(3) K-3 Masterminds series. Born into slavery, Carver went on to make lasting contributions to agricultural science and education; his research and crop innovations helped African American farmers survive in the early 1900s. This straightforward biography covers Carver's work and his legacy. The uncluttered page design features well-captioned color and archival black-and-white photographs that extend the information in the accessible text. A table of contents, glossary, and index give readers practice with nonfiction conventions. A reading list, websites, and a simple timeline are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 This exciting middle-grade adaptation of the coauthors' adult book (of the same title) follows the breathless intrigue of a spy ring orchestrated by Washington during the American Revolution. In short illustrated chapters, level-appropriate prose detailing the tactics and subterfuge will thrill even reluctant nonfiction readers. Appendices include information about using invisible ink and alphabet codes. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA This book uncovers details of the lives of six people enslaved at Mount Vernon under George Washington. McClafferty pieces together information from a variety of primary sources, including Washington's own writings (excerpts of many such documents are reprinted here). A final chapter discusses contemporary archaeological study of Mount Vernon's slave cemetery. Full-color photographs, documents, and maps bring the extensive research to life. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 In the summer of 1775, Washington arrives in Massachusetts to lead rebel forces against British troops occupying Boston. Orgill's free-verse poems span a year and feature the perspectives of ten historical figures (including Washington's "servant-slave") and one fictional boy. The extensively researched novel highlights a pivotal time in U.S. history and illuminates small moments in individual lives. Map. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 I Can Read Book series. Illustrated by Chin Ko. These early-reader biographies offer simple narratives that touch on highlights of these (frequently covered) subjects' lives. Large font is surrounded by plenty of white space to aid emerging readers. The cartoonlike illustrations are slick but occasionally emotive; an appendix includes photographs and/or period paintings as well as contextual information. Timeline. Review covers these I Can Read Book titles: Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Giselle Potter. In Hopkinson's admittedly "made-up tale" based on the female author of American Cookery, the first American cookbook, orphan Amelia Simmons learns to cook from a Patriot townswoman and goes on to bake thirteen cakes served at Washington's inauguration. Entertaining--and informative of Revolutionary-era domesticity--the charming story pairs well with Potter's flattened folk art in watercolor and ink. A historical author's note is appended. Websites.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA American Royalty series. What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers. Review covers these American Royalty titles: The Royal Birthday, The Royal Dream, The Royal Expectation, The Royal Queen's Reign, The Royal Summit, and The Royal Weddings.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. Quirk employs a breezy, conversational tone to explore four of the famous feuds of early American history, beginning with King George III and George Washington. Sections start with illustrative epigraphs from both participants; dates are frequently provided as chapter heads to orient readers in history. Piquant quotes and revealing anecdotes bring this briskly paced, humorously illustrated historical survey to life. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2017

(3) YA Presidential Powerhouses series. Through these significant presidencies, this thorough series examines crucial periods in America's history: the birth of a fledgling nation, the War of 1812, the Great Depression and WWII, and the dawn of America's "New Frontier." Each president's early life, administration milestones, and ultimate legacy are discussed in detailed chapters filled with maps and period photos or illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Presidential Powerhouses titles: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency, George Washington's Presidency, John F. Kennedy's Presidency, and James Madison's Presidency.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. This biography for emerging readers provides a chronological account of Carver's life, from his birth into slavery to his contributions to agriculture, science, and education. The narrative cursorily touches on obstacles faced by African Americans at the turn of the last century. "In His Own Words" boxes spotlight quotes from Carver himself. Captioned photos and illustrations help break up the serviceable text.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 First Facts: Life and Times series. This volume gives young readers a cursory explanation of the colonists' dissatisfaction with British rule and the push for independence; George Washington's role as leader of the Continental Army and his election as the first president are also featured. Illustrations, archival art, maps, and sidebars provide additional information and interest. Bold vocabulary words are defined on each page. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Zoom In on Incredible Inventors series. Providing the most basic information about these inventors' lives and legacies, these six Common Core Standard–aligned books may be useful to report-writing new readers. However, the simplified texts often raise more questions than answers, and some of the photos, paintings, and drawings could use captions or labels for clarity. Lists of quick stats and key dates are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Zoom In on Incredible Inventors titles: Alexander Graham Bell, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Henry Ford, Thomas A. Edison, and The Wright Brothers.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(4) K-3 Zoom In on Legendary Leaders series. These titles offer a superficial first glance at the lives of six influential leaders (all male), their accomplishments/impact on others, and their place in history. The historical photos, paintings, and drawings add depth to brief texts that align to Common Core Standards. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Zoom In on Legendary Leaders titles: Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, Cesar Chavez, George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Charlotte, James, and Baby John struggle to behave when President Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, the well-known artist Gilbert Stuart, who desperately seeks a smile from the serious, portrait-hating general. Carpenter's humorous pen, acrylic, and digital-media illustrations greatly enhance this historically inspired story, which will work particularly well in a classroom setting. An author's note adds information.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian