This one's a little biography of Christopher Columbus, written for middle school students. It focuses on Columbus' drive, first to become a sailor and then to find backers for his plan to reach the Far East by sailing westward. The book features Columbus in a positive light, obviously, though it is fair in recounting his acceptance of slavery and general arrogance. While I would only consider it waiting room material, it does serve as a good biography to introduce one to the life of this influential figure of history.
--J. ( )