School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-These volumes provide information about the featured women's lives and include both color and black-and-white photos. The print is large and easy to read, perfect for beginner readers. Jemison documents the life of the first African-American woman astronaut. The text is clear and easy to understand. Unfortunately, many of the photographs from Jemison's early life are pictures of large buildings that do not add anything to the text. In addition, the narrative ends in 1994, following her resignation from NASA. Cisneros traces the Mexican-American dancer from her childhood until her retirement from the San Francisco Ballet. On the whole, the volume is well crafted, except for the inclusion of a photograph of a building in Huntington Beach, CA, that is ambiguously identified. Spengler does a good job of presenting the facts of Per-n's life in a way that young readers can understand both her successes and controversies as a political figure. The text is engaging and includes both personal and official photographs. In general, these titles are good for reports and are adequate additions for both school and public libraries.-Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This clearly written biography touches lightly on issues faced by ballet dancers, including long hours of practice and training, and their early retirement. Krohn also mentions Cisneros's difficulties with prejudice as a Mexican American dancer. Photographs of Cisneros's elegant arabesque and other career pictures are captivating; other photos are less effective. The simple text will aid struggling readers. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
