Yuri Kochiyama (Leaders Like Us)

The clearly delineated, digital artwork suggests setting subtly, while drawing the eye toward the people discussed and expressing their emotions simply. An appealing biography series for young readers.

Gr 1-4--Brief introductions to mostly unknown but noteworthy leaders are presented in these four colorfully illustrated titles. José Feliciano, despite his blindness, taught himself guitar and created music that appeals to millions. Puerto Rican migrant Pura Belpré became New York's first Hispanic librarian and began bilingual story times so Spanish-speaking children could participate. Indian immigrant Dalip Singh Saund championed citizenship for people from his country and went on to become the first Asian American congressman. Yuri Kochiyama felt the sting of injustice as a World War II Japanese internee and spent the rest of her life fighting for the rights of the disadvantaged. While these volumes do not go into great detail about their subjects, they do provide suitable introductions to mostly lesser known figures. The illustrations are beautifully integrated with the text, giving these titles great appeal for young readers. VERDICT Given that there are few biographies out there on these significant, though less famous, people and these volumes are nice presentations, selectors will do well to consider for purchase.

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The latest volumes in the attractive Leaders Like Us series introduce young readers to a diverse group of Americans who have worked for justice and against discrimination on many levels. Dalip Singh Saund tells of a young man who left India to study agriculture in California, helped overturn the law barring Indian immigrants from citizenship, and later became the first Asian American and first Sikh elected to Congress. José Feliciano introduces a boy, blind since birth, whose Puerto Rican family moved to New York City in 1945. Playing his guitar for hours every day, he wrote songs, performed, and later brought people together through his music. Pura Belpré chronicles the life of New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, who started a collection of children's books in Spanish, conducted bilingual programs, and wrote books based on folktales she heard as a child. Yuri Kochiyama presents the life of a notable American activist. Kochiyama's family was incarcerated for two years with other Japanese Americans during WWII. Afterwards, she fought against injustice and promoted the "togetherness of all peoples." The clearly delineated, digital artwork suggests setting subtly, while drawing the eye toward the people discussed and expressing their emotions simply. An appealing biography series for young readers. —Carolyn Phelan Booklist, October 2023