J. K. Rowling

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-These series titles are offered as "non-fictionalized stories that present the lives of contemporary, multicultural role models." The font size, ample white space, and vocabulary make them appropriate for transitional and reluctant readers. After introductory chapters about each author's popularity, information is presented in brief, chronological chapters. The material in Rowling is presented in an even manner but the text in Sendak is sometimes choppy and confusing. Additionally, there is some misinformation. (The first line of the book states that Where the Wild Things Are was Sendak's first picture book. It wasn't.) There are too many inaccuracies in this book to recommend purchase. Margin notes clue readers in to what can be found in the texts, but not all correspond to information found on the same page. Each book contains quotes, but the sources are not noted. Average-quality, black-and-white captioned photographs are scattered throughout each volume. Sendak has a list of his selected works, but neither title has a list for further reading. Libraries owning S. Ward's Meet J. K. Rowling (Rosen, 2001) will not need Gaines's title; stick with the collective biographies you already have to supply information on Sendak.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.