Extraordinary People: A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Some of the World's Most Fascinating Individuals

Gr 5–8—Where else would Ötzi the Iceman, Ibn Battuta, Hildegard of Bingen, Stagecoach Mary, Deion Sanders, Bruce Lee, and Malala Yousafzai sit side by side but in the "Uncommon Compendium" series? Hearst, the author of Unusual Creatures (Chronicle, 2012), has selected 50 historical and contemporary figures, admittedly not all role models, that he enjoyed learning about as a kid and an adult. He devotes a page to each, discussing their importance (or notoriety) and providing related information in the form of quick facts, true-or-false questions, quotes, quizzes, and an occasional ode. The author's conversational style will delight readers, as will his rampant humorous asides, puns, and catchy, sometimes corny, headers ("Fungus Amongus," "Dude Was Fast!") that run rampant. Blocks of information are framed by bands of color in dark earth tones, spot-art illustrations, and a variety of fonts. For each subject, there's a full-page portrait opposite the text. Figures are set against shallow stages or flat expanses of color, often with an identifying tool or instrument (George Washing Carver with test tubes) or in a recognizable pose (Harry Houdini performing a stunt) or clothing (Evel Knievel in racing gear). In coloring and shadowing, in particular, the portraits resemble graphic art. Hearst has a knack for delivering facts the way kids like them—quick and fun—and there's even a shout-out to libraries. ("Libraries are awesome. You should spend more time in yours.")