Colin Powell: A Man of Quality (People in Focus Book)

From his South Bronx childhood to his rising military career to his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a biography of Colin Powell discusses his personal beliefs and future

Grade 7-9?These biographies rely on both documentary materials and their subjects' own words to tell their stories. Both books are attractive and include black-and-white photos. Hughes devotes a good deal of space to Powell's youth and education, but also relates his subject's military career and family life in considerable detail. She draws on both published accounts for adults and on her own interview with Powell, an approach that allows readers to appreciate both his philosophy of hard work and education and his many achievements, and also understand how his values have contributed to his enormous popularity. Lazo describes Carter's early life, political career, and impressive post-presidential humanitarian efforts. She makes considerable use of Carter's own written words to tell his story, and clearly admires the man. While much of his record is deserving of this praise, the author fails to explain how his weaknesses undermined his presidency and eventually cost him the office. She also implies that Reagan was involved in a conspiracy to prevent the release of the hostages in Iran. Still, this book is more current than Daniel Richman's James E. Carter (Garrett, 1989), which offers a more balanced account of his presidency but does not include his recent activities. Lazo's title is a good complement to Carter's own Talking Peace (Dutton, 1995), which details his ideas on peace and human rights. Good choices for reports.?Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.