These poorly written, repetitive, patronizing, but well-documented biographies attempt to raise their subjects to iconic status. Mostly irrelevant information in "Did you know..." boxes dot the pages along with an occasional black-and-white photo but do little to break up the monotonous design. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Kjelle begins her biography of author Montgomery by detailing the numerous rejection notices the author received before she finally got a publishing contract for Anne of Green Gables. In candid, lively writing that carefully separates fact from supposition, Kjelle follows the prolific writer through her career, offering detailed insight into Montgomery's personal life along the way. Boxes containing additional facts about Montgomery (she was a passionate photographer and avid scrapbook maker) break up the long columns of text, as do numerous photos, including stills from the movie versions of her books. A fine resource for reports, this title in the Who Wrote That? series will draw fans of Montgomery's books, who will be intrigued by the parallels between the author's biography and her fictional orphan Anne Shirley. Extensive back matter includes notes, a chronology, lists of Montgomery's published works and characters, and suggested reading. Other recent titles in the series introduce Avi, Robert Cormier, and E. B. White.