The illustrations were exceptional in this year’s biographies for youth. Many of the titles below, reviewed in Booklist between June 2002 and May 15, 2003, feature superb paintings, drawings, and archival photos that, combined with exciting prose accounts, will send young imaginations soaring. Whether the selections are glossy picture books or dense, compact volumes for older readers, these are rewarding titles for young people to enjoy in class and on their own. —Gillian Engberg
Brown, Don. Mack Made Movies. 2003. illus. Millbrook/Roaring Brook, $16.95 (0-7613-1538-1).
Gr. 1–4. In this captivating picture-book biography of film pioneer Mack Sennet, Brown combines spare, fluid sketches and concise, understated words that have the delight and precision of a well-timed comedy act.
Chandra, Deborah and Comora, Madeleine. George Washington’s Teeth. Illus. by Brock Cole. 2003. Farrar, $16 (0-374-32534-0).
K–Gr. 3. Washington’s dental woes (Did he really wear wooden teeth?) take center stage against a smoothly told backdrop of the president’s military and political career, all illustrated in Cole’s humorous, energetic illustrations filled with historical detail.
Collins, Mary. Airborne: A Photobiography of Wilbur and Orville Wright. 2003. illus. National Geographic, $18.95 (0-7922-6957-8).
Gr. 4–8. Of the many recent books about the Wrights, this one offers unusually lively portraits of the brothers that focus on their individual personalities, and includes clear technical explanations. The many excellent photos, drawings, and maps show well in the book’s large format.
Cooper, Ilene. Jack: The Early Years of John F. Kennedy. 2003. illus. Dutton, $22.99 (0-525-46923-0).
Gr. 4–7. In one of the few biographies focusing on the young JFK, Cooper offers a vivid, highly readable, and meticulously researched volume that reveals the surprising pressures and struggles that shaped Kennedy’s life. A seamless blend of quotes and research mix with sharp, archival images, followed by exemplary endnotes.
Green, Michelle Y. A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. 2002. Dial, $15.99 (0-8037-2661-9).
Gr. 4–7. In short, action-packed chapters, Green profiles Johnson, a pitcher in the Negro Leagues and one of only three women to play professional baseball. Occasional photos illustrate this winning title that captures Johnson’s ebullient personality and determination.
Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra. Runaway Girl: The Artist Louise Bourgeois. 2003. illus. Abrams, $19.95 (0-8109-4237-2).
Gr. 8–12. The authors once again make challenging art accessible and exciting in this beautifully designed biography of Franco-American sculptor Bourgeois. Clear, elegant prose juxtaposes stories about the artist’s life with relevant artworks, often described in Bourgeois’ own words. Crisp reproductions and personal photos illustrate.
Grimes, Nikki. Talkin’ about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Illus. by E. B. Lewis. 2002. Scholastic/Orchard, $16.95 (0-439-35243-6).
Gr. 2–5. This looks like a picture book and reads like a poetry collection. Each spread features a different voice speaking in free verse about Coleman’s life, building chronologically until Bessie herself speaks about the joy of flying. Lewis’ stunning full-page watercolors appear on each spread.
Harness, Cheryl. The Revolutionary John Adams. 2002. illus. National Geographic, $17.95 (0-7922-6970-5).
Gr. 3–6. Harness’ concise, nicely illustrated volume offers a fascinating look at our often-overlooked second president. Mixed-media images add plenty of visual interest, and numerous quotes from Adams’ letters, including many written to his wife, Abigail, will bring youngsters close to this dynamic figure.
Ryan, Pam Muñoz. When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. Illus. by Brian Selznick. 2002. Scholastic, $16.95 (0-439-26967-9).
K–Gr. 3. Lush and operatic, this large-format biography captures Anderson’s triumphs as well as the racism of the times. Ryan interweaves spirituals into her stirring text, and Selznick’s sepia-tone paintings depict unforgettable performances as well as close-up scenes.
Stanley, Diane. Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam. 2002. illus. HarperCollins, $16.99 (0-688-17135-4).
Gr. 5–8. Stanley celebrates a twelfth-century Islamic warrior known for his civility in this gloriously illustrated volume. In rousing prose, Stanley contrasts the bloody Crusades with Saladin’s attempts to be honorable and chivalrous, all imagined in outstanding paintings.
(Booklist/June 1 & 15, 2003)