A True Book biography series by Scholastic/Childrens Press

Doak, Robin S.  Harriet Tubman.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2017  48p  $29.00      ISBN 978-0-531-21595-1    elem/ms  Biography  Series: A True Book  VG       

This succinct book provides biographical information about Harriet Tubman, beginning with her early life and her that of her family as she grew up in slavery. It follows her flight to freedom and her work on the Underground Railroad.

In addition to the well-written text, the book has visual appeal. Each double-page spread includes a photograph or illustration that is either full-color or black-and-white, depending on when the picture was taken.  This adds a sense of sequence to the text. Captions are included for clarity. The book concludes with statistics, a list of additional print and electronic resources, a glossary, and an index.
     

This book is part of the True Book series. There are 448 current titles in this series.  

Summary: This biography describes the life of Harriet Tubman, including information about her childhood growing up as a slave and her work on the Underground Railroad.

Tubman, Harriet                                                   --Virginia McGarvey

Doak, Robin S.  Kate Middleton. Scholastic/Childrens Press  2017  48p  ISBN 978-0-531-21596-8     elem/ms   Biography  Series: True Book E-BNS

Many people are fascinated by the British Royal family, especially the marriage of commoner Kate Middleton to Prince William. Take a look at her childhood, meeting the prince, and their friendship and eventual romance. See what it really means to be royalty, as well as to become a mother to the future King of England. Readers will not be disappointed when they see all the good work that is being done by this new member of the royal family. Wonderful photographs enhance the text, with captions further detailing the Middleton's life.      

Books in the True Book series are easy and fun to read, and this one is a winner as usual.

Summary: The life of the Duchess of Cambridge from commoner to future queen.       

British Monarchy, Kate Middleton                                        --Erin Daley

Doak, Robin S.  Malala Yousafzai. Scholastic/Childrens Press      2017  48p   $24.33      ISBN 978-0-531-21191-5    elem/ms      Biography  Series: True Book  VG-BN

In this introductory biography, the young reader learns about Pakistan under the Taliban and about Malala Yousafzai, the young woman who has spoken out so bravely and  vociferously about the rights of girls to an education. The reader gets to know a bit about Malala’s life, her family, and what happened to her in her native Pakistan, when she spoke out in favor of education for girls and was subsequently attacked. Her recovery from the attack and subsequent life are also covered. Also featured is a glossary, a short list of other books and resources to be consulted, and a “True or False” question at the beginning of the book that is answered at the end.  There are good photographic illustrations and an index as well.  This would be a great book to use in an elementary school when introducing the subject of biographies, or of women’s rights.      

Summary: In this introductory biography, the young reader learns about Pakistan under the Taliban and about Malala Yousafzai, the young woman who has spoken out so bravely and vociferously about the rights of girls to an education.   

Yousafzai, Malala                                                 --Carol Kennedy

Doak, Robin S.  Steve Jobs. Scholastic/Childrens Press      2017  48p  ISBN 978-0-531-21907-2     elem/ms   Biography  Series: True Book   E-BNS          

Though Steve Jobs is known for being an innovator and creative genius, his road to success was not always easy and his legacy is not all positive. The Apple founder and CEO was a smart and determined person who often had trouble working with others and was not always a part of the Apple team. His inventive mind, which brought us such products as iPads, smartphones and iPods, was what brought him and Apple back into the spotlight and encouraged the public to focus on the good he was doing. Great photographs and a good history will make readers want to lean more about Jobs, even with the many other biographies that are available.    

This is part of the True Book series, which provides great reads with just the right amount of information to keep readers well informed without being overwhelmed.

Summary: The life of Apple founder Steve Jobs. 

Computers, Steve Jobs                                                   --Erin Daley

Adler, David. Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Adler, David.  Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.  Holiday House 2013 140p      $18.95  ISBN 978-0-8234-2365-1      ms/hs             E-BN 

Harriet Tubman was a girl who was born a slave with a fighting spirit for freedom.  She believed in freedom and was willing to go the extra mile to make sure she could help as many runaway slaves as possible, through the Underground Railroad.  Her birth name was Araminta, but it was shortened to Minty.  Harriet’s stubbornness and determination may have saved her life on many occasions.  Once she was able to run away to freedom she turned back and became a freedom fighter herself, leading many runaway slaves through the Underground Railroad to their own freedom.

She was a woman who showed no fear in the face of adversity, and who was willing to sacrifice what she had, to help free her family and others from slavery.

The isn’t just a biography of Harriet Tubman -- it is also a chronicle of the Civil War years in the United States and the bravery of those who were willing to give their lives for what they believed.  Some of the pictures are quite disturbingly graphic, but they show the true nature of slave life during that time in American history.

There are plenty of pictures, fact boxes, maps, a timeline, an author’s note and an index.           

Tubman, Harriet,1820-1913-Biography, African American Women      --Magna Diaz