John Bankston

Junky design. Everything else about this book is reasonably good, though. The illustrations are the usual mix of photographs of real artifacts from the time and of improbable 19th century illustrations of Vikings. The text is rather good. There is a chronology of Leif's life, and a timeline of Viking exploration and history. There is a glossary, some actually informative maps, and a pronunciation guide for the many Scandinavian names.

In this biography, author John Bankston has managed to make the rather sexy career of actress Alyssa Milano sound squeaky-clean. Even while referencing interviews in Maxim and Stuff magazines, Bankston has done quite a bit to clean up Milano's image. While useful for it's intended purpose, which I assume is Elementary age kids doing a book report, this is not an in-depth study. I doubt anyone expects it to be.
Interestingly, though other books in this series include a complete filmography, show more Milano's is "selected."
Also, I was not aware that Milano was running a big campaign to stop celebrity internet porn and I question that information being included in a book geared towards children.
As always, an extra 1/2 star to any book that references Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which this does twice. show less

Summary:

The blue banner of Kevin Durant is about a young man who grew up in a violent area, but became better than his surrounding and greater than the statistics. He rose to the occasion after one year of college with Texas and became drafted in the NBA. He pursues to be the face of Oklahoma City by donating millions of dollars for victims in need.

Personal Reaction:

I have a brother who is pursuing to be in the NBA, and after reading this book he became even more motivated to see where show more Durant came from to know that he can do to become greater than his environment.

Classroom Extensions:

1. Take the children who dreams to be in the NBA to a college game. show less

This biography of the 1950s Rock and Roll singer Ritchie Valens is well done, with large, eye-catching photographs of the young singer at various times in his life. His story is told chronologically, with catchy chapter titles, such as “A Troubled Home, and “Fame!” The font is large, and the sentences fairly short. Yet, this does not cause the story to appear as if it were a children’s book.
Ritchie’s personality, his development as a musician, his financial struggles, and his show more untimely death are described with clarity and dignity. Some fascinating details of Ritchie’s career and song writing are also revealed, which makes him seem even more human and appealing.
Many young adults, especially those of Hispanic of origin, should find this biography inspiring and uplifting. This book is a must for every middle school library collection. show less