Blue Banner Biographies
Book Reviews
Voya, December 2006
On Orlando Bloom and Mariah Carey
For sheer gossipy fun...this new series is sure to hit the spot. The Orlando Bloom biography begins with a description of an accident that the actor suffered at age twenty-one in which he fractured several vertebra and which left doctors questioning if he would be able to walk again. It touches on high points of his career, including his casting as Legolas in the Lord of the Ring movies—something that made the actor a household name. The biography of Mariah Carey likewise starts at a dramatic moment—the singer's well publicized breakdown of 2001, but it covers her early successes and her current comeback. Other titles in the series profile J. K. Rowling, Bernie Mac, Derek Jeter, and Gwen Stefani.
Each volume includes a chronology, bibliography, filmography or discography, and further reading that lists other works, provides works cited, and offers some recommended web sites. Fans of celebrity gossip magazines and shows like VH-1's Behind the Music will find a quick and entertaining read.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, May 2005
On Lance Armstrong
Citing cancer as his most defining role, this hero for our current times provides a compelling story which will surely interest the intermediate student. This is the life story of Lance Armstrong, who has won the Tour de France bicycle race multiple times. This is a story sure to touch students who read this interesting biography. Complete with a table of contents, chronology of Armstrong's life, bibliography for further reading, and index, this title will make a truly splendid addition to the biography section of any library media center.
South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, Spring 2005
On Queen Latifah
I enjoy Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) as a performer and wanted to know more about her. I felt the "Blue Ribbon" highlights were beneficial for illustrating important points. I also felt the emphasis on women's rights and Ms. Owens' stand against violence on women was given proper due.
School Library Journal, February 2004
On Rudy Giuliani
The format is open, with pull quotes or photos on almost every page, and the tone is encouraging and inspirational.
Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School
On Daniel Radcliffe
This is the true story of the young man who was selected to play Harry Potter in movies that were based on the books by J. K. Rowling. Daniel was born in London in 1989 to parents who were in their 30s and were not interested in producing an actor. Daniel changed his parents' minds with a desire to act beginning at five years of age. Being Harry was not his first acting role, but it was his dream come true. This is an inspiring story of someone who is dedicated to what they want out of life and as such provides a good model for other young readers. This would be an easy read for Daniel's peer group and should be quite popular. This book is a must for any library that includes the Harry Potter collection. Pictures are well reproduced and each page has an enlarged highlight of interest, which makes the page of text a little less daunting. A sturdy binding should make this book good for hundreds of checkouts.
School Library Journal, November 2003
On Shirley Temple
This is a competently written biography of an exceptional child star of the 1930's whose movies are still enjoyed by many viewers today. Although the emphasis is on Temple's film career, her later life is also briefly covered, including her bout with breast cancer and her work as an ambassador. Color photos clearly capture this smiling celebrity. This book might provide inspiration and interesting reading for young hopefuls in the performing arts, and there is enough information for short reports.
