Chapman, Ty. Jason Reynolds: Groundbreaking Storyteller. Gateway Biographies. Lerner, 01/2024. 48pp. Biography. PLB $33.32. 979-8765610459. Paper $11.99. 979-8765623831. GRADES 4–6. ADDITIONAL.
SERIES REVIEW. These series biographies introduce middle-grade readers to people in the news. Readers may already know something about the person, but these titles will help provide more details about the person’s life and about their importance to today’s culture. Each title quickly covers their early years, before spending more time on what led the person to become well known and what they have done since. The two titles reviewed (Rihanna and Jason Reynolds) include discussions of their songs or books and how these creative works impacted the world, plus the many other activities, businesses, and roles they are involved in. Color photographs are sprinkled throughout the text, along with a few text boxes providing a little more detail on specific topics. Enough coverage to explain the who/what/why of the subject.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library