Life Portraits

* Reviews *

Series Review: Life PortraitsThe writing is lively and interesting, often reading like a story. The material is presented in an understandable format with information providing historical context found in sidebars and text boxes. The books are filled with clear, crisp, photographs, and occasional maps...Each of these titles was interesting, informative, and right on mark for students looking for a well done biography and one that is not too long...RECOMMENDED.Library Media ConnectionSeries Review:...these books are well executed and welcome choices for libraries that need coverage of the eight individuals currently in this series...these narratives seem immediate and compelling. A great deal of additional content...provides a sense of history, clarification on a handful of less familiar terms, and context on the subjects most significant contributions. Many photos, images, and sidebars, as well as the expected back matter contribute to well-done volumes that inform without being didactic and educate without preaching.VOYABook Review: Steve Jobs: The Brilliant Mind behind Apple Imbimbo offers an absorbing portrait of his charismatic subject, beginning with Jobs introduction of the iPhone and then tracing back to Jobs first early teen encounters with computers. Many young people will see themselves in the lengthy anecdotes of the young, rebellious free thinker who struggled to find classes that engaged him. Numerous quotes from coworkers and from Jobs himself add to the balanced profile, which includes frank details about the challenges others found working and maintaining relationships with the driven mogul. Clear, color photos of Jobs throughout his life, an interview with Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak, an extensive time line, and a bibliography with chapter notes complete this well-researched, high-interest entry in the Life Portraits series.Gillian Engberg, Booklist