Real-Life Reader Biographies
Book Reviews
Children's Bookwatch, March 2003
On Colin Powell, Virginia Hamilton, Ben Stiller, Condoleezza Rice,
Julia Stiles, and Roberto Clemente
Contemporary, famous individuals are revealed in the 'Real-Life Reader Biography' series…recommended for grades 3-5. The larger print in these 32-page readers is still packed with facts suitable for beginning reports. New additions… [cover] the achievements and lives of each of these influential men and women.
School Library Journal, January 2003
On Virginia Hamilton
The book begins with an overview of Hamilton's work and achievements. Following are brief chapters, three to six pages in length, that discuss the writer's life and work from her birth in 1936 to her death in 2002… It is up-to-date and may fill a gap where books on authors are needed.
School Library Journal, December 2002
On Lance Armstrong
In October 1996, at age 25, Armstrong, world-class cyclist, found out that he had testicular and lung cancer. A week later he discovered his cancer had spread to his brain. To make matters worse, he had no medical insurance. Through the help of some good friends and fans, he received excellent medical treatment and insurance coverage. Garcia outlines Armstrong's early life, and describes how even as a youngster he used his family problems to fuel his competitive spirit. Black-and-white photos are scattered throughout the text. The book may raise questions among young readers concerning such topics as testicular cancer—its causes, treatments, tests, etc. This is a well-written account of a young man overcoming great odds and succeeding.
School Library Journal, December 2002
On Tony Blair
In the opening chapter, the authors describe Britain's Prime Minister as "The United States' Best Friend," based on his quick support for president Bush's war on terrorism after September 11. While showing an early interest in politics as a young schoolboy, the teenaged Blair seemed to be more intent on being a rebel than a model student. In college, the future Prime Minister was the lead singer for a small-time rock band called "Ugly Rumours." These early details will endear the man to young readers. Up-to-date information is presented in large print with sidebar quotes to keep reluctant readers interested. School photos, early snapshots, as well as more formal career portraits provide an engaging black-and-white visual supplement cot the information-packed text. This accessible biography may be a useful addition to elementary schools and public libraries in the U.S.
VOYA, April 2002
On Tiger Woods and Dr. Seuss
These titles belong to the Real-Life Reader Biography series, which boasts an impressive list of short biographies on celebrities popular with teens and pre-teens. According to the book jacket, this series "presents the lives of contemporary role models for young readers; these are the stories of real men and women who, despite many obstacles, followed their dreams." Each book begins with an anecdote establishing the extraordinary nature of the subject and then moves on to tell the rest of his or her life story. Tiger Woods begins with his 1997 win at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia—a defining moment in his career—and then backtracks to describe his rise to professional fame despite his being of African-American and Asian descent. The story of Dr. Seuss describes his roundabout journey to become one of the best-loved authors of children's books. Although the authors of the books are different, the format and style are very similar. The authors seem chosen for their level of expertise and experience—Torres alone has written more than 20 sports biographies. Both books tell a lively story and are not just a regurgitation of facts. These biographies are short and entertaining reads, with large print and plenty of photos—perfect for projects and speeches. Each book ends with a short index and a helpful chronology, and the Seuss title contains a selected bibliography of his work … The series offers solid choices for biography collections—particularly those in need of some current pop culture icons such as Sheryl Swoopes, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Simpson. Select from the many titles offered to fill gaps in the collection for middle schoolers.
School Library Journal, September 2001
On Christopher Paul Curtis and Gary Paulsen
These attractive books present a conversational and inviting picture of two popular children's authors. Gaines brings Curtis's enthusiasm and Paulsen's love of adventure to life. Each biography opens with a chapter about an important time in the man's life: Curtis's experience as a factory worker in a Flint Michigan auto plant and Paulsen's participation in the Iditarod. The books then chronicle the lives of these authors, paying special attention to their impetus to write, their inspirations, and their challenges. Black & white photographs and quotes enhance the texts, making these titles good choices for reluctant readers.
Multicultural Review, December 2001
On Christopher Paul Curtis and Cheech Marin
This series for readers at the intermediate level focuses on entertainers and sports figures of diverse backgrounds. With the biography of Curtis, the series moves into the field of literature. Gaines begins with the author's 13 years on an assembly line in Flint. She describes his childhood and his early efforts to submit essays and fiction he wrote on the job, his success with which gave him the encouragement to pursue writing full time. The support Curtis received from his family, details on his writing schedule and the way he broke into publishing through contests will inform and inspire prospective writers. Readers learn of the genesis of Curtis's award-winning children's books, The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963 and Bud, Not Buddy. Cheech, Richard Antonio, Marin is a Mexican American actor/comedian best known for his performance with hippie duo Cheech & Chong.
Multicultural Review, September 2001
On Marc Anthony, Sheryl Swoopes, Tiger Woods, Bruce Lee, and Shakira
Two singers, two athletes, and one actor of diverse heritage are the latest entries in this popular series for readers at the intermediate level. The authors of the biographies are journalists, and the books themselves are characterized by short chapters filled with trivia that will interest young readers. The authors explore the mixed cultural heritage of many of their subjects, most compelling so in the volume on Bruce Lee.
Booklist
On Tommy Nuñez and Robert Rodriguez
These books from the Real Life Reader Biography series offer short, readable chapters printed in large type, many black and white photographs, and a frontispiece. Based on interviews with the subjects, and in some cases family and friends, the books include quotations that bring a sense of personality to the workmanlike tellings. Nuñez rose from a troubled youth in the Phoenix barrio to become a referee in the NBA. According to the authors, he is still the only Latino to officiate for any of the major-league sports. Robert Rodriguez's work includes the movies El Mariachi, Desperado, and From Dusk to Dawn.
Booklist
On Vanessa Williams and Paula Abdul
Two talented and versatile giants get the star treatment in these slim but inspiring biographies in the Real Life Reader Biography series. Williams and Abdul took charge of their destinies and forged brilliant careers by hard work and believing in their talents. These brief biographies focus on the highs and lows in each of their careers and personal lives, including Abdul's struggle with bulimia and failed marriages. Good black and white photos feature the performers at work. These are good choices for reluctant readers interested in contemporary entertainers.
Multicultural Review
On Cesar Chavez
This biography for elementary level readers is an inspirational account of the labor organizer's life. It focuses on the many obstacles Chavez faced—learning English in school; the Great Depression, which cost the Chavez family their farm; the difficult living and working conditions of migrant laborers; prejudice against Mexican Americans; and later, the intransigence of the growers. Nonetheless, Chavez's strong family, his belief in nonviolence, and the help and dedication of those around him helped him to overcome the challenges and to obtain better conditions for farm workers. Black and white photos with detailed captions add to the text. A chronology and an index are included.
Children's Bookwatch
On Cesar Chavez, Vanessa Williams, Sinbad, Chuck Norris, Celine Dion, and Paula
Abdul
Grades 3-4 readers will find these simple yet lively biographical sketches perfect for easy reports. Modern personalities are profiled in biographies, which include large print and black and white photos peppered throughout.
Children's Bookwatch
On Trent Dimas, Tommy Nuñez, Robert Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, and Mariah
Carey
Grades 3-4 readers will find the "Real Life Reader Biography" series to be a fine set of non-fictionalized stories, which examine the lives of men and women who followed their dreams against all odds. The series will best appeal to reluctant beginning readers as sets of facts within each are offset by numerous black and white photos to add to leisure interest.
Booklist
On Jimmy Smits, Cristina Saralegui, and Oscar De La Hoya
These titles in the Real Life Reader Biography series profile contemporary multicultural role models for beginning readers. In 32 pages each biography follows the same format; full-page portrait of the subject, followed by 5 chapters recounting the story of his or her struggle for success in a standard style. The oversize text is set against non-threatening white spaces and is illustrated with black and white photos…
School Library Journal
On Cesar Chavez, Celine Dion, and Chuck Norris
Biographies on contemporary famous people. All three offer clear overviews of their subject's lives. Vertical "pull-out" quotes and facts along the sides of most pages capture reader's attention. The stock black and white photographs are well placed. Adequate choices for leisure reading or reports, particularly for reluctant readers.
School Library Journal
On Mariah Carey, Robert Rodriguez, and Selena
Popular subjects, large print format, and ample white space make these titles natural selections for new adult and reluctant teen readers. The biographies follow a formula to describe the artist's childhood years and the trials and tribulations that they endured before achieving success. Large, full color photos grace the covers and average black and white snapshots appear throughout… all three titles provide examples of people with humble beginnings who worked hard and were able to achieve their goals.
Tucson Unified School District, Lee Instructional Center
On Steve Jobs
…What a history! Good photographs, a contents page, a chronology and index are included. This biography is nicely packaged. With a push from the librarian, readers will enjoy learning about this technology pioneer.
Tucson Unified School District, Lee Instructional Center
On Brandy
This is sure to be a popular biography. The print is large… there are pictures of Brandy at different points of her career. This is a good addition of a contemporary figure to a biography collection.
Fairfax County Public Schools, Library Review Services
On Selena
This is a must for libraries serving large numbers of Hispanic students. It provides interesting information in a format that is readable.
The Children's Bookwatch
Top recommendations for reluctant readers… All are lively, engrossing accounts…
