Booklist
Gr. 6-9. Books in the Authors Teens Love series provide introductions to the lives and works of famous writers. Bradbury presents a well-organized biography of the writer as well as plot descriptions of his most famous books. Though written for the same series, Tolkien clearly goes a step beyond the typical series book, offering a more perceptive and more detailed, satisfying portrayal of its subject. Tolkien is a few pages longer than Bradbury, and also makes better use of space. Although bradbury includes many relevant images, several pages are devoted to large photos of famous people with tenuous connections to the writer and his work. tolkien has fewer photos, but they better illustrate aspects the subject. Each volume includes a great deal of back matter: a time line, a list of selected works, a glossary, detailed chapter notes, and lists of recommended books and Internet sites. bradbury features a short interview with the writer; Tolkien has a section called "In His Own Words," quoting three interviews with the writer. A series worth watching. Carolyn Phelan
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