Book Review

Great Scientists. 978-1-4777-0405-9 Notorious Tyrants. 978-1-4777-0406-6 2013. 128pp. ea. $34.60 ea. lb. Rosen Publishing Group. Grades 9-12

These titles are great introductions to major figures in each field covered. The biographies vary in length and distill the person’s major ideas and historical era. The books provide a full introduction to each subject as well as a starting point for further study. There are photos, a summary, and a chronology for each person. Most of the books list people chronologically; this arrangement provides continuity and development in the areas discussed. Although many women are better known than some of the men in Great Artists, none are included; women are integral in the other volumes. There are lists of other resources. Glossary. Index. Anitra Gordon, Educational Reviewer, Ann Arbor, Michigan [Editor ’s Note: Available in e-book format.] RECOMMENDED

GB Jr. Graphic American Inventors Eli Whitney. 978-1-4777-0075-4 George Washington Carver. 978-1-4777-0078-5 Henry Ford. 978-1-4777-0079-2 Robert Fulton. 978-1-4777-0077-8 Steve Jobs. 978-1-4777-0080-8 Thomas Edison. 978-1-4777-0076-1 2013. 24pp ea. $25.25 ea. lb. PowerKids Press (Rosen Publishing Group). Grades 3-6

This series highlights various American inventors ranging from George Washington Carver to Steve Jobs in a graphic novel format. Each title includes a brief introduction, a list of main characters relevant to the subject, timeline, and glossar y. The illustrations are full-color, detailed, and attractive. The captions and images easily convey basic biographical information in a user- friendly manner that will draw in young reluctant readers. Websites. Index. Terry Roper, Library Consultant, Region 10 ESC, Richardson, Texas [Editor ’s Note: Available in e-book format.] RECOMMENDED

McGovern, Ann

Native American Heroes: Osceola, Tecumseh, & Cochise 2014. 128pp. $4.99 pbk. Scholastic, Inc. 978-0-545-46720-9. Grades 4-6

This narrative nonfiction tells the stories of three Native American leaders who bravely fought for their peoples’ right to live on tribal lands. Each

section highlights how each stood their ground in the Florida swamps, the Midwest, and on the Western Plains. McGovern’s writing style immediately draws readers in, and her writing feels more like storytelling than a factual recounting of clashes between Native Americans and white settlers. Teachers and media specialists will appreciate this text as they search for materials to complement the new Common Core requirements. The text is supplemented by paintings, photographs, maps, and newspaper clips. Table of Contents. Anne Bozievich, Library Media Specialist, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania RECOMMENDED

Nazario, Sonia

Enrique’s Journey: The True Story of a Boy Determined to Reunite with His Mother 2013. 288pp. $16.99 hc. Delacorte Press (Random House). 978-0-385-74327-3. Grade 9 & Up

Enrique, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, was first introduced in a newspaper series that Nazario wrote in 2000. The series won a Pulitzer Prize and was then turned into a book for adults. Nazario has now adapted her earlier book for young people. This account begins when Enrique’s mother goes to the United States for a better life. After 12 years, Enrique decides to travel to the U.S. to be reunited with his mother. Enrique was deported eight times from Mexico before crossing into the United States. Nazario has done meticulous research, interviewing family members and people who assisted Enrique. She explicitly describes the violence that these migrants experience. The epilogue and afterword offer statistics and general descriptions of the plight of illegal immigrants. Sections of the book could be used with students for analysis based on the English Common Core Standards. Elizabeth Kahn, Librarian, Patrick F. Taylor Sci Tech Academy, Avondale, Louisiana [Editor’s Note: Available in e-book format.] RECOMMENDED

Pinkney, Andrea Davis

Peace Warriors 2013. 144pp. $6.99 pbk. Scholastic, Inc. 978-0-545-54016-2. Grades 4-6

Part of the Profiles series, this short work collects six biographies of men and women from around

the world who used peaceful means to bring about change. Told in chronological order, the book begins with a biography about the man who influenced and

inspired the others: Mahatma Gandhi. Enough detail is given about the lives of each to give the reader a feeling and respect for what each person did to educate themselves, how their beliefs were formed, why they responded in the ways they did, and the effect their actions had on society. Each individual used peaceful means to “fight ” for the causes they believe in. Not enough information is given about any individual for a report, however it is enough to whet the appetite to learn more about each individual profiled. Bibliography. Glossary. Timeline. Websites. Stephanie Bange, Director, Educational Resource Center, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio [Editor’s Note: Available in e-book format.] RECOMMENDED

CAREERS Dangerous Jobs Coal Miner. 978-1-60014-893-4 Fighter Pilot. 978-1-60014-894-1 Ice Road Trucker. 978-1-60014-895-8 Rodeo Clown. 978-1-60014-896-5 Stunt Performer. 978-1-60014-897-2 2013. 24pp. ea. $22.95 ea. lb. Torque (Bellwether Media). Grades 2-4

This exciting series about some of the most dangerous jobs in the countr y delivers; the books are as exciting as they sound. They approach concepts surrounding injur y, risk, and death with a controlled practicalit y. The short sentences and matter-of-fact tone make the books more appropriate than others that have attempted the same. The information reads more like a scientific pamphlet when it could have come across as sensationalized. All pages contain photographs that perfectly illustrate the worlds in which these people live. The books would have benefited from including more women and people of color. This is a perfect series for students who struggle to find motivation to read for pleasure. Bibliography. Glossar y. Websites. Table of Contents. Index. Samantha Roslund, Library Science Master ’s Student, Universit y of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan RECOMMENDED

Reviews: Nonfiction: Biography, Careers f

82 l January/February 2014LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION

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