Amanda Gorman (Pebble Books Biographies)

K-Gr 4--These four volumes provide readers with basic information about four people currently in the news. The common thread for the subjects is their desire to help others. Greta Thunberg is a young activist who promotes taking action to fight climate change. Joe Biden is the 46th president and has spent time helping to fight cancer, Amanda Gorman is a poet who assists children learning to write, and Vice President Kamala Harris helped criminals while serving as district attorney in San Francisco. Basic information such as birth dates and careers thus far are presented. Colorful photographs accompany the simple, straightforward text. Upbeat and positive, these titles present the subjects in a positive light, appropriately enough for the targeted demographic. However, these people are covered in numerous other biographies and no new facts are featured. Also, given that the people are still living, the information will be quickly dated. VERDICT Most school and public libraries will already have books on these subjects, and these should only be considered where none exist, or new titles are necessary.