These straightforward, somewhat banal biographies feature large, easy-to-read texts and archival photos of varying quality. Sidebars provide further information and encourage literary analysis, web exploration, or investigation of graphs and charts. The books are invitingly designed and may appeal to reluctant readers. Back matter includes "Important Dates," "Key Works," and writing prompts. Reading list. Glos., ind.

BODDEN, Valerie . Mark Twain . ISBN 978-1-61783-719-7 ; ISBN 978-1-61480-810-7 . LC 2012946801. FROMOWITZ, Lori . Louisa May Alcott . ISBN 978-1-61783-715-9 ; ISBN 978-1-61480-806-0 . LC 2012946797. ea vol: 48p. (Great American Authors Series). charts. chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. maps. photos. reprods. websites. ABDO . 2013. PLB $32.79; ebook $22.95. Gr 5-9 These books, with their accessible texts, plethora of illustrations, and "pause and reflect" sidebars, should make a solid additions to any middle school collections. They will serve those looking for biographical material and literary analysis of these author's best-known works. A great feature is the "straight to the source" pages, which offer poems or passages from a piece of writing by the featured author and then ask readers to consider its big ideas. Other analytical questions are posed at the end of the books, and each one has useful, student-friendly back matter. Carol Fazioli, Barth Elementary School, Pottstown, PA