Shania Twain

Children's Literature - Joyce Rice

Shania Twain, born Eileen Twain in Windsor, Ontario, was destined to be a leader. Eileen was the oldest of five children. Entertaining was always a part of her life. When she was three, while her family enjoyed lunch in a local diner, she sang along with the jukebox. In first grade, although she sang her heart out, classmates laughed at the six-year-old trying to sing country music. Eileen had a promising career waiting for her. When her parents were killed in an accident in 1987, Eileen became the parent for her younger siblings. Not until the last one was grown would she consider her music career again. This is part of the "Real-Life Reader Biography" series, which presents contemporary role models for young readers.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-The publisher's stated aim with these titles is to present role models to children, and because of that, they lean toward fawning reverence for these stars and their accomplishments, and are largely uncritical. This is a concern with Garth Brooks in particular, considering the recent criticism that he has abandoned his art for the goal of selling more albums than the Beatles. Shania Twain briefly addresses the controversy over the star's Native American heritage, but states that her claim is technically correct as she was raised by her stepfather, a full-blooded Ojibwa, and was adopted into his tribe. A significant problem with both books is the lack of citations for the quotations attributed to the stars and to others who know them. Black-and-white publicity photos add little to the presentations. Serviceable additions for high interest/low reading level collections.-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.