Read Series Made Simple, School Library Journal's guide to the latest series nonfiction

The most effective biographies not only examine the who, but also the where, when, why, and how of their subjects. Some of the offerings this season delve a bit more deeply than usual into the stories behind and around their famous subjects. There is something for children with many different interests: history, music, race relations, technology, war, science, politics, and environmentalism are just a few of the subjects examined in the series below.

Preschool—Grade 4

ASSELIN, Kristine Carlson. Who Really Discovered America? ISBN 978-1-4296-3342-0; ISBN 978-1-4296-6247-5. LC 2010031216. LEAVITT, Amie Jane. Who Really Created Democracy? photos. ISBN 978-1-4296-3343-7; ISBN 978-1-4296-6246-8. LC 2010026028. ————. Who Really Discovered Electricity? ISBN 978-1-4296-3345-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-6248-2. LC 2010026029. LLANAS, Sheila Griffin. Who Reached the South Pole First? photos. ISBN 978-1-4296-3344-4; ISBN 978-1-4296-6245-1. LC 2010026027. ea vol: 32p. (Fact Finders: Race for History Series). illus. map. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $25.99; pap. $7.95. Gr 3-6—Sometimes it takes a unique method to present history in a way that is fresh and interesting to children. Pitting historical figures against one another in a contest to see who legitimatelyaccomplished famous achievements is such a device. This series uses clear language, colorful pictures, and primary sources to debunk potentially inaccurate perceptions of historical events. For example, readers learn in America that Christopher Columbus might have been preceded to these shores by Vikings or ancient Siberians, and will be kept in suspense until the “winner” is revealed at the end. Vocabulary definitions are provided on each page, with a separate glossary in the back. History-loving readers will find this series engaging, exciting, and informative.

BISKUP, Agnieszka. Houdini: The Life of the Great Escape Artist. illus. by Pat Kinsella. ISBN 978-1-4296-5474-6. LC 2010024848. ————. Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain: The Story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce. illus. by Rusty Zimmerman. map. ISBN 978-1-4296-5472-2. LC 2010027914. COLLINS, Terry. Elvis: A Graphic Novel. illus. by Michele Melcher. ISBN 978-1-4296-5476-0. LC 2010024847. ————. Robert E. Lee: The Story of the Great Confederate General. illus. by Cristian Mallea. chron. ISBN 978-1-4296-5475-3. LC 2010032202. GUNDERSON, Jessica. X: A Biography of Malcolm X. illus. by Seitu Hayden. ISBN 978-1-4296-5471-5. LC 2010037029. YOMTOV, Nel. The Bambino: The Story of Babe Ruth’s Legendary 1927 Season. illus. by Tim Foley. ISBN 978-1-4296-5473-9. LC 2010024764. ea vol: 32p. (Graphic Library: American Graphic Series). illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $29.32. Gr 3-8—In graphic-novel format, these books explore pivotal events in the lives of Americans who influenced the country in different ways. While the books do not necessarily span the lifetime of the subjects, they provide a clear picture of why these individuals are so important in the context of American history and culture. The illustrations are eye-catching and the narration is presented simply, yet compellingly, through conversation bubbles and text boxes, with direct quotes printed in yellow. Each book concludes with a section that provides a useful recap of the life and accomplishments of the subject. A fact-filled, entertaining, and accessible series.

FOY, Debbie. Simon Cowell: Global Music Mogul. ISBN 978-1-4488-3290-3. LC 2010023969. HICKS, Peter. Barack Obama: President for Change. ISBN 978-1-4488-3287-3. LC 2010023958. ————. Lance Armstrong: Racing Hero. ISBN 978-1-4488-3289-7. LC 2010023970. SENKER, Cath. J.K. Rowling: Creator of Harry Potter. ISBN 978-1-4488-3288-0. LC 2010023973. ea vol: 32p. (Famous Lives Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $25.25. Gr 4-6—While it is important for information to be presented in a way that is accessible and appealing to children, there is a danger of sensory overload if the layout of a book is too frenetic. One major problem with this series (whose subjects are unrelated, besides the fact that they are famous) is that the many sidebars, pictures, and boxes breaking up the texts become distracting and confusing. Consequently, these books are best suited for casual browsing.

KENNON, Michou. Beyoncé. ISBN 978-1-4339-4788-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-4791-9. LC 2010023233. ————. Queen Latifah. ISBN 978-1-4339-4808-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-4811-4. LC 2010029136. MAIMONE, Max Q. Justin Timberlake. ISBN 978-1-4339-4800-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-4803-9. LC 2010026218. ————. Mary J. Blige. ISBN 978-1-4339-4804-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-4807-7. LC 2010027405. NACEROUS, Roman P. Jay-Z. ISBN 978-1-4339-4796-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-4799-5. LC 2010023237. SHEA, Therese. Alicia Keys. ISBN 978-1-4339-4784-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-4787-2. LC 2010027404. ————. The Black Eyed Peas. ISBN 978-1-4339-4792-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-4795-7. LC 2010023236. ————. Usher. ISBN 978-1-4339-4812-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-4815-2. LC 2010030118. ea vol: 32p. (Hip-Hop Headliners Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25. Gr 4-8—This hi/lo series profiles current stars, giving basic information about their childhoods, how they rose to fame, and the songs for which they are famous. The language is clear, but for every full-page color photo there are only one or two short sentences on the accompanying page. Glossary words are not highlighted in the narratives. Although the appeal of the subjects may be high, there is not enough information provided in these books to justify purchase.

MATTERN, Joanne. Ben & Jerry: Ice Cream Manufacturers. ISBN 978-1-61613-554-6; ISBN 978-1-61714-866-8. LC 2010027890. ————. Clarence Birdseye: Frozen Food Innovator. ISBN 978-1-61613-555-3; ISBN 978-1-61714-867-5. LC 2010027886. ————. The Kellogg Family: Breakfast Cereal Pioneers. ISBN 978-1-61613-558-4; ISBN 978-1-61714-870-5. LC 2010027882. ————. The Mars Family: M&M Mars Candy Makers. ISBN 978-1-61613-560-7; ISBN 978-1-61714-872-9. LC 2010027940. ————. Milton Hershey: Hershey’s Chocolate Creator. ISBN 978-1-61613-557-7; ISBN 978-1-61714-869-9. LC 2010027883. ————. Ray Kroc: McDonald’s Restaurants Builder. ISBN 978-1-61613-559-1; ISBN 978-1-61714-871-2. LC 2010027897. ————. Robert Cade: Gatorade Inventor. ISBN 978-1-61613-556-0; ISBN 978-1-61714-868-2E. LC 2010027884. ————. William Wrigley Jr.: Wrigley’s Chewing Gum Founder. ISBN 978-1-61613-561-4; ISBN 978-1-61714-873-6. LC 2010027943. ea vol: 32p. (Food Dudes Series). photos. reprods. chron. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2010. PLB $25.65; ebook $25.65. Gr 3-5—Divided into easily digestible chapter spreads, these books explore the lives of noteworthy food-industry pioneers and how famous franchises and products, such as Gatorade and McDonald’s, were invented and/or developed. A “Fun Bites” section at the end of each book highlights interesting trivia about the products. Colorful, captioned photographs enhance the information and create visual appeal for a broad range of learning levels. Clear, purposeful language stresses the importance of hard work and diligence and conveys a sense of excitement for the science of invention.

MURPHY, Maggie. Johnny Depp. ISBN 978-1-4488-2566-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-2855-5. LC 2010033668. ————. Megan Fox. ISBN 978-1-4488-2567-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-2856-2. LC 2010034281. ————. Reese Witherspoon. ISBN 978-1-4488-2568-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-2857-9. LC 2010034434. ————. Shia LaBeouf. ISBN 978-1-4488-2563-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-2852-4. LC 2010027079. ————. Taylor Lautner. ISBN 978-1-4488-2564-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2853-1. LC 2010028535. ————. Zoe Saldana. ISBN 978-1-4488-2565-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-2854-8. LC 2010031984. ea vol: 32p. (Movie Superstars Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $23.95; ebook $23.95. Gr 4-5—Providing only minimal personal information about the profiled celebrities, the books in this series read like extended acting résumés. Using simple language and short sentences, the texts primarily focus on the movies in which these actors starred and the characters they played. There is a captioned photo on almost every page, and “Superstar Facts” text boxes with random trivia about the stars are peppered throughout. Die-hard fans of these celebrities might find this series appealing, but in general the content is more superficial than informative.

OSIER, Dan. Dirk Nowitzki. ISBN 978-1-4488-2524-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-2817-3. LC 2010023711. ————. Kevin Garnett. ISBN 978-1-4488-2526-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-2819-7. LC 2010026241. ————. Kobe Bryant. ISBN 978-1-4488-2523-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-2816-6. LC 2010021371. ————. LeBron James. ISBN 978-1-4488-2522-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2815-9. LC 2010026605. ————. Steve Nash. ISBN 978-1-4488-2525-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-2818-0. LC 2010025265 . ————. Tim Duncan. ISBN 978-1-4488-2527-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-2820-3. LC 2010028003. ea vol: 24p. (Basketball’s MVPs Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; ebook $21.25. Gr 3-6—These hi/lo books offer basic information about the lives and careers of star basketball players. The minimal narratives use simple language to appeal to struggling readers. Each spread consists of approximately two sentences on one side and a high-color, glossy, uncaptioned photo on the other. Glossary words are not highlighted, making the glossaries a bit pointless. Although the subject matter may entice young basketball fans, the information provided in the 10 or so pages of text is almost too sparse to add any real value to a biography collection.

Grades 5 and Up

ANDERSON, Jennifer Joline. Wikipedia: The Company and Its Founders. ISBN 978-1-61714-812-5; ISBN 978-1-61758-970-6. LC 2010037886. BUCKLEY, A.M. Pixar: The Company and Its Founders. ISBN 978-1-61714-810-1; ISBN 978-1-61758-968-3. LC 2010044831. FIRESTONE, Mary. Nintendo: The Company and Its Founders. ISBN 978-1-61714-809-5; ISBN 978-1-61758-967-6. LC 2010044664. FREESE, Susan M. Craigslist: The Company and Its Founder. ISBN 978-1-61714-806-4; ISBN 978-1-61758-964-5. LC 2010042448. GITLIN, Martin. eBay: The Company and Its Founder. ISBN 978-1-61714-807-1; ISBN 978-1-61758-965-2. LC 2010044663. HAMEN, Susan E. Google: The Company and Its Founders. ISBN 978-1-61714-808-8; ISBN 978-1-61758-966-9. LC 2010037884. LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. Social Networking: MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter. ISBN 978-1-61714-811-8; ISBN 978-1-61758-969-0. LC 2010037885. ROWELL, Rebecca. YouTube: The Company and Its Founders. ISBN 978-1-61714-813-2; ISBN 978-1-61758-971-3. LC 2010043379. ea vol: 112p. (Technology Pioneers Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $34.22; ebook $34.22. Gr 6-8—Written in a clear, linear fashion, this series offers vivid, well-researched details about the development of technological advancements considered essential in today’s society. The books provide a profile of the person or persons behind each innovation, including their background and education, and discuss how the concepts behind the technology were shaped and implemented. “Essential Facts” sections neatly sum up the important pieces of information to take away from the books. Readers who are interested in technology and inventions will be thoroughly engrossed by these behind-the-scenes looks at technologies they use every day.

ANDERSON, Jennifer Joline. Wilma Rudolph: Track & Field Inspiration. ISBN 978-1-61714-759-3; ISBN 978-1-61714-948-1. LC 2010046698. FREEDMAN, Lew. Roberto Clemente: Baseball Star & Humanitarian. ISBN 978-1-61714-754-8; ISBN 978-1-61714-943-6. LC 2010041161. GITLIN, Marty. Billie Jean King: Tennis Star & Social Activist. ISBN 978-1-61714-757-9; ISBN 978-1-61714-946-7. LC 2010046584. LOBBY, Mackenzie. Babe Didrikson Zaharias: Groundbreaking All-Round Athlete. ISBN 978-1-61714-755-5; ISBN 978-1-61714-944-3. LC 2010041158. MCDOUGALL, Chrös. Arthur Ashe: Tennis Great & Civil Rights Leader. ISBN 978-1-61714-753-1; ISBN 978-1-61714-942-9. LC 2010046583. ————. Jesse Owens: Trailblazing Sprinter. ISBN 978-1-61714-758-6; ISBN 978-1-61714-947-4. LC 2010046697. OWENS, Thomas S. Muhammad Ali: Boxing Champ & Role Model. ISBN 978-1-61714-752-4; ISBN 978-1-61714-941-2. LC 2010046233. ROSELIUS, J. Chris. Magic Johnson: Basketball Star & Entrepreneur. ISBN 978-1-61714-756-2; ISBN 978-1-61714-945-0. LC 2010046696. ea vol: 112p. (Legendary Athletes Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $34.22; ebook $34.22. Gr 6-8—These highly detailed works go beyond merely discussing the accomplishments of the athletes profiled—they also explore the social and political influences the figures had on society as a whole. In addition, they introduce historical events in the context of the subjects’ lives. For example, a sidebar in Ashe discusses the importance of the 13th Amendment while talking about the racism the tennis player faced as a child. There is an emphasis on race relations in these books, as well as on how the first respected female athletes paved the way for their successors. This series is teeming with information and is a must-purchase for sports fans and readers interested in social activism.

BAILEY, Diane. Miley Cyrus. ISBN 978-1-4358-3573-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-2372-7. LC 2010018495. CEFREY, Holly. Taylor Swift. ISBN 978-1-4358-3575-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-2937-8. LC 2010026866. HEOS, Bridget. Lady Gaga. ISBN 978-1-4358-3574-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-2373-4. LC 2010024138. ————. Rihanna. ISBN 978-1-4358-3576-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-2375-8. LC 2010021321. ORR, Tamra. The Jonas Brothers. ISBN 978-1-4358-3572-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2371-0. LC 2010026864. SIROTA, Lyn. Pink. ISBN 978-1-4358-3577-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-2376-5. LC 2010026865. ea vol: 48p. (Megastars Series). photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. discography. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $26.50; ebook $26.50. Gr 5-8—Though these books provide more information about their subjects than the other celebrity biography series on this list (there is a discussion of each star’s childhood, rise to fame, and accomplishments), the information is not always conveyed clearly, and can sometimes be too casual—a discussion of pop music in Miley Cyrus, for example, statesj , “…when it’s hot, it’s HOT!” Also, quotes from sources such as the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal are used and there is a bibliography, but citations are not given. Sidebars and color photos provide a further glimpse into the lives and careers of these singers. However, the interest level of the books doesn’t compensate for the weak, unfocused, and often inappropriately casual writing found in most of them.

BAPTISTE, Tracey. Al Gore. ISBN 978-1-60413-949-5. LC 2010030592. BREGUET, Amy E. Steve and Bindi Irwin. map. May ISBN 978-1-60413-957-0. LC 2010028919. FITZPATRICK, Brad. Theodore Roosevelt. ISBN 978-1-60413-948-8. LC 2010026475. GOLDSTEIN, Natalie. John Muir. diags. map. ISBN 978-1-60413-945-7. LC 2010030582. KNOWLES, Johanna. Jacques Cousteau. ISBN 978-1-60413-947-1. LC 2010030584. MILLER, Marie-Therese. Rachel Carson. ISBN 978-1-60413-950-1. LC 2010030596. MURPHY, Alexa Gordon. Chico Mendes. map. May ISBN 978-1-60413-951-8. LC 2010030590. SHERMAN, Patrice. John James Audubon. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-953-2. LC 2010026480. WELTY, Tara. Jane Goodall. maps. May ISBN 978-1-60413-952-5. LC 2010030583. WEST, Krista. Ansel Adams. charts. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-946-4. LC 2010030591. ea vol: 136p. (Conservation Heroes Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2011. PLB $35. Gr 5-8—Captivating, richly informative biographies about individuals whose efforts have improved the environment. The scope of these books is comprehensive. They are not light reading, but are as engaging as they are educational and will be ideal for research and reports. All of the books offer a profile of the subjects that spans their lifetimes, covering childhood, education, personal life, and conservation achievements. The impressive texts are supplemented by captioned photographs and detailed sidebars. Extensive back matter includes lists of resources for those who wish to become involved in conservationism. Readers will finish this series not only having learned about the “heroes” themselves, but also with a feeling of inspiration about environmentalism and an awareness of the world around them.

While the celebrity biographies can probably be skipped unless your collection has a huge gap, several of the other series will make valuable additions. With its focus on social issues and perseverance, ABDO’s “Legendary Athletes” is a great choice for sports biography collections. Capstone’s “Graphic Library: American Graphic” and its “Fact Finders: Race for History” will capture students’ attention and make history fun and exciting. ABDO’s “Food Dudes” and “Technology Pioneers” will spark interest in innovation, and Chelsea House’s “Conservation Heroes” should be considered an essential purchase for students who are interested in environmentalism, or those who simply want to read fascinating books about inspiring people.

Read Series Made Simple, School Library Journal's guide to the latest series nonfiction