Mendelson, Aaron. American R & B.

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Mendelson, Aaron.  American R & B.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook  64p  $26.13  978-0-7613-4501-5            2013      ms/hs     E-BNS  series: American Music Milestones                             Nonfiction

The origin and history of rhythm and blues (R & B) includes photographs, quotations, definitions, and brief snippets of biographical data on the plethora of singers who contributed to this popular style.  It is difficult to imagine how Aaron Mendelson could successfully condense the history of R & B (rhythm and blues) into one small volume, but succeed he did on a grand scale!  The highlights of this volume are numerous.  For example, he defined new words immediately for effective vocabulary instruction.  In addition, the photographs are masterful and the layout is upbeat, befitting the genre of music.  The colors are warm and inviting.  His anecdotal information is spot on, and the biographical information is both informative and fascinating.  Did you know Al Green was a preacher(page 11)?  Sam Cooke was in the Civil Rights movement (p. 13), and Little Richard quit music to go to Bible College(p.15)!  All of the contributing musical genres are enumerated here in one form or another.  Blues, gospel and doo-wop are among the forms that are defined.  Naturally, the author could not fit in every singer and photograph of the era, but teenagers will find something to enjoy here.  The first chapter features the history of R & B, followed by these chapters:  “Motor City Music”, “Soul Power”, “Transformation”, and “Into the Future”.  For contemporary music listeners who can download songs (which every teenager can do!), there is a “Must Download Playlist” at the end of each chapter!  The extra features at the end of the book are among the most comprehensive imaginable:  a glossary, a timeline, mini bios, R & B must-haves, major awards, source notes, bibliographies and a thorough index. 

Rhythm and blues                                                                                                                         --Martha Squaresky         

 

Colson, Mary. Being a Makeup Artist.

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Colson, Mary.  Being a Makeup Artist.      Lerner/Graphic Universe/Milbrook/21st Century/Carolroda/

DarbyCreek/Stoke Books             32p         $20.50                     978-0-7613-7777-1   2013            elm/ms                 VG-BNS      series: On the Radar     Nonfiction        

With an extraordinary layout and interesting choices, this guide offers a look at how to put on makeup, what to buy that is cutting-edge, how to plan out a typical day as a makeup artist, and how to get motivated to begin a career in make-up.              With a table of contents that looks like one we would see in a magazine, this book will certainly appeal to young readers!  The categories are laid out in colorful palates, and the stars who appear in the book have been undoubtedly selected for their charisma and star appeal.  There is glitz and glamor galore!  New trends in make-up and case studies with real people who have jobs in the industry greatly add to the content.  Without those interviews, readers would not understand how to go about achieving success in this field.  The book is both pleasurable and educational, and the coverage of each topic is interesting.  One learns about make-up tricks and going green with healthy make-up brands.  The variety is comprehensive, but there is one flaw:  there is nothing about salary or schooling.  The field of study of cosmetology is often offered at the high-school vocational-training school, but there is no mention of that.  Nevertheless, when young teenagers see the layout, the photographs and the contemporary stars and musical artists that are included in this guide, they will certainly read it, and there is no better tribute to nonfiction than for students to enjoy it and learn at the same time!  Mimi D’s two-page autobiography  helps to fill in the gaps with her practical advice, and additional advice on how to enter the field is included on page 15.  The book ends with a list of resources and a short index.  Cosmetology-Careers                                                                                                                  --Martha Squaresky

 

Ballen, Karen Gunnison. Decoding Our DNA.

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Ballen, Karen Gunnison.  Decoding Our DNA.        Twenty First Century see Millbrook 64p                 $33.27   978-0-7613-5489-5      2013  hs  E-BNS      series: Scientific Rivalries and Scandals     Nonfiction

The double-helix structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 and, since then, scientists have worked feverishly to unearth the secrets of the human genome.  In 1998, the race to be the first to do so took on more urgency.  Craig Ventnor, once part of the Human Genome Project, challenged the HGP to a competition with his new commercial enterprise, and the contest was on.  The author begins with an historical view of early attempts to discover the functions of heredity and how DNA worked, and he then continues with a description of the principles behind DNA’s structure, its chemical properties, and the process of decoding its sequences.  She discusses the personalities of the major scientists involved in both the U.S. and Europe.  The winners in the race would be the ones who would benefit from the glory and the patents.  The information is greatly enhanced by a wealth of primary-source accounts from the principal scientists, specific sidebar data, fact boxes and charts, and excellent full-color photographs and illustrations. 
          

This is a succinct and lucid treatment of the subject, diversified and well-balanced between text and illustrations.   The complex text is crisply written and informative and offers a current, up-to-date look at the science behind genome sequencing and its effects.  It is library-bound and ends with a timeline, a glossary, source notes, an extensive bibliography of books and Internet sites, and an index. 
DNA Sequencing                                                                                                                                          --Susan Ogintz

 

Kallen, Stuart A. Che Guevara.

Kallen, Stuart A.                    Che Guevara.     Twenty First Century see Millbrook  88p  $33.27 978-0-8225-9035-4      2013      jr/sr                         E-BN         Biography                           

A hero of the Cuban revolution, Che Guevara was Fidel Castro’s right-hand man, but his passion for civil rights would take him from one revolution to another until his death.  Born in Argentina to a middle-class family, Ernesto “Che” Guevara suffered from bad asthma attacks.  As he entered his teens these attacks would be become worse, but that did not stop him from traveling across Latin America with a friend on a motorcycle.  It was during that time that he saw a lot of injustices among the people.  He wanted to help humanity, and especially free them from cruel dictators.  He became a doctor, but history has shown that he never practiced.  Shortly after he finished his higher education he joined Fidel Castro and his cause.  It turns out he was very good as a revolutionary leader.

This book explores the man behind the myth. The book presents the reader with all sides of the man: his youth, his passions, and his life.  It provides photographs, maps, fact boxes, and the real story behind his tragic end in the fields of Bolivia.               

Ernesto (Che) Guevara-Biography                                                                                                     by --Magna Diaz

 

Johnson, Rebecca L. Battle of the Dinosaur Bones.

Johnson, Rebecca L.  Battle of the Dinosaur Bones.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook                   64p         $33.27  978-0-7613-5488-8            2013    ms/hs     VG-BN  series: Scientific Rivalries and Scandals                     Nonfiction

This entertaining and informative book discusses the lives and findings of paleontologists Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. The manner in which the story of their lives and discoveries is written draws the reader into the fierce competition between the two scientists.  Both men wanted fame for their discoveries and strived to find the largest fossils and perform the best related research.  They combed each other’s conclusions for errors to discount the other’s findings in an attempt to be the best.  The debate eventually dissolved after their cooperation regarding the Morrison formation, but their notorious Bone Wars led to an impressive legacy for both men.

In addition to the informative, entertaining and crisp text, the book has an interesting visual appeal.  Different color fonts denotes points of interest and brief additional information.  Each chapter intersperses black-and-white photographs and illustrations that enhance the text as well as the visual sense of the era.

This short book will delight young readers that are interested in the work of these two great scientists and their discoveries of dinosaur bones and other fossils.  The book concludes with a timeline that helps the reader place events coherently and succinctly.  The book also includes a table of contents, a glossary, source notes, a selected bibliography, a list of resources for further reading, and an index, making this a great resource tool.
Paleontologists                                                                                                                                     --Virginia McGarvey

 

Hill, Anne E. LeBron James.

Hill, Anne E.  LeBron James.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook  112p  $34.60   978-0-7613-8641-4  2013  ms/hs              E-BN      series: USA Today Lifeline Biographies   Biography

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players around.  His early childhood, including his time living with a youth basketball coach while his mother struggled to care for him, show him to be a hardworking athlete as well as a team player even in his youth.  His early athletic ability in football, basketball and baseball foreshadowed the strength and skills that would be put to the professional test the year after he graduated from high school.  His leadership, charity work, and ability to share the limelight with fellow players make this book an inspiration for young readers.  There are many primary-resource articles and charts taken from USA Today to supplement this easily read biography.  

This biography includes numerous color photos, charts of statistics and a conversational text.  It is a first choice for James’s fans as well as for biography and basketball player reports.  The personality of the man comes through, as do his leadership and athletic skills.  It is suitable for grades 6 and higher.              

A glossary, chapter source notes, list of resources for further reading, statistical charts, and index complete this excellent biography.

Basketball players-Biography                                                                                                                   --Lois McNicol