Marie Curie: ISBN 978-1-60152-954-1 / eBook: 978-1-60152-955-8
Hillary Clinton: ISBN 978-1-60152-950-3 / eBook: 978-1-60152-951-0
Malala Yousafzai: ISBN 978-1-60152-952-7 / eBook: 978-1-60152-953-4
Cleopatra: ISBN 978-1-60152-948-0 / eBook: 978-1-60152-949-7
Anne Frank : ISBN 978-1-60152-946-6 / eBook: 978-1-60152-947-3
School Library Connection, October 1, 2016
Biographies of influential women are something every library needs, however many times they are merely written with “reports” in mind. This new series breaks that mold. All of the books in this series present biographical information in a format that makes the reader feel like they are listening to each woman talk about herself. At no point does the reader feel they are reading a list of facts or a timeline of the life of the individual. However, there is a vast amount of information packed into these books. The material is very high interest and will serve equally as pleasure reading and as a source of factual information. The variety of titles covers a wide range of time periods and corresponds with the social studies curriculum at the middle school level. The books include a section of important events in the life of each woman, along with a section of sources for further research. This series will surely bring new life to any library’s biography section.
—Pamela K. Simmons, Librarian, Penn Yan (New York) Middle School
Recommended
Marie Curie: ISBN 978-1-60152-954-1 / eBook: 978-1-60152-955-8
Hillary Clinton: ISBN 978-1-60152-950-3 / eBook: 978-1-60152-951-0
Malala Yousafzai: ISBN 978-1-60152-952-7 / eBook: 978-1-60152-953-4
Cleopatra: ISBN 978-1-60152-948-0 / eBook: 978-1-60152-949-7
Anne Frank : ISBN 978-1-60152-946-6 / eBook: 978-1-60152-947-3
School Library Journal, April 1, 2016
Gr 8 UpThis fascinating series for confident older readers is a boon for report writers with its fact-filled, even-handed analyses of these history-making women’s lives and accomplishments. Subjects are treated respectfully and fairly; where applicable, failings and scandalous behaviors are noted discreetly. Cleopatra’s complex romantic life and out-of-wedlock childbearing, Curie’s love affair in widowhood, and the Clintons’ marital woes are discussed, but the respective portrayals offer much more—no small feat in Cleopatra’s case, given the dearth of contemporary sources about her. Fortunately, her book draws on modern scholarship while acknowledging ancient writings, casting a more favorable light on the queen’s character, achievements, and legacy. Each title features pale-green sidebars that add information and historical context, in addition to quotes about/from the subjects and contemporaries. Numerous excellent graphics enhance attractiveness. Detailed time lines are included, but not glossaries, which would have helped with the sophisticated vocabularies.
VERDICT Highly recommended for middle school collections. Clinton is very timely; overall, Curie works for the non-scientifically inclined.