Baltimore Opera or that Tim Gunn was a successful high school swimmer. Several volumes include recipes, such as Ree Drummond’s cheesy cornbread. Special mention is made of charities established or supported by the stars. Frequent “Did You Know?” sidebars include light facts but rarely provide useful context (for instance, “the only food Fieri won’t eat is beef liver.”). No sources or further reading suggestions are included. A websites section refers readers to the publisher’s site for updated links. VERDICT These are good high-interest, general purpose reads, though less valuable as research materials.

Gr 3-6 –This well-researched and lucidly written series takes on various figures who have overcome obstacles. The books offer colorful presentation and incorporate references to contemporary popular culture where appropriate. Explanations of the scientific concepts in Marie Curie and Stephen Hawking, for example, are clear and easily grasped. Potentially volatile subjects, such as the racism of the apartheid system in South Africa in Nelson Mandela, are portrayed in detail and with candor, though at times more sensitive aspects are dealt with in softer focus. “Who’s Who” sidebars sketch out related personalities. Some titles offer suggestions for further research, such as finding out more about the region of Pakistan where Yousafzai was born. VERDICT These engaging and solidly reported biographies will appeal to students looking for inspirational stories.

K-Gr 2 –Despite spare text and sometimes overly simple writing, these biographies of prominent Canadians contain many interesting facts. For instance, hockey goaltender Carey Price’s mother was chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation and Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote a history of hockey. Some of the subjects will be known outside of Canada, but cultural references and some of the wording tend to narrow the appeal to Canadian readers. Each title includes a time line that stretches across the bottom of multiple pages. A link to the publisher’s FactHound website is suggested for online resources. But the site asks readers to type in the book’s ISBN, a cumbersome extra step. VERDICT Not recommended, except in Canadian libraries in need of additional low-level Canada resources.

Gr 3-6 –Eye-catching examinations of big names in art. Though these books are clearly laid out for reluctant readers, with short blocks of text and rich graphics, the narratives can be difficult to follow at times. A faux scrapbook format blends famous pieces of artwork, photographs, maps, and sidebars about related people and topics over a pastel-colored background. Reproductions of paintings are seamlessly paired with descriptions of the artist’s life or aesthetic concerns. Research tools are limited, however. VERDICT Despite some drawbacks, this is a useful hi-lo introduction to a variety of artistic styles and periods.

Middle to High School

Gr 6-10 –Excellent, in-depth examinations of celebrated painters. Each of these titles opens with a context-setting introduction, followed by a few pages of biography, and then moves on to a lengthy section detailing major works, along with technical analysis and biographical and historical background. All of the books are lavishly illustrated with large reproductions of the works, photographs of the artists, and relevant artifacts of their respective periods and cultures. The authors are adept at establishing in simple terms the social and aesthetic implications of the artists’ bold choices. A final chapter in each book includes information on where to find museums displaying the paintings. The biographical sections are surprisingly brief, though more details are supplied in the artwork sections. VERDICT These outstanding introductions are well suited for both research and ready reference.

Gr 4-7 –These solidly upper elementary to middle grade narratives on pirates are punctuated by short sidebar articles under headings like “More About Pirates” or “How Much Is True?” The quality of these asides is mixed. An article on careening a ship for repairs is compelling. But many of the volumes, particularly Anne Bonny, present the stories as though they are historical fiction (with dialogue and internal musings) and then employ sidebars to make corrections or reinforce what is reliably historical, a strategy that is highly repetitive and potentially confusing. Illustrations are copious, often using what appear to be period paintings or etchings, though some lack captions. Back matter includes significant chapter notes and a helpful, clearly written glossary. The lists of Internet resources are impressive and well vetted. VERDICT Despite some notable flaws, these are recommended research materials on a subject of enduring fascination.

Gr 4-7 –The subject matter will make these titles appealing to a wide range of readers. Each of the narratives highlights how the individual in question overcame early obstacles: Mo’ne Davis excelled in a sport dominated by boys, Angelina Jolie became a successful actress despite being mocked for her appearance as a teen, and Ed Sheeran endured homelessness in pursuit of his music career. The illustrations are consistently strong, including intriguing photos of several figures as young children as well as more recent shots. Back matter is also excellent. All of the books include extensive lists of works consulted, and Ed Sheeran has endnotes. At times, the writing is clunky. Sentences are brief and vocabulary simple, though text blocks are often long and unbroken. VERDICT Good research materials for intermediate readers looking for a little more depth than a more strictly hi-lo title.

Gr 4-8 –While some of the titles here will hold greater interest for young readers than others, all take on the challenge of weighing legend against the historical record. Buffalo Bill Cody and Audie Murphy are especially rich in historical connections. The Buffalo Soldiers addresses significant historical misconceptions. Each of the books concludes with a chapter measuring perceptions about the subjects against reliable facts, though the presentation and format are inconsistent from volume to volume. Illustrations are numerous and varied, including contemporaneous photos, woodcuts, film stills, and excerpts from newspapers. VERDICT Above-average research materials and good introductions to historical analysis.

Gr 1-3 –Well-known Native American figures from American history are briefly covered here. The writing is simple but straightforward, and readers will pick up many salient facts. The overuse of exclamation points occasionally trivializes descriptions. In some cases, period photos are available, including some striking, iconic portraits of warriors and chiefs. For earlier subjects, such as Red Jacket, paintings and engravings are used to good effect. Maps and illustrative paintings are displayed throughout. The treatment of conflict with white Americans is generally respectful of the Native American perspective. Geronimo and Sitting Bull, in particular, candidly portray the trials of white expansion and reservation confinement. VERDICT Solid overviews of major Native American figures for younger readers.

Gr 7-10 –Tackling big names in the field of technology, these volumes are text-heavy and clearly aimed at stronger readers, though the writing throughout is clear and concise. Adequate use is made of stock images to complement news and publicity photos. Sidebars featuring quotations and testimonials add context. While the tone is almost uniformly positive, some authors do call attention to subjects’ reputations for having difficult personalities. All provide significant historical context and detail the importance of these innovations, particularly Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos. Elon Musk frequently looks forward to potential for future impact. VERDICT First-rate research sources, and highly enjoyable reads.

Gr 6-9 –Covering various First Ladies, these narratives are rich in detail and clearly written. Some titles include more historical background than others. Abigail Adams, for instance, devotes much space to the early days of the Revolution. Most of the narratives are complemented with extensive quotations from the First Ladies’ letters, adding a personal perspective. Hillary Clinton, which should be popular during election season, can be uncritical at times and is vague about the scandal surrounding her husband’s impeachment, though its treatment of her early years is more solid. Illustrations include photos of monuments and historical homes, as well as images of historical significance, such as a photo of construction in progress on the Washington Monument, a project supported by Dolley Madison. VERDICT Good to excellent portraits of important figures often not given full historical treatment.

Though these series may appeal to different segments of the reading spectrum, nearly every one of them has something to offer to elementary or middle grade readers. ReferencePoint’s “Technology Titans” stands out for contemporary interest, high-quality writing, and well-developed sourcing and research tools. Windmill’s “Artists Through the Ages” provides a sumptuously illustrated introduction to well-known artists and the cultural impact of their works. Crabtree’s “Travel with the Great Explorers” and Mitchell Lane’s “Pirates Around the World” present a refreshing look into some timeworn and slightly more obscure corners of life on the high seas, a subject of recurring interest. Several titles manage to renew focus on civil rights leaders, Native American heroes, acclaimed scientists, and other huge historical personalities.

Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA