Pop stars and athletes are among those featured in this season’s biographies. As this is an Olympic year, readers will appreciate reading about some Olympians from the past. Also represented are some notable achievers who were overshadowed by those who became more famous for similar successes. Finally, perennially popular topics such as inventors and activists are included. Some titles will be used exclusively for reports, while others will be read for pure interest.

Elementary

Dalgleish, Sharon. Ryan Reynolds. ISBN 9798892502191.
Johnston Taylor, Susan. Selena Gomez. ISBN 9798892502207.
Kraft Rector, Rebecca. Rihanna. ISBN 9798892502184.
Rowell, Rebecca. Bad Bunny. ISBN 9798892502153.
Sipperley, Keli. Michael B. Jordan. ISBN 9798892502177.
Whalen, Lauren Emily. Margot Robbie. ISBN 9798892502160.
ea vol: 64p. (Celebrity Bios). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2024. Tr. $35.64.
Gr 3-5–The careers of six popular entertainers are chronicled in these informative biographies. Each volume features information on how the celebrity began their road to success, career achievements, and philanthropic efforts. Readers learn that Bad Bunny released songs on SoundCloud, Margot Robbie began acting in an Australian soap opera at age seventeen, and Michael B. Jordan played the title role in the movie Creed. In addition to her singing career, Rihanna has her own makeup line, Ryan Reynolds co-wrote several movies, and Selena Gomez donates money to lupus research. Scant details are provided on personal lives; the focus in all volumes is their careers. The real draw for the fans will be the colorful photographs of their favorite celebrities. Most of these people are the subjects of many other biographies; these volumes have value in that they provide updated information. VERDICT These titles will fill a demand for young fans.

Hansen, Grace. Beyoncé: Boundary-Breaking Singer & Entrepreneur. ISBN 9798384900733.
––––. Coco Gauff: Major Tennis Champion. ISBN 9798384900740.
––––. Jenna Ortega: Scream Queen & Star of Wednesday. ISBN 9798384900757.
––––. Margot Robbie: Bold Barbie Actress & Producer. ISBN 9798384900764.
––––. Selena Gomez: Skillful Singer, Actress, & Businesswoman. ISBN 9798384900771.
––––. Taylor Swift: Iconic Music Industry Trailblazer. ISBN 9798384900788.
ea vol: 24p. (Leading Biographies). ABDO/Abdo Kids Jumbo. Jul. 2024. Tr. $34.22.
K-Gr 2–Simple, factual texts describe the career ascension of these six popular women. Readers learn Beyoncé released her first solo album in 2003, 15-year-old Coco Gauf defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon, and Jenna Ortega plays a psychic teenager in the series Wednesday. Margot Robbie starred in the film Barbie, Selena Gomez began her performing career on Barney & Friends, and Taylor Swift won a Grammy award for her album Fearless. The narratives are limited to a chronology of career highpoints; those looking for in-depth personal information, such as relationships and struggles, will be severely disappointed. Given that these women are still active in their respective fields, these books will soon be dated. However, the photographs featured are the real appeal. Reproduced color photographs feature close-ups of each subject, and young fans will greatly appreciate them. VERDICT The photographs will attract browsers, but some of the information will soon be obsolete; selectors should weigh demand when choosing.

Walters, Jennifer Marino. Congressman John Lewis: A Man on a Mission to Seek Justice for All. illus. by Niall Harding. ISBN 9781643713120.
––––. Ellen Ochoa: Breaking Barriers in Space. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712505.
––––. Helen Keller: Inspiring Opportunity for All. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712482.
––––. Jackie Robinson: Baseball’s Second Base Hero. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712512.
––––. Jim Thorpe: World’s Greatest Athlete. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712529.
––––. Ketanji Brown Jackson: From “Most Likely to Succeed” to the Supreme Court. illus. by Niall Harding. ISBN 9781643713670.
––––. Rosa Parks: Brave and Determined. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712499.
––––. Will Rogers: Native American Star of Stage, Screen, and Politics. illus. by Scott R. Brooks. ISBN 9781643712536.
ea vol: 24p. (Beginner Biography (LOOK! Books™)). Red Chair/LOOK!.Aug. 2024. Tr. $23.92
K-Gr 3–Young readers learn of Americans who faced adversity but were successful in their chosen vocations. John Lewis was heavily involved in the civil rights movement, eventually being elected to the United States Congress. Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic female astronaut. Jackie Robinson’s athletic skills led him to be the first Black player in modern professional baseball. Though blind and deaf before her second birthday, Helen Keller graduated Radcliffe College and spent the rest of her life advocating for disabled people. Jim Thorpe was an Olympic athlete who dealt with racism, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, Rosa Parks ignited peaceful protests that led to civil rights legislation, and Native American Will Rogers used his celebrity to support drought victims. Colorful illustrations complement the texts. Simple and factual, these titles provide sufficient introductions of these noteworthy people to the intended audience. All of these people are the subjects of many other books, and these titles are similar to previous works. VERDICT These titles are attractive and informative; selectors should base their purchasing decisions on how much their current collections need refreshing.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Cooke, Tim. Harry Styles and Mick Jagger: Music and Style Icons. ISBN 9798765626689.
––––. Lizzo and Aretha Franklin: Queens of Soul. ISBN 9798765626702.
––––. Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney: Legendary Songwriters. ISBN 9798765626726.
Jackson, Tom. Beyoncé and Whitney Houston: Voices of a Generation. ISBN 9798765626672.
––––. Kendrick Lamar and Tupac Shakur: Influential Rappers. ISBN 9798765626696.
––––. Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton: Two Tennessee Titans. ISBN 9798765626719.
ea vol: 32p. (Musicians and Their Inspirations). Lerner. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.99
Gr 3-6–These six volumes feature some of today’s pop singers and the predecessors who inspired them. Miley Cyrus was influenced by her godmother Dolly Parton, Harry Styles was an admirer of Mick Jagger, and Kendrick Lamar was inspired by Tupac Shakur. Readers learn how each pair are alike and different. Both Lizzo and Aretha Franklin sang in their church choirs. Paul McCartney wears simple suits when performing but Taylor Swift frequently changes costumes during her concerts. Beyoncé and Whitney Houston both have distinctive voices, but Beyoncé writes most of her music while Houston performed songs written by others. Harry Styles often wears gender fluid costumes like his idol Mick Jagger. Brief narratives about each singer include a chronicle of their careers. The real attraction of these books will be the colorful photographs. The pairing of pop stars with their idols is an interesting premise, but the information is scant, making these volumes of marginal use to those seeking to learn more about their favorite stars. VERDICT Styles, Swift, Lamar, et. al. are the subjects of more comprehensive biographies, so selectors looking for more in-depth information can pass on these.

Kule, Elaine A. 12 Authors Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822905.
Loureiro, Stephanie. 12 Pandemic Problem Solvers Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822912.
McCabe, Matthew. 12 Political Leaders Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822943.
McCullum, Kenya. 12 Children Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822929.
Richard, Orlin. 12 Scientists Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822950.
York, M.J. 12 Entertainers Who Changed the World. ISBN 9781645822936.
ea vol: 48p. (Change Makers). Black Rabbit/Top Rank. Jul. 2024. Tr. $30.95.
Gr 4-6–Extremely brief introductions to influential authors, children, entertainers, pandemic problem solvers, politicians, and scientists are provided in these six volumes. Readers learn of Shakespeare’s contributions to the English language, how Ruby Bridges integrated her elementary school, and how Eva Longoria helps Latina students attend college. All the individuals are presented in a positive light in the context of how their writings, works, discoveries, etc. affected others. Less savory aspects of their lives are omitted. For instance, John Lennon is portrayed only as a strong advocate for peace, while Charles Dickens was a champion of the poor. The information is incomplete, which may allow some readers to infer a rosier view of subjects than they deserve. Nearly all the people mentioned are the subjects of more developed biographies. One title is an exception, 12 Pandemic Problem Solvers includes scientists who were significant in the understanding and combating of COVID-19, and there is little else currently available about them. VERDICT With the exception of 12 Pandemic Problem Solvers, selectors should pass on these titles as more substantial information on these subjects can be found elsewhere.

Morgan Jr., David Lee. Arthur Ashe. ISBN 9798889982081.
––––. Bill Russell. ISBN 9798889982135.
––––. Cheryl Miller. ISBN 9798889982098.
––––. Doug Williams. ISBN 9798889982142.
––––. Jackie Robinson. ISBN 9798889982111.
––––. Jesse Owens. ISBN 9798889982104.
––––. Venus and Serena Williams. ISBN 9798889982159.
––––. Wilma Rudolph. ISBN 9798889982128.
ea vol: 32p. (Black Trailblazers in Sports). North Star/Focus. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.35.
Gr 3-6–The achievements of several Black athletes are relayed in these eight volumes. Arthur Ashe was the first Black man to win Wimbledon, Doug Williams was the first Black quarterback to start in the Super Bowl, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, and Venus and Serena Williams were the first pair of sisters to win a Grand Slam tournament. In addition to advocating for civil rights, Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 national championships, Jessie Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics and Wilma Rudolph won gold in Rome in 1960. Before the WNBA, Olympian basketball player Cheryl Miller furthered her career as the first female basketball analyst on television. Highlights of respective careers are featured as well as the subjects’ personal struggles against racism. Photographs complement the texts. As the focus is on their athletic achievements, there is little mention about their personal lives so readers will have to consult other sources. Overall, these biographies introduce young readers to the outstanding careers of famous Black athletes in a variety of sports, although most of these subjects are included in numerous other volumes. VERDICT These titles provide suitable introductions to athletes of note. Purchase decisions should be based on current collection needs.

Phillips-Bartlett, Rebecca. Women in Politics. ISBN 9798889169802.
––––. Women in Sports. ISBN 9798889169819.
––––. Women in STEM. ISBN 9798889169789.
––––. Women in the Arts. ISBN 9798889169796.
ea vol: 32p. (She Who Dares). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr. $20.95.
Gr 4-7–Prominent women in the fields of politics, sports, STEM, and the arts are featured in these four volumes. Represented are such diverse figures as British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and actress Laverne Cox. Readers learn interesting facts such as Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh in Ancient Egypt, Candace Cable was the first Paralympic athlete to win medals in both summer and winter games, Tu Youyou discovered a cure for malaria, and Edmonia Lewis created sculptures of famous abolitionists. The volumes are informative, but the information is scant; it is mostly limited to names, dates, and a brief synopsis of their contributions. The title Women in Politics might mislead those looking for information on elected female office holders but instead focuses on movement leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Greta Thunberg. Drawings and small photographs are included to complement the text. Overall, these volumes succeed in introducing middle grade readers to women of note, but the targeted audience will require more facts than are presented here. VERDICT Readers will require more for their reports and general curiosity than provided by these titles and will find more information elsewhere.

Phillips, Katrina M. The Untold Story of Mary Golda Ross: Pioneering Space Engineer. ISBN 9781669070030.
Smith, Elliott. The Untold Story of Jack Johnson: Heavyweight Boxing Legend. ISBN 9781669070191.
Tyner, Dr. Artika R. The Untold Story of A. Philip Randolph: Union Organizer and Civil Rights Activist. ISBN 9781669069959.
––––. The Untold Story of Bridget Mason: A Freedwoman Becomes an Entrepreneur. ISBN 9781669070115.
ea vol: 32p. (First but Forgotten). Capstone. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.32.
Gr 4-6–Before Cesar Chavez organized farm workers, A. Philip Randolph was instrumental in unionizing Pullman workers. One year before the Dred Scott decision, a slave in California was able to obtain her freedom. Jack Johnson preceded Joe Louis as a successful Black boxer and Mary Golda Ross was the first Indigenous woman to receive a degree in aeronautical engineering and then work for NASA. These brief biographies introduce significant leaders who were overshadowed by those who came later. The focus is primarily on their respective accomplishments with little mention of personal lives. However, their achievements, often against the odds, paved the way for the accomplishments of others. Bridget Mason’s story is especially inspiring as she employed her freedom and midwifery skills to obtain wealth for herself and her family. Photographs accompany the texts. The narratives are readable and informative, and they provide stories about forgotten pioneers. VERDICT There is little out there on these significant trailblazers and these titles should be added to collections.

Rajczak Nelson, Kristen. Caitlin Clark: College Basketball GOAT. ISBN 9781482470529.
––––. Diana Taurasi: Basketball GOAT. ISBN 9781538293652.
––––. Katie Ledecky: Swimming GOAT. ISBN 9781538293683.
––––. Lindsey Vonn: Skiing GOAT. ISBN 9781538293713.
––––. Mia Hamm: Soccer GOAT. ISBN 9781538293744.
––––. Serena Williams: Tennis GOAT. ISBN 9781538293775.
––––. Simone Biles: Gymnastics GOAT. ISBN 9781538293805.
ea vol: 32p. (GOAT: Women in Sports). Gareth Stevens. Jul. 2024. Tr. $28.27.
Gr 4-6–These volumes chronicle the careers of seven American female athletes. Basketball player Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA men’s scoring record while playing for the University of Iowa, Diana Taurasi was the first WNBA player to score 10,000 points, and swimmer Katie Ledecky led Stanford to an NCAA championship in addition to racking up Olympic medals. Lindsey Vonn won the World Cup in Alpine Skiing in 2007, Mia Hamm helped American women win the 1999 world championship in soccer, and Serena Williams won 39 Grand Slam titles. Outside of birth and family information, there is almost no mention of personal lives; the focus is solely on their athletic careers. Pictures of the subjects in action accompany the texts. These titles are suitable introductions to notable female athletes however, they are already outdated. Katie Ledecky’s and Diana Taurasi’s participation in the 2024 Olympics are omitted. Hamm and Williams are the subjects of many other biographies, some of which are more comprehensive. The volume on Clark will be the most useful as she has only recently been in the spotlight. VERDICT Except for the volume on newcomer Clark, selectors will do well to pass on these slight titles.

Upper Middle School toHigh School

Curley, Robert, ed. From the Early 1800s to the Late 1800s: Eli Whitney to Georges Leclanché. ISBN 9781641900904.
––––. From the Early 1900s to the Mid-1900s: Henry Ford to Walt Disney. ISBN 9781641900966.
––––. From the Late 1800s to the Early 1900s: Ferdinand von Zeppelin to Reginald Fessenden. ISBN 9781641900935.
––––. From the Late 1900s to the 2000s: Frederick Sanger to Sergey Brin. ISBN 9781641901024.
––––. From the Mid-1900s to the Late 1900s: Charles Stark Draper to Gertrude B. Elion. ISBN 9781641900997.
––––. From the Paleolithic Period to the Early 1800s: Cro-Magnons to Robert Fulton. ISBN 9781641900874.
ea vol: 64p. (History’s Most Influential Inventors). Rosen/Britannica. Jul. 2024. Tr. $38.86.
Gr 9 Up–The inventions common to 21st century life, from Cro-Magnon’s creation of retouched tools to Sergei Brin and Larry Page’s development of the Google search engine, are explored in these six volumes. Most of the inventions covered are centered around transportation, medicine, weapons, and communication. Examples include Robert Fulton’s development of the first steamboat, William Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays, Eli Whitney’s creation of interchangeable parts to swiftly make rifles, and Samuel Morse’s telegraph. Most entries offer detail to provide readers with enough information to grasp the idea and workings of the invention. Personal information about the inventors themselves is limited to how their lives influenced their ideas. High school students will find these to be ample introductions to technology that is taken for granted in the modern era. A scientific dictionary may be useful, as many words may be unfamiliar to those lacking a strong science background. Little new information is offered but as these titles feature perennial report topics, they will be useful. VERDICT Collections in need of refreshing their books on inventors will find these volumes most suitable.

Fans of various celebrities will enjoy reading about their idols in “Celebrity Bios” (North Star/Apex) and browsing the pictures in “Leading Biographies” (ABDO/Abdo Kids Jumbo). Sports enthusiasts will enjoy “Black Trailblazers in Sports” (North Star/Focus). While “First but Forgotten” (Capstone), “History’s Most Influential Inventors” (Rosen/Britannica) and “Beginner Biography” (Red Chair/LOOK!) will be initially selected by report writers, their audiences will find them attractive reads as well.