New biographies of notable figures from the past such as Anne Frank, Sacagawea, Helen Keller, Roberto Clemente, and Grace Hopper are hitting the shelves this season. Current favorites are also represented, which will please fans of Caitlin Clark, CeeDee Lamb, Taylor Swift, Halle Bailey, and Harry Styles among others. Those who enjoy Spider-Man and Pokémon will appreciate learning more about their creators.
 

Elementary

Berglund, Bruce. The Spy Who Wore Petti coats: A Graphic Novel Biography of Anna Strong. ISBN 9781669083160.
Pryor, Shawn. The Cook Who Defended Pearl Harbor: A Graphic Novel Biography of Doris “Dorie” Miller. illus. by Alessandro Valdrighi. ISBN 9781669083320.
Smith, Elliott. Mailing Himself to Freedom: A Graphic Novel Biography of Henry “Box” Brown. illus. by Dante Ginevra. ISBN 9781669083085.
Turner, Myra Faye. Hitting Her Way to the Negro Leagues: A Graphic Novel Biography of Toni Stone. illus. by Markia Jenai. ISBN 9781669083245.
ea vol: 32p. (Barrier Breakers). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr. $36.65.
Gr 4-6–Navy mess attendant Doris Miller distinguishes himself in battle at Pearl Harbor. Marcenia Lyle, aka Toni Stone, breaks race and gender barriers to play professional baseball. Henry “Box” Brown mails himself north to freedom from slavery. Anna Strong is part of the Culper spy ring that helps win the American Revolution. The stories of all these worthy heroes are presented in a graphic format, with a palette that sticks mostly to hues of tan and gray. The artwork is nicely done, but a few errors distract from the overall package. The book on Miller refers to the sailors as soldiers, even having Miller address one superior as sergeant. It also refers to the complement of the USS West Virginia as “1500 officers” more than once. Much of the information on Anna Strong is speculative, as historians disagree about her contributions as a spy (though this is explained in a note at the end). Also, Abraham Woodhull’s name is changed to Woodruff midway through the book, easily causing confusion. Though the tales themselves are inspiring, these subjects are featured in other books that readers will find more useful. VERDICT The volumes on Lyle and Brown are sufficient, but the errors in the volumes on Miller and Strong should give selectors pause.

Bleckwehl, Mary. Chris Pratt. ISBN 9798892001038.
––––. Halle Bailey. ISBN 9798892001021.
––––. JoJo Siwa. ISBN 9798892001052.
––––. Zendaya. ISBN 9798892001083.
Sherman, Jill. Beyoncé. ISBN 9798892001014.
––––. Ed Sheeran. ISBN 9798892001045.
––––. Harry Styles. ISBN 9798892001069.
––––. Taylor Swift. ISBN 9798892001076.
Thompson, Kim. Angel Reese. ISBN 9798892006316.
––––. Caitlin Clark. ISBN 9798892006323.
ea vol: 24p. (Inspire). Amicus. Jan. 2025. Tr. $35.70.
Gr 3-6–Overviews of the careers of ten popular celebrities are covered in these titles. Basketball fans will appreciate the record-breaking college careers of Angel Reese and Caitlyn Clark. Beyoncé released her first country music album in 2024, Ed Sheeran was discovered by Jamie Foxx, Harry Styles performed at the 2012 Olympics, and Taylor Swift began her music career in Nashville. Chris Pratt is an actor who was a lead inJurassic World, Halle Bailey starred in the live-action version of Little Mermaid, Jojo Siwa was a YouTube pop star, and Zendaya is the youngest actor to win two Emmy awards. Colorful photographs accompany the text and will be a primary draw for young fans. The focus is on their careers, though mentions of some of the stars’ charity works are included. No mention is made of personal lives. The narratives portray the subjects in a positive, upbeat tone appropriate for the targeted audience. The titles provide current information on celebrities who have been in the news for some time. VERDICT These are suitable biographies for young readers; selectors should consider where collections need refreshing.

Doeden, Matt. Meet Anthony Edwards. ISBN 9798765670859.
Goldstein, Margaret J. Meet Caitlin Clark. ISBN 9798765649282.
––––. Meet CeeDee Lamb. ISBN 9798765649244.
––––. Meet Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. ISBN 9798765649299.
Holleran, Leslie. Meet Julio Rodríguez. ISBN 9798765649268.
Leed, Percy. Meet Lamar Jackson. ISBN 9798765649251.
––––. Meet Naomi Osaka. ISBN 9798765649275.
ea vol: 32p. (Sports VIPs: Lerner ™ Sports). Lerner. Jan. 2025. Tr. $30.65.
Gr 2-5–The careers of seven young athletes are chronicled in these informative volumes. Basketball player Anthony Edwards was the top high school player in the nation, while basketball star Caitlin Clark holds the college record for most points scored. Los Angeles Clippers’ rookie Shai Gilgeaus-Alexander scored more points than any other rookie, football player CeeDee Lamb scored three touchdowns in one game while at University of Oklahoma, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed for 1,571 yards while attending the University of Louisville. Young professional tennis player Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams at the US Open and baseball player Julio Rodríguez was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2022. While only the barest personal details are presented on each subject, fans will nonetheless enjoy the narratives and pictures of their idols. The currency of these volumes will attract the subjects’ enthusiastic supporters, but as these athletes are still in mid-career, the titles will quickly become dated. VERDICT The popularity of these athletes means there is a demand, and selectors should consider purchasing.

Mendoza, Brenda Perez. Cesar Chavez. ISBN 9781668956182.
––––. Dolores Huerta. ISBN 9781668956199.
––––. Ellen Ochoa. ISBN 9781668956205.
––––. Sonia Sotomayor. ISBN 9781668956236.
Pincus, Meeg. Anne Frank. ISBN 9781668956168.
––––. Bella Abzug. ISBN 9781668956175.
––––. Irving Berlin. ISBN 9781668956212.
––––. Jonas Salk. ISBN 9781668956229.
ea vol: illus. by Leo Trinidad. 24p. (My Itty-Bitty Bio). Cherry Lake. Jan. 2025. Tr. $30.64.
K-Gr 2–These attractive, succinct volumes relate basic facts of noted historical figures. Employing a first-person format, each book relates relevant aspects of the subjects’ lives. Readers learn of Anne Frank, who was forced into hiding because of a “cruel leader.” Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta organized farm workers while Congresswoman Bella Abzug advocated for women’s rights, Irving Berlin went from being homeless to becoming a successful songwriter, Jonas Salk created and provided a free vaccine for polio, and Sonia Sotomayor went from poverty to Supreme Court justice. The simple, straightforward narratives, accompanied by photographs, provide age-appropriate introductions and readers will be eager to learn more. VERDICT These introductory volumes will attract young readers.

Rathburn, Betsy. Grace Hopper. ISBN 9798893043952.
––––. Helen Keller. ISBN 9798893042023.
––––. John Lewis. ISBN 9798893042030.
––––. Leonardo da Vinci. ISBN 9798893042047.
––––. Roberto Clemente. ISBN 9798893042054.
––––. Sacagawea. ISBN 9798893042061.
ea vol: 24p. (Legendary Lives). Bellwether/Blastoff! Jan. 2025. Tr. $29.95.
K-Gr 3–An eclectic mix of famous people is introduced in these colorful volumes. Rear Admiral Grace Hopper wrote the first computer manual. Blind and deaf from a severe illness, Helen Keller acquired a college education and advocated for the disabled. Despite suffering at the hands of segregationists, John Lewis became a congressman fighting for freedom. Leonardo da Vinci became a great Renaissance artist and engineer, baseball player Roberto Clemente had three thousand hits, and Sacagawea assisted explorers Lewis and Clark. Two-page spreads of colorful drawings and short texts highlight key moments in the subjects’ lives. Readers will be eager to learn more. VERDICT These attractive volumes will be appreciated by young readers, and selectors should consider.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Aguilar, Sofia & others. Rebel Girls Animal Allies: 25 Tales of Women Working with Wildlife. illus. by Angela Acevedo Perez & others. ISBN 9781644666692.
Carlson Berne, Emma & others. Rebel Girls STEM Stars: 25 Tales of Women in Science. illus. by Bria Nicole & others. ISBN 9781644666753.
Mallory, Shadae. Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers. illus. by Akiraserene & others. ISBN 9781644666708.
Stratton, Alexis & others. Rebel Girls Celebrate Pride: 25 Tales of Self-Love and Community. illus. by Alice Needham-Pearmain & others. ISBN 9781644666715.
Stratton, Alexis & others. Rebel Girls Dads and Daughters: 25 Tales of Teamwork and Fun. illus. by Alleanna Harris & others. ISBN 9781644666722.
Swan, Jenelle & others. Rebel Girls Level Up: 25 Tales of Gaming and the Metaverse. illus. by Anna Dixon & others. ISBN 9781644666739.
Webster, Harriet & others. Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music. illus. by Adriana Bellet & others. ISBN 9781644666746.
ea vol: 64p. (Rebel Girls). Black Rabbit. Jan. 2025. Tr. $37.10.
Gr 4-7–Brief introductions to women of note in various, often nontraditional female fields are provided in these accessible volumes. Readers learn of women like Gunjan Menon, who films red pandas, Olympic wrestler Jillian Gallays, who struggled with dyslexia and transgender scientist Clara Barker. Michio and Masayo Hiraiwa are father/daughter wildlife photographers, cSapphire designs virtual clothes for avatars, Jody Gerson is the first female boss of a multinational music company, and Dasia Taylor invented sutures that can indicate infection in those with dark skin. Each entry is featured on a spread with one page dedicated to the narrative and the other presenting a colorful illustration of the subject. The famous and the not-so-famous are included and the subjects are from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Those seeking in-depth information on the lives of these women will be disappointed, however the books succeed at bringing attention to these inspiring women, some of whom have the added burden of enduring discrimination while achieving their dreams. VERDICT Though information provided on each of the featured women is scant, these volumes will serve to expand readers’ knowledge of inspiring women succeeding in various areas.

Bithell, Rachel. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. ISBN 9798892603775.
Bradford Edwards, Sue. Emmanuel Macron, President of France. ISBN 9798892603782.
––––. Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. ISBN 9798892603799.
Coffelt, Nancy. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt. ISBN 9798892603751.
Henzel, Cynthia. Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran. ISBN 9798892603768.
––––. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. ISBN 9798892603805.
––––. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. ISBN 9798892603812.
––––. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. ISBN 9798892603829.
ea vol: 48p. (World Leaders). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr. $40.
Gr 5-9–Information about the leaders of various countries is presented in these eight volumes. While some personal background is provided: Benjamin Netanyahu spent part of his childhood in the United States and graduated from MIT, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was a popular actor prior to entering politics, Vladimir Putin suffered an impoverished childhood, and Xi Jinping was forced to work in a peasant village, the emphasis is on the progression of their careers. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was a general and defense minister before becoming president of Egypt, Ali Khamenei was a longtime supporter of Ayatollah Khomeini and became his successor, and Emmanuel Macron was finance minister before becoming the youngest elected president of France. These books do not shy from harsh facts; despite enacting some reforms, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud jails critics and Xi Jinping employs technology to spy on Chinese citizens. Though most readers will find the narratives tedious, these titles do provide current information on influential world leaders. They will be of use in social science classes. VERDICT Given the subjects’ importance in current world affairs, these titles will be of use to report writers and should be considered for school collections.

Allen, Tonya. Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Change. ISBN 9781959223610.
Phillip, Majeste. Carl Walker: The Sound of Justice. ISBN 9781959223603.

ea vol: illus. by Chasity Hampton. 32p. (Difference Makers). Planting People Growing Justice Pr. Jan. 2025. Tr. $30.65.
Gr 5-8–The lives of inspirational Black Americans are related in these two volumes. Carl Walker, born at the end of the Great Depression, overcame poverty and prejudice to become a minister and accomplished musician. Shirley Chisholm faced down misogyny and racism to become a respected member of the United States Congress. Both volumes are factual with colorful illustrations and colorful text. However, there is nothing outstanding about the reads. Neither narrative fully illustrates the individuals’ struggles nor goes into detail about the people they aided. Walker, who is a co-founder of a renowned music school in St. Paul, Minnesota, is not well-known, and Shirley Chisholm is the subject of multiple other books that already populate library shelves. VERDICT Though suitable information is presented about these inspiring lives, these are not necessary purchases.

Dubois, Muriel L. Diana Nyad, Long-Distance Swimmer. ISBN 9798892601788.
Edwards, Sue Bradford. Jen Welter, NFL Coach. ISBN 9798892601825.
MacCarald, Clara. Nicole Mann, NASA Astronaut. ISBN 9798892601832.
Mooney, Carla. Greta Gerwig, Movie Director. ISBN 9798892601795.
––––. Ketanji Brown Jackson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice. ISBN 9798892601801.
––––. Sky Brown, Skateboarder. ISBN 9798892601818.
ea vol: 48p. (Women Blazing the Trail). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr. $40.
Gr 4-6–At age 64, Diane Nyad became the first person to successfully swim from Cuba to Florida. Director Greta Gerwig is the first filmmaker to receive best picture Oscar nominations for her first three films, Jen Walter became the first female coach in the NFL, and Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman (and first justice with a background as a public defender) appointed to the United States Supreme Court. Marine pilot and astronaut Nicole Mann is the first Native American woman in space and Sky Brown is the youngest British athlete to win an Olympic medal. These volumes chronicle the careers of these ambitious women whose determination and hard work led them to the heights of their chosen fields. Fans of Barbie will appreciate the information on the popular movie. The narratives, accompanied by related photographs, are informative and upbeat; readers will be inspired by the perseverance and achievements of these pioneers. Some information is already outdated; Sky Brown has since won a medal at the 2024 Olympics, whereas this book ends with her win in 2021. VERDICT Full of inspiring achievements of remarkable women in the news, these titles are suitable for school and public library collections.

Gagne, Tammy. Charles III: King of the United Kingdom. ISBN 9781098295691.
Hanlon, Luke. Caitlin Clark: Basketball Star. ISBN 9781098295684.
Klepeis, Alicia Z. Taylor Swift: Music Industry Leader. ISBN 9781098295738.
Miller, Marie-Therese. Kate Middleton: Princess of Wales. ISBN 9781098295707.
Spalding, Maddie. Lola Tung: Emerging Actress and Model. ISBN 9781098295714.
Williams, Haley. Simone Biles: Gymnastics Legend. ISBN 9781098295721.
ea vol: 48p. (Newsmakers Set 4). ABDO/Core Library. Jan. 2025. Tr. $37.07.
Gr 3-6–People currently in the news are the subjects of these six timely biographies. A chronology of career highlights is the focus of the volumes on basketball star Caitlin Clark, actress Lola Tung, gymnast Simon Biles, and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Readers learn that Clark holds the record as the highest scorer of all college players, Tung’s career began with the lead role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Biles has won the most international medals of any gymnast ever, and Swift was discovered at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Personal information is prevalent in the books on King Charles and Middleton, but, excepting brief mentions of family, is scant in the other titles. Fans of Swift will be disappointed that there is nothing about her relationship with Travis Kelce. Photographs complement the texts and the information is current, though the fact that these people are all active means that these volumes will soon become dated. VERDICT Though factual and informative, these volumes are similar to many others and selectors should consider their current collection needs.

Troupe, Thomas Kingsley. Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster: We Created Superman. ISBN 9798892602501.
––––. Ruth Handler: I Invented Barbie. ISBN 9798892602518.
––––. Satoshi Tajiri: I Created Pokémon. ISBN 9798892602525.
––––. Shigeru Miyamoto: I Created Mario. ISBN 9798892602532.
––––. Stan Lee & Steve Ditko: We Created Spider-Man. ISBN 9798892602549.
––––. Stephen Hillenburg: I Created SpongeBob SquarePants. ISBN 9798892602556.

ea vol: 32p. (Who Am I?). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr. $34.28.
Gr 3-5–Creators of superheroes, video game protagonists, an animated television star, and an inspirational doll are presented in these six volumes. High school friends Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who shared an interest in science fiction and cartoons, invented the character Superman. Ruth Handler worked for three years developing Barbie. Satoshi Tajiri’s Pokémon now has 16,000 different trading cards. Manga enthusiast Shigeru Miyamoto developed the Mario Brothers game while working for Nintendo. Stan Lee’s idea for Spider-Man was brought to life by artist Steve Ditko, and marine biology teacher Stephen Hillenburg wanted children to appreciate the animals of the sea and thus SpongeBob SquarePants was born. Photos of the subjects and their works accompany the straightforward narratives. The volume on Lee and Ditko addresses the difficulties they had in their working relationships, otherwise the subjects are presented in a positive, upbeat manner. The texts are informative and direct; fans will appreciate learning the backgrounds of the people behind these various entertainment icons that have maintained their popularity over the years. VERDICT Superman, Barbie, Pokémon, etc., still have many fans and these titles will attract those readers. Selectors should consider.

Sports fans will enjoy reading about their favorite athletes in “Sports VIPs” (Lerner). Athletes and entertainers featured in “Inspire” (Amicus) will entertain and inform pop-culture enthusiasts. Report writers and those with interests in the subjects will enjoy “Legendary Lives” (Bellwether), “Who Am I?” (Mitchell Lane), and “Women Blazing the Trail” (Mitchell Lane). “Rebel Girls” (Black Rabbit) and “My Itty-Bitty Bio” (Cherry Lake) achieve their goals of introducing less familiar people of note. “World Leaders” (Mitchell Lane) will be helpful to both report writers and those with an interest in world affairs.

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