April 1, 2021
Gr 4-9-The lives of four people and one virus are traced in these comprehensive biographies. The evolution and current state of the coronavirus is presented, including an overview of COVID-19 treatments and preventative measures. The people biographies include the professional and personal lives of the subjects, with emphasis on their careers. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a lifelong proponent of equal rights between the sexes; Billie Eilish is a talented singer who makes her own statement with her clothes; as a politician Joe Biden has spent his life trying to help others; and Kamala Harris is the first Black, Asian, female vice president and employs her personal moral compass in her decision-making. All titles relate the facts of these individuals' lives, providing students foundations for reports. However, they tend to be adulatory (excepting the book on COVID-19), thus presenting these complex individuals as somewhat one-dimensional. Readers would benefit from more balanced biographies. VERDICT Though timely, except for the title on Ginsburg these volumes are already dated. Selectors should consider based on need.
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