by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author)
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Gr 1-3--Very simple biographies introduce famous women to young readers. Each selection highlights the accomplishments of its subject but does not go into detail. The lack of specificity, however, makes difficult topics more manageable for a child audience. In Maya Angelou, for example, the text says that Maya's mother's boyfriend "attacked her" and as a result Maya did not speak for five years. A significant event in Angelou's life is included but in an age-appropriate way. The illustration style for each book is different and seems chosen to suit the subject. In Maya Angelou, cartoon-style images appear strong and solid, reflecting Angelou's determination to overcome obstacles in her life. Amelia Earhart employs an airier, less representational art style that matches Earhart's sense of adventure and mystery. Observant readers will find small jokes, such as in a suburban scene in Earhart where most houses have a car parked alongside but one house has a rocket ship. Back matter includes photographs and a few more details about the topic person. The books are factual, without invented dialogue, but no sources are listed. Briticisms appear in Earhart, with terms such as learnt rather than learned. VERDICT These books serve as attractive overviews of the people profiled, but children will need further resources to get a full perspective of the subjects' lives.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Agathe Bray-Bourret majored in film animation at Concordia University. A big fan of cartoons, especially French cartoons, she loves how expressive characters in this style can be. Agathe illustrates for magazines and books, and for commercial ads. Her music videos and short movies have played in many festivals worldwide.