Uschan, Michael. Comic Art.

Uschan, Michael.  Comic Art.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)  2013  112p  $34.80  978-1-4205-0862-8  series: Eye on Art.  ms/hs VG-BN

In this overview, the author has written a very information book on the importance and influence of comic art in the last several decades. The first chapter provides a foundation of the art form and how it started. Succeeding chapters cover the topics of single-panel cartoons, comic strips, comic books, and the evolution of comic art.

The inclusion of photographs, chapter notes, several lists, including where to obtain more information, picture credits, and a glossary/index make this a useful research tool.  The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.

The flow and balance of both the text and full-color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers. 

This book is one in the Eye on Art series by Cengage.  The series consists of four books at this time.  The general theme of the series is different types of art.    

Cartoons, Art, Comic art                                    --Linda McNeil

Uschan, Michael V. Serena WIlliams

Uschan, Michael V.    Serena WIlliams       

Cengage (Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch 2011           104p   33.45  978-1-4205-0488-0           

ms/hs             People in the News (Gale/Lucent)  VG-BNS          

Serena Williams is a product of solid family

relationships, strong work ethic, talent and motivation that have made her a

star.  She has survived injury, prejudice, family crises & depression on her

rise to fame as one of the world╒s best tennis stars ever.           This is a well-

researched, interesting and informative biography about Serena Williams, one of

the most, if not THE most, remarkable female tennis players of all time.  The

drive and integrity of Serena and Venus╒s father shines as he prepares the girls

by moving his entire family to Florida for training.  He holds them back

intentionally, hoping that the pressures of youth combined with fame will not

tarnish his daughters.  Author Michael V. Uschan has a hit with this biography

due to its thorough coverage of Serena’s life, its exciting quotations, its

unique combination of data about both sisters and its honesty with regard to the

challenges of the two sisters and their dominance in the sport of female tennis.  

A fan of statistics and/or sports will revel in the details of victories, losses,

injuries and setbacks.  A fan of women’s rights will love Serena╒s innocent

arrogance as she states her true feelings always.   The book is not entirely

about tennis as Uschan shares data about all of Serena’s accomplishments in

fashion, acting, and charity.  Of course, the most noteworthy accomplishment is

breaking the barrier into a sport dominated by Caucasians.  The Williams sisters

are a household name, even if one is not a fan of tennis.  The biography ends

with extensive notes, a timeline of important dates, a list of resources and a

complete index.   Please note that the dark gray print of the text is difficult

to read for extended periods of time.         ╥People in the News╙ celebrates the

lives of many contemporary stars in many fields:  sports, politics, movies,

music, writing, computers and television.  Fidel Castro, Al Gore, Steve Jobs,

Shakira and Kanye West are just a few of the topics.       Squaresky, Martha

Uschan, Michael V. Graffiti

Uschan, Michael V.    Graffiti           

Cengage (Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch

2011   112p   33.45  978-1-4205-0324-1           

ms/hs             Eye on Art (CEngage/GAle)    E-BN           

Is graffiti vandalism or a legitimate art form? The history of

graffiti from prehistoric times through modern times, especially in Philadelphia,

is chronicled with prominent graffiti artists featured . Excellent photos.

Grades 7-12.  The major artists from the 1960s through current times who

have influenced graffiti design from its inception as just words or crude tags

to the elaborate 3-D designs currently being used are highlighted. The major

grafitti artists╒s contributions to the development of this art form are

explained. There is particular emphasis on Philadelphia and New York graffiti

art. The book embraces graffiti as a legitimate art form starting in prehistoric

times and later appearing on trails in the western United States as explorers

and wagon trains traveled the untamed western part of America.  This book covers

the tools used by the 20th century graffiti artists as well as the risks they

take to inscribe walls, moving objects, with an acknowledgment that graffiti was

and sometimes still is illegal. The graffiti on walls surrounding Elvis

Presley╒s Graceland as well as on the former Berlin Wall show instances of

grafitti used as political and social commentary.  A glossary of graffiti terms

as well as index, extensive source notes and further reading provide additional

resources for the student researcher.  One of the few books for young people

about this art form that is seen around most every community. Excellent resource

for middle and high school students.         Eye on Art contains 22 books on various

aspects of art from ancient to modern. The tools of the artists as well as

biographical information on artists significant to the art style. Excellent

source notes, index  and bibliography. Grades 7-12        McNicol,Lois