CM Magazine: Remarkable People.

________________ CM . . . . Volume XVII Number 24. . . .February 25th, 2011.

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Robert Pattinson. (Remarkable People).

Anita Yasuda.
New York, NY: Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2011.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $25.70 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-61690-155-4 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-61690-154-7 (hc.).

Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11.

Review by Sherry Faller.

**** / 4

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Shaun White. (Remarkable People).

Blaine Wiseman.
New York, NY: Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2011.
24 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $25.70 (hc.).
ISBN 978-1-60596-998-5 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-60596-997-8 (hc.).

Subject Headings:
English language-Alphabet-Juvenile literature.
Alphabet books.
White, Shaun, 1986-Juvenile Literature.
Snowboarders-United States-Biography-Juvenile Literature.

Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11.

Review by Sherry Faller.

**** / 4

excerpt:

Snowboarding and skateboarding are the two most popular extreme sports. Snowboarders race down a snow-covered hill performing tricks and stunts. They fly though the air, strapped to a board, twisting and flipping in order to earn points. Skateboarding is similar to snowboarding. A skateboard, however, is much smaller than a snowboard and has wheels on the bottom. (FromShaun White.)

The "Remarkable People" series includes books about notable people like Edward Kennedy and Nelson Mandela, entertainers like Robert Pattinson and Taylor Swift and sports greats like Shaun White. To this point, there are nine books in the series. All follow the familiar biographical format: growing up, key events in the person's life, influences, obstacles and achievements and successes. However, this series doesn't stop with the expected. New features include 'Get to Know …', information about the person's geographical home or birthplace, and 'Thoughts From …', notes with the person's quotes tacked to a cork board. Quick Facts are bulleted and definition boxes explain the tools of the person's trade. The professions are explained in simple language, and other people with the same profession are displayed on small, collector-type cards, with photos included.

     The Robert Pattinson biography explains how he became an actor by attending a special school known for music and drama. Some notable movies he has performed in are: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as Cedric Diggory and the new Twilight series where he plays the vampire, Edward Cullen. Any Twilight fans will love this book! The sections 'What is an Actor' and 'Actors 101' will be especially interesting to any future actors.

     The Shaun White biography explains Shaun's steps toward becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both the winter and summer X Games, something no other athlete has done. Readers can learn about California, his home state. Shaun's fame for showcasing his Double McTwist 1260 or the 'Tomahawk' on the snowboard is illustrated with fabulous action shots. Of further interest is his involvement in the Target House which helps children with severe health problems.

     These books would make a wonderful foundation for students who want to write their own biography. A 'Write a Biography' section explains the process and includes a planning graphic organizer. Also helpful to students are the contents, index, words to know section and a timeline. Not only does the timeline feature key events in the person's life, but it also includes world events for the same years. The fluent writing style, colourful, captioned photos and organized layout add to the enjoyment of these books.

     Weigel's new AV² series of media enhanced books is a unique combination of published, hand-held books with exciting on-line extensions. After reading the book, readers are encouraged to learn more by going to www.av2books.com. Online, they can see web links, videos clips, activities to try and other features such as audio clips, key word vocabulary games, slide shows and quizzes.

Highly Recommended.

Sherry Faller is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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