DOWN, Susan Brophy . Muhammad Ali: The Greatest . ISBN 978-0-7787-1034-9 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-1043-1 . ea vol: 112p. (Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies Series). chron. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Crabtree . 2013. lib. ed. $33.27; pap. $12.95. ebook available. Gr 7 Up The unsavory bits of these icons' stories are not glossed over. Rather, the subjects' weaknesses and words (such as the Beatles' drug use and a Muhammad Ali quotation that uses the "n" word) are delivered in a straightforward manner. Through the use of sidebars, quotations, and black-and-white photographs, readers are given not only information about the subjects themselves, but also about cultural events of the time. In The Beatles , each member's life receives coverage from child to adulthood. The stars' musical influences and successors, controversies, and personal relationships and conflicts are examined. This volume also touches upon other popular musicians, Eastern influences in both music and philosophy, and drugs. Muhammad Ali discusses the boxer's upbringing, religious beliefs, contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and protestation of the war in Vietnam. It also includes text on Jim Crow laws, the social reforms of the 1960s, the Nation of Islam, and the sport of boxing. Despite a few typographical errors in Muhammad Ali , these titles are worthy resources for most libraries. Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

Beatlemania lives on according to this new entry in the Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies series. Brief individual chronicles of the upbringing of each of the Fab Four are followed by how they came together and rocketed to stardom while changing the face of the popular-music industry along the way. The narrative ends by detailing the problems that ensued with their success and how each member went off on his own. Rife with superlatives ("insanely popular," "top-selling band of all time," "most influential music group in history"), the case is made that the Beatles stand out even among the pop music marvels from other generations. Engaging and fast-paced keeping with the group's meteoric rise is will have readers downloading the music and adding it to their playlists. The format includes a sprinkling of photographs and lengthy sidebars on related topics such as "The Women with the Beatles" and "Beatle Babies." The annotated time line and list of web links leading to video clips are especially valuable.