(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Ten-year-old slave Oney appreciates that her mistress, Martha Washington, treats her well, but as she matures and her circumstances change with the times, she grows determined to become free. The subject matter is compelling, but the pages are text-heavy and the telling is rather banal. Meanwhile, the art is delicate and detailed though not especially sure-handed. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Karen Ritz. With soft illustrations on almost every page, the first-ever first lady is presented as a gracious hostess and a selfless helpmate to George. Beyond that, little about her own life and personality is included--the emphasis is on the historic events of the emerging United States. A period portrait of young Martha Custis (Washington), an afterword, and a timeline are included.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. The lives of six famous figures are profiled in clear prose and illustrated with black-and-white photographs, reproductions, and maps. Information boxes provide diverting sidelights to the well-documented texts, and each volume ends with a chapter reiterating the achievements and historical legacy of the subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta