Presented in comic-book format in hopes of attracting reluctant readers, these biographies provide little more than an illustrated timeline of events in the subjects' lives. Missing details regarding motivations behind their actions and only vague references to historical context leave giant holes in these biographies. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

DUNN, Joeming Cesar Chavez illus. by Rod Espinosa. ISBN 978-1-60270-172-4 LC 2007051501. DUNN, Joeming Clara Barton illus. by Rod Espinosa. ISBN 978-1-60270-170-0 LC 2007051495. ea vol: 32p. (Bio-Graphics Series). chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon/Graphic Planet 2008. PLB $18.95. Gr 3-5 These biographies fail to spark interest in the lives of the absorbing and exciting people they illustrate. The characters interact stiffly on the pages and are bland and lifeless. The graphics are flat and show little movement, action, or vibrant color. The texts give the basic facts, but the dialogue and art do little to enliven the stories. Children will learn to appreciate these figures from many better sources. Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT