Stout, Glenn. Soldier Athletes (Good Sports).

Stout, Glenn.            Soldier Athletes (Good Sports).  Sandpiper see Houghton Mifflin, 2011.            99p.     $5.99

ISBN 978-0-547-41729-5       ms/hs   E-BNS            
The athletes profiled in Soldier Athletes are “good sports” and “heroes,” no matter which uniform they wear, professional sports or military.  They are good sports because they have recognized that as a team member, each person had a job to perform and a position to play to help the team win.  Members of the armed forces accept similar responsibilities.  They vow to fulfill their duty for the benefit of the greater good.
The four athletes described in Soldier Athletes have all made sacrifices for the benefit of others.  They put their playing careers aside, sometimes reluctantly, and at great personal cost -- for a larger cause.  Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox outfielder, saw his career interrupted by service as a pilot during both World War II and the Korean War, where he saw combat and survived a crash landing.  Rocky Bleier was drafted shortly after earning a spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a running back; he nearly lost a foot, and a promising professional football career, to a land mine during the Vietnam War.  Carlos May, a Chicago White Sox outfielder, was an emerging star who fought to remain in the major leagues after a training accident during National Guard service caused him to lose his thumb.  Pat Tillman, Arizona Cardinals defensive back, turned down a multi-million-dollar contract to join the military after September 11, 2001, and was later killed in Afghanistan.
The smooth prose reads like a sports magazine article and provides an inspirational glimpse into the lives of four extraordinary role models. This is an excellent book!                       

Subjects: 1. Athletes -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile Literature. 2. Soldiers -- United States --Juvenile Literature. 3. United States -- Armed Forces -- Sports -- Juvenile literature. Hilary Welliver

Solway, Andrew. The Scientists Behind Earth’s Processes

Solway, Andrew.    The Scientists Behind Earth’s Processes   

 RainTree (Capstone)

 2011  48p  978-1-4109-4044-5 

 ms/jr             VG     

Biographical sketches of famous scientists accompany summaries of their contributions to earth sciences.              

In 48 pages, the text succinctly summarizes a baker's dozen of the most important and influential theories that guide today’s earth scientists.  A timeline at the back of the book clarifies how the theories

interconnect and led to new thoughts, while the text fleshes out these advances. 

 

However, insufficient data is offered to provide more than a holistic overview

of geological theory and brief biographical facts describing the scientists

creating the theories.

 A picture of each scientist, and a photograph, chart, graph, or illustration

related to the theory accompanies each two- to four-page article.  The layouts

are colorful and text is relatively brief. Unfamiliar terms are defined in a

glossary (but no pronunciation guide accompanies this).  Six questions at the

end provide a quick quiz on text content (answers are provided).  Readers

interested in pursing more information on the topics are provided with a

booklist, website links, and suggested topics to research.

 This volume makes a good supplement to an established earth science collection.  

            Welliver, Hilary

Page, Tim Parallel Play

Page, Tim Parallel Play
Anchor see Random 2009 197p 15.00
978-0-7679-2969-1 hs/adult Biography -- Memoir E-BN


Tim Page, journalist and critic, writes about his life as a man with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Written in a delightfully charming, self-effacing voice, this memoir will resonate with both individuals afflicted with Asperger’s Syndrome, and those that love and care about them. Tim Page reveals the comedy and tragedy of growing up as the difficult child, being rebellious and troublesome adolescent, and finally becoming the successful adult, all with Asperger’s Syndrome yet not knowing this until he was 40 years of age. This book is life affirming in the best sense of the phrase, and I finished the book feeling inspired. Fisher, Lynn

O"Keefe, Sherry. Spin: the story of Michael Jackson

O'Keefe, Sherry Spin: the story of Michael Jackson
Morgan Reynolds 2011 144p 28.95 978-1-59935-134-6 ms/jr
Jackson, Michael, 1958-2009; Rock Musicians -- United States--Biography--Juvenile Literaure. E-BN Biography of music icon Michael Jackson.


Very readable and complete, this biography of the King of Pop follows music icon Michael Jackson╒s life from his earliest days in Gary, Indiana, through his on-the-road, yet sheltered, childhood, to the artist╒s untimely demise in 2009. Author Sherry O"Keefe includes Jackson"s struggles with family, isolation, insecurity, looks, charges of molestation, and prescription drugs. He is presented as a misunderstood genius turned recluse.

Information about Jackson"s personal life is balanced with information about his music. Jackson╒s associations with a veritable "Who's Who" listing of legendary musical performers, combined with his trademark talent and perfectionism, highlight the influence these musicians had on Jackson, and the impact Jackson, in turn, had on the music industry.

Full-color photos and black-and-white photos are liberally incorporated into almost every turn-of-the-page, of this appealing biography. Welliver, Hilary

Currie, Stephen. African American Inventors.

Currie, Stephen African American Inventors
Lucent Books see Gale/Cengage 2010 104p 33.45
978-1-4205-0121-6 ms/hs African American inventors VG-BN
Lucent Library of Black History (Cengage)


In this thoughtful book about the long list of African American inventors, Currie chronicles their lives and work. He discusses the earliest of these "mechanics and tinkerers," and then moves to the great names: Lewis Latimer, Granville Woods, Garrett Morgan, Madam C.J. Walker, and George Washington Carver as well as those currently active.
The history of African American inventors was fraught with difficulties. During the early days of this country, many of these men were slaves whose owners took credit for their work or, if free men, they had great problems getting their inventions patented and manufactured. In this thoughtful book about the long list of African American inventors, Currie chronicles their lives and work. He discusses the earliest of these ╥mechanics and tinkerers,╙ and then moves to the great names: Lewis Latimer, Granville Woods, Garrett Morgan, Madam C.J. Walker, and George Washington Carver as well as those currently active. As time and the country progressed, more and more African Americans became successful at both creating and profiting from their work. This book discusses these people in relation to the social mores of the times describing the prejudices that they found in their communities and the extraordinary efforts that it took to get their discoveries accepted as the work of African Americans. The author has done an excellent job of describing the difficulties and the determination necessary to achieve their goals. The book is enhanced by primary source quotations and period photographs and ends with chapter notes, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index. Ogintz, Susan

Adler, David and Michael Adler. A Picture Book of Cesar Chavez

Adler, David and Michael Adler A Picture Book of Cesar Chavez
Holiday House 2010 unp 17.95 978-0-8234-2202-9 elem
Chavez, Cesar, 1927-1993 VG-BNe


An illustrated exploration of the life of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.
In this title, elementary students will gain a better understanding of who Cesar Chavez was and what earned him fame and recognition. Beautifully illustrated with colorful pictures, students will be drawn into the story of this brave man. Written in an easy-to-read fashion, elementary students will learn of Cesar╒s upbringing as a child through his last days on this earth in 1993. While Chavez and his family struggled to make ends meet as produce pickers, his father taught him that their dignity was more important than money, leading to the family's homelessness for some time. Cesar╒s strong values and beliefs helped him have the courage to fight for better working conditions and fair wages for farmworkers. Through his work, Chavez organized marches and church meetings and activated sit-ins and hunger strikes. Even though Cesar was jailed for some of his actions, he knew that his work and dedication was his lifelong mission for farmworkers.

Includes beautiful color pictures, a list of important dates, source notes, recommended websites, and an author╒s note. Forba-Mayer, Charleen

The Yankee Years

Torre, Joe & Tom Verducci. The Yankee Years
Anchor see Random 2009 516p 16.95
978-0-7679-3042-0 hs/adult VG
In his eleven years as the manager of the New York Yankees, Joe Torre While Joe Torre’s name is listed on this book as an author, it appears that most of the writing has been done by veteran sports writer, Tom Verducci. The narrative is in third person, and includes quotes from Torre, among others. The real value in this book is not as a biography of Torre, but a biography of a team, as well as a look at major league baseball during the 11-year span in which Torre coached the New York Yankees. And while is dishes the dirt about A-Rod and the Steinbrenner dynasty, it is also a balanced look at Torre and the team that he took to four World Series championships during his tenure from 1996 to 2007. Balanced, informative and entertaining, this is an outstanding look at the game of baseball, during a period of great change in the game. Reminiscent of Buzz Bissinger’s Three Nights in August, about Tony LaRussa and the St. Louis Cardinals. Yankees, and all baseball fans, will want to pick this one up.

That said, the appeal of this book will lean toward an adult audience. It is quite suitable for high school audiences, but the time period covered, and the writing style, will probably be more attractive to adult readers.

Naismith, Pat
Joe Torre and his years with the NY Yankees

Benjamin, Melanie Alice, I Have been

Benjamin, Melanie Alice, I Have been
Delacorte see Random 2010 351p 25.00
978-0-385-34413-5 ms/hs Historical E-BN
This is a portrayal of the world of the real Alice In Wonderland that expertly blends fact with fiction. The author had written a many faceted novel that presents a compelling mystery that surrounds the girl behind the story of Alice in Wonderland.
At the same time the novel provides the readers with a insight into the Victorian mores that were prevalent at the time.
The story is told from the perspective of Alice and her thoughts. The blend of the literary Alice in contrast to the actual Alice and her striving to understand her place in the world. All of Alice’s emotions, loves, and failures are woven into a emotionally paced story that will be enjoyed by the readers.

The historical novel offers both realistic and suspenseful action in a well-paced plot and with engaging characters. The story is engaging and full of interesting details, the locations are believably described, and the characters are very three-dimensional. This is a well written book that is recommended as a Books of Note. It would be an excellent addition to any secondary school library. McNeil, Linda
Alice In Wonderland

Bender, Aimee The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Bender, Aimee The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
Doubleday see Random 2010 292p 25.95
978-0-385-50112-5 hs/adult VG
This novel follows Rose from age nine to adulthood. Rose can feel the emotions of the people who have made the food she eats. This gift or curse directs her life as she learns more than she wants to know about her dysfunctional family and the sadness of their lives. This novel, set in Los Angeles, follows Rose from age nine to adulthood. At the age of nine, she discovers that she is able to feel the emotions of the people who have made the food she eats. She learns that her mother is unhappy in their dysfunctional family and Rose can sense her mother’s affair. Rose’s older brother, Joseph, seems to have Asberger’s syndrome, a type of high functioning autism, yet this is never actually labeled in the book. Joseph eventually disappears under weird circumstances and Rose is the only one who knows how and what has happened. Rose ultimately learns that her brother and father, as well as the grandfather she never knew also had gifts or rather curses like she does, but she accepts them, faults and all. The characters are richly drawn, especially Joseph’s best friend George, whom Rose adores. The story meanders through Rose’s life as she reaches adulthood and one never knows what is real and what is part of Rose’s neuroses. This title concludes with a charming yet haunting ending that leaves the reader wondering what has been revealed. The writing is fluid and insightful.
This book might interest readers who like books by Alice Hoffman and will be a very good addition to high school libraries. Weinraub(2), Tina

Bowe, Brian J. The Clash

Bowe, Brian J. The Clash
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3232-3 ms/hs E-BN
Rebels of Rock (Enslow)
Punk rockers “The Clash” changed music history. Their lives, the people who influenced them, the history of the band and the political statements they made with their music are dynamically presented. Numerous quotes give immediacy. Grades 7+ Just as rock music changed the course of music history in the 1950s and 1960s, punk rockers changed the course of music history in the 1970s and 1980s. The Clash, an English band, was a prime mover in the punk rock scene. Their lives, people who influenced them, the formation of the band and their political statements through their music are all chronicled in dynamic terms. Numerous quotes give an immediacy to the telling and make the book seem more like an interview than a staid recounting of the group’s history. Political events in England that influenced their music and allowed their music to change over their fifteen year history included the influence of reggae and African rhythms into their music. The drug influence is glossed over but still a potent force in the dissolution of their band. Colorful photos show the band in their youth and follow through to their induction into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame. A timeline, discography, glossary, numerous source notes for the quotes, index and further reading complete the book. Sure to be a great source for reports as well as pleasure reading for rebellious youth who admire the antiestablishment attitudes expressed by The Clash. Grades 7-12. Recommended wherever punk music is appreciated. The dynamic telling of the founding of the group, their political statements through music and their sheer joy of communicating through music will appeal to all young rebels wanting to be in a band. McNicol(3),Lois
Punk Rock Musicians

Gow, Mary The Great Philosopher: Plato and His Pursuit of Knowledge

Gow, Mary The Great Philosopher: Plato and His Pursuit of Knowledge
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3119-7 jr/sr E-BN
Great Minds of Ancient Science and Math(Enslow)
The history of Plato the great philosopher and his theories. A man from ancient times who was a man before his time. His writings covered many topics from science, philosophy, math, religion and etiquette. Author of the “Republic” a resources that is still read and examined and as timely as ever in the world of philosophy. Plato was born around 428 B.C. Son of a wealthy and politically connected family. He was well educated and a follower of Socrates. His writings on philosophy, science math and other topics are still studied today. He may be better remembered for his short piece on the lost continent Atlantis. It is mainly due to this piece that today the legend of Atlantis still exist. He never saw the island, he only reported what some else told him about the island. He is most famous for his scholarship on different topics. He was a well read man who asked many questions and exposed many issues that are still explored today.
Plato opened to the door to modern science and the science of the thought process of questioning everything “and seeking rational answers”.
A book worth reading and introducing to students.
Includes: a chapter on his legacy, activities for students to do, chronology, chapter notes, glossary, further reading, internet addresses and index. It has pictures, drawings and an excerpt of the piece on Atlantis Diaz, Magna
Plato - Philosophy - life and times

Willet, Edward Johnny Cash: The Man in Black

Willet, Edward Johnny Cash: The Man in Black
Enslow 2010 160p 31.93
978-0-7660-3386-3 jr/sr E-BN
American Rebels (Enslow)
The biography of country musician Johnny Cash. His music career spanned almost 50 years. A man who had much success but fought many demons and was able to overcome most of them through the determination and the love of a good woman. Born in 1932 the middle child of a large farmer’s family, Johnny Cash’s family struggled to survive living on a farm. At an early age church and music played a very important part in his life. The death of one of his older brothers when he was only 12 brought turmoil into life and created a break in his relationship with his father that would never fully heal.
During his air force tour he discovered he had a knack for writing music but he did not break into the field of music until after he came back to his home town. He started his group with friends who were like him, auto mechanics, and they were very good playing guitars and singing.
This biography presents a very real look at Johnny Cash’s life with all of it’s complexity. Much of his career life was spent under the influence of drugs and fighting the dependancy on drugs. His marriage to June Carter may have been the best thing that happened to him. He was able to clean up his act and redirect his life with Christian music as well as popular music. At his death he left a legacy of music. A man many new and few could forget.

Includes: Plenty of pictures, index, Internet Addresses, bibliography, Chapter notes, Glossary, Chronology, and Fact boxes. Diaz, Magna

Burlingame, Jeff John Lennon

Burlingame, Jeff John Lennon
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60
978-0-7660-3675-8 jr/sr E-BN
American Rebels (Enslow)
The biography of John Lennon legendary Rock Musician from England that helped change the world of music. This biography on John Lennon is very well written and provides a view of a rock musician who as a young boy with a complex life enjoyed and found his calling in music. Born in England to very young parents, John Lennon was given over to an aunt and uncle who raised him. In this complicated life John Lennon grew to manhood and gravitated to music. Interestingly enough, both his parents had musical ability but it was his mother who taught him how to play the guitar. He convinced two of his friends to get together and set up a rock band. The history behind how the Beatles came to be is interesting.

The American rock and roll music was a great influence in his musical life and so they played many of the famous American songs. John Lennon and his group were in fact still in their teens when they began to gain fame but it wasn’t until they came to America that they really became superstars and the rest is history.
This biography chronicles his life as it spiraled into stardom until his death.
Includes: Pictures, Chronology, Discography, Glossary, Chapter Notes, Further Reading and Index.
Diaz(1), Magna
Lennon, John - Biography - Rock Musician - England

Litwin, Laura Baskes A Reader’s Guide to Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Are Watching God

Litwin, Laura Baskes A Reader’s Guide to Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Are Watching God
Enslow 2010 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3164-7 ms/hs VG
Multicultural Literature(Enslow)
A basic introduction to Zora Neale Hurston including her life and education, as well as her legacy affirming African-American culture. This is a welcome resource for students that may need assistance studying the author. The Readers’ Guide will give the reader an understanding of the plot and characters and the African American culture at that time.

The first section of the book is a brief biographical sketch and has an explanation of the importance of Hurston’s contribution to African-American literature. This section includes an anecdote about Alice Walker searching for her unmarked grave and after finding it, providing a headstone for it. The headstone is inscribed with the words, “Zora Neale Hurston: A Genius of the South.”
The body of the book follows the convention of literary analysis containing: a plot summary and analysis, several chapters of character studies, a summary of critical reviews, the major and minor themes, and a separate chapter on folklore and language. As an anthropologist Hurston studied African-American folklore and her work with Franz Boas is mentioned here. There is also a final chapter on her legacy.
The layout of the book is bright and clear with a moderate sized font and extra spacing between lines which will help with readability. Numerous photographs are used to illustrate the book.
Additional information includes an annotated bibliography of Hurston’s other work, a chronology, chapter notes, a list of major works, a glossary, additional sources both print and web and a good index.
Highly recommended for middle school and up for an introduction to the author and her most famous work. Spadaro(1), Trish
African-American women in literature - Hurston, Zora Neale

Adler, David Frederck Douglas, A Nobel Life

Adler, David Frederck Douglas, A Nobel Life
Holiday House 2010 138p 18.95
978-0-8234-2056-8 elm/ms E-BN
Frederick Douglass wore many hats: slave, free man, lecturer, writer, diplomat, husband, father and grandfather. He rose above his “station” of uneducated slave to become one of America’s most noted fighters of injustice. Adler presents a thorough biography of his life and accomplishments.
The legacy that Frederick Douglass left mankind is chronicled extraordinarily well by David Adler in this biography. Three components combine to make this book impossible to put down: quotations, anecdotes and organization of the data and photographs. Long before Martin Luther King made his “I have a dream” speech, Douglass said, “I do not despair of this country. The doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope.” (61). Was it fate or his own life philosophy that kept Douglass from joining John Brown at Harpers Ferry where surely he would have met his death? It is up to the reader to decide since Adler does not offer an answer to this question. (79) The anecdote of Douglass’s meeting with Miss Amanda, the daughter of Douglass’s former owner, is only one of many in this book in which Douglass shows his poise, sense of forgiveness and life purpose, that of ensuring equality for black Americans. Amanda and Douglass met as equals just as they had been as children. The text is divided into 15 chapters, from his birth through his years as a slave, and finally, through his years as a free man who never wavered in his commitment. Adler has given us many portraits of this man to ponder. Was it his stature or eloquence that made him so respected? Was it his intelligence or his commitment to his cause that made him such an amazing advocate of the cause of freedom? Whichever the reader chooses, he/she will be in for a treat with every turn of the page. The book ends with a timeline, an extensive section of notes and bibliographical listings and an index.
Please note the unfortunate error on p. 81. “soon lto be”....should be “soon to be”. This book needs to be in the biography section of a public library, a high school library and a middle school library. Literacy teachers will want to include this book in a unit of famous African Americans as well. Squaresky, Martha

Freedman, Russell Lafayette and the American Revolution

Freedman, Russell Lafayette and the American Revolution
Holiday House 2010 88p 24.95
978-0-8234-2182-4 all ages E-BN
This is a well written story of Lafayette, who joined George Washington during the Winter at Valley Forge.
This book is an enticing story of a young Frenchman who finds that he believes in the idea of liberty portrayed by the American colonies. The readers will gain an insight into the world of Lafayette when he came to America to fight a war and also persuade the French government to fund ships and troops for the Americans.
It also covers his return to France and his imprisonment. At this point readers will realize that many of our heroes did not have an easy life because glory isn’t everything.
.
In creating a format that intersperses text with visuals, the book has created a non-threatening approach for young readers. The format and text “are designed to fascinate as well as educate”. The inclusion of where to obtain more information, timeline, and an index make this a useful research tool.

The most outstanding part of this book for me was the exquisite selection of paintings and graphics utilized throughout the book to illustrate the accompanying text. The pictures credits are listed for others to locate if needed.

This book would also make an excellent coffee table book for a historian. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. It has been recommended for Books of Note. McNeil, Linda
U.S. History

Cousteau, Jean-Michel with Daniel Paisner My Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau

Cousteau, Jean-Michel with Daniel Paisner My Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau
National Geographic 2010 255 26.00
978-1-4262-0683-2 hs/adult VG-BN
An intimate portrait of the oceanographer who inspired millions to learn more about marine life and conservation. Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, spent most of his adult life nurturing the work of his famous father. In an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the legend versus the man, the younger Cousteau writes: “Captain Cousteau was a complicated man. He was a man of many different personalities, many different moods. But this is how it is with all great men, yes? We know the public mask, but it is the private face that reveals a man’s true character. It is the man we know when the cameras are not filming.”
Jean-Michel and his collaborator, New York Times best-selling author Daniel Paisner, offer an intimate portrait of the seminal moments in his father’s legend. Students studying the innovative and passionate Jacques Cousteau will find new material here, but the lack of an index makes pinpointing specific topics difficult -- and this is not casual reading material. The prose is stiff and self-conscious. It is only the innate drama of a fascinating man’s life unfolding, combined with details from the pioneer marine conservationist’s perspective, that propels the dialogue forward. Jean Michel’s disillusionment with his father and his causes as an adult clearly contrasts with his childhood hero-worship. Jean-Michel’s bitterness regarding his father’s mistresses and second wife and family is palpable.

A small section of black-and-white photographs enliven the narrative. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Jacques Cousteau’s birth. Topical content (100th anniversary of Jacques Cousteau’s birth) from the intimate point-of-view of Cousteau’s son, Jean-Michel, introduces the celebrated marine conservationist and explorer to a new generation. Welliver, Hilary
Cousteau, Jacques

Reader’s Guide to Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street.

Angel, Ann. Reader’s Guide to Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street.

Enslow 2010 128p 31.93 Multicultural Literature(Enslow)

978-0-7660-3167-8 hs E-BN

A critical analysis of character, writing style, culture, and the importance of Cisneros’s Latina literature with special focus on The House on Mango Street. and the strong autobiographical connection between Cisneros and her writing. For grades 8 and up. The House on Mango Street was one of the first widely acclaimed pieces of Latina writing. In this book, the reader will find the strong autobiographical connection between Cisneros and her writing. Interspersing biographical material with literary criticism, the author makes a strong point of the book’s relevance to today’s Latino culture. Chapters include character analysis of Esperanza Cordero, the lead character in The House on Mango Street, and an explanation of Latina culture. Plot, poetic devices and literary style are described in other chapters. Students studying her poetry and short stories will find information about the major pieces in these writing styles. The impact of Cisneros’s work concludes the book as well as the numerous awards given to her. A glossary could have been increased to include words like chapbook (defined in the first context, but not in later chapters) and the difference between Latina and Hispanic. The distinction between Latina and Hispanic is found in the text, but a glossary entry would have also been helpful. The book also contains an extensive index, chapter notes, a timeline and contemporary color photos. Strongly recommended where Cisneros is studied in literature classes. For grades 8 and up. McNicol,Lois

Inspiring African-American Inventors

Young, Jeff C. Inspiring African-American Inventors
Enslow 2009 128p 33.27 978-1-59845-080-4 ms/hs
Great Scientists and Famous Inventors-myreportlinks.com (Enslow)
Offers brief biographical profiles of influential African-American inventors, describing the challenges they faced, their efforts to make the world a better place, and their influence on history. Nine African Americans inventors are profiled in this detailed, factual collective biography. Five of the inventors are well known, and additional information on Latimer, Matzeliger, Woods, Carver, Walker and Morgan is always needed, particularly for research assignments. Three lesser known inventors are included: Percy Lavon Julian, Patricia Era Bath and Lonnie G. Johnson and this is beneficial in that it provides students with new topics and inventions for research. This title is not only useful for research but for pleasure reading as well. The text is detailed but written in an entertaining fashion. Primary source quotes are interwoven with the secondary text to provide an insight into the lives of the inventors. The need met by the invention and the technology of how the invention works is integral to the study of inventors and each invention is placed within the context of the times. In addition, the reader learns a bit about science as well. Diagrams and prototypes of the inventions illustrate the process of invention. The layout is visually appealing. Each chapter is introduced using a brightly colored two page spread and remaining pages in the chapter are pale yellow pages bordered by red, green and orange. Screen shots of web pages for further information encourage readers to seek additional facts. Black and white photos, either full one page or two page spreads, add to the visual appeal of this title. Includes a Table of Contents, MyReportLinks, a glossary, information for further reading and an index. This title is one sure to be used as a starting point for History Day 2010 research. Zajko, Rosanne

Great and Sublime Fool: The story of Mark Twain

Caravantes, Peggy Great and Sublime Fool: The story of Mark Twain
Morgan Reynolds 2009 176p 28.95 978-1-59935-088-2 ms/hs
World Writers (Morgan)(This series has been on our Books of Note Lists several times in past years. )

This detailed biography connects his life to his writings. Twain's humor comes through in direct quotes. His up and down financial status and his vulnerability coupled with fixed beliefs in a new typesetting machine is captured in the title of the book. Grades 7-12. If a student wishes to understand Twain/Clemens; his humor, his inspirations, his vulnerability, his brilliance, and his popularity, this is the place to start. Caravantes connects Twain's life to his writings. Showing Twain's social, political, and religious beliefs as they are presented in his lectures, writings, and friendships, the reader will realize that Twain was ahead of his time in many ways. His wanderlust took him across the United States and Europe, finding a human story everywhere he went. The importance of family to Twain is clearly presented including his marriage, his children and the impact they had on him and his writing. While most likely a difficult man to live with, his love and concern for immediate family were a constant in his life. His inventions outside of writing met with little success. When faced with monetary woes, he always bounced back with another piece of writing. Quotations from Twain show his humorous side. Photographs of family and acquaintances give a flavor of the early 20th century to contemporary readers. A timeline, bibliography, and index complete the book. A very engaging writing style coupled with an attractive format will make this book a hit with student researchers or those who just want to know more about Mark Twain. Strongly recommended for grades 7-12. L. McNicol