Entries in the Sterling Biographies series offer approachable introductions to their subjects' lives in novel-size paperbacks filled with color images. Mullin's biography of Thomas Jefferson surveys the president's life and career, blending facts and anecdotes, all in lively language. Single-page focus boxes include controversial subjects, such as Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings. Unfortunately, the book is unsourced ere are not even notes for quotes. Sources are particularly missed when Mullin makes assertions about Jefferson's private thoughts and feelings: "Jefferson smiled feebly at his friends' stories, all the while feeling as though someone were cutting out his heart." Still, the appealing format and rich assortment of color illustrations, which include numerous photos of Jefferson's inventions and documents, will draw students, who can use this as a good starting place before moving on to more reliably sourced titles. A glossary and a bibliography conclude.

Gr 5-8-Attractive, readable biographies. Although Hodge opens with a brief explanation of why the Kennedy years are known as "Camelot," both books are arranged in chronological order, moving through each man's childhood, education, marriage and family life, public career, and death. The authors include many anecdotes that will hold readers' attention and help them understand each individual's personality and character. Flaws and mistakes are mentioned, but the books' overall tone is admiring, with Hodge concentrating on Kennedy's unrealized potential for greatness and inspirational vision of America and Mullin emphasizing Jefferson's formidable intellect and contributions to the young nation. A sidebar acknowledges that Jefferson was the likely father of Sally Hemings's children. Both books are lavishly illustrated with color and black-and-white photos, portraits, and period artwork. They include bibliographies, but not documentation. Joyce Milton's John F. Kennedy (DK, 2003) discusses Kennedy's indiscretions and character flaws in greater detail; Jefferson is more interesting and has more detail than Jeri Chase Ferris's Thomas Jefferson: Father of Liberty (Carolrhoda, 1998). Both books would be helpful to report writers, but are also interesting enough to recommend for general reading.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.