The Family Romanov: murder, Rebellion, and the fall of imperial Russia / Candace Fleming / 292 pgs

This book moves back and forth comparing the over-the-top lavish lives of the Romanov's against the
poor, starving peasantry which made up the majority of the country.  Whenever possible, the author uses excerpts from original documents such as personal diaries or newspaper articles that describe the events of the time from a first person perspective.   This really brings the book to life so it is not just rehashing the dates and facts.

This book can be recommended to any teen or pre-teen that is a historical buff.   This book has been nominated for The YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award, ALSC Notable Children's Books - Older Readers, and Cybils Award for Nonfiction.

Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin/Robert Byrd/

A picture-book biography of a fascinating Founding Father.  A true Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin was the first American celebrity. In pictures and text, master artist Robert Byrd documents Franklin's numerous and diverse accomplishments, from framing the Constitution to creating bifocals.   Listed as an ALA Notable Children's Book for 2013.

Steve Jobs: the Man Who Thought Different/Karen Blumenthal/275 pages

You think you know who Steve Jobs is?  What the public saw barely scratched the surface of this enigmatic man.  While most inventors and other great cultural revolutionaries are often quite quirky, Jobs was at the extreme reaches.  He would throw tantrums and harshly berate his employees in front of others, then later be the definition of charm, making working for him extremely difficult.  As one employee said, He didn't invent computers, cell phones or portable music/audio devices, but he knew how to package them and make the world not only want one, but make them think they couldn't live without one. He single-handily changed the world and there is hardly anyone who hasn't been touched by one of his "inventions".
Blumenthal writes a teen biography that is easily read.  Steve Jobs: the Man Who Thought Different is listed on several recommended reading list.

	Top Ten Science and Health Books for Youth 2012 (Booklist) Top Ten Biographies for Youth 1012 (Booklist) ALA Notable Children's Books, 2013

Anne Frank remembered / Miep Gies with Alison Leslie Gold 264 p.

Thanks to Alison Leslie Gold who convinced Miep Gies to remember her days outside of the secret annex in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and her family and friends hid. Miep recounts those harsh, horrid, horrific days with simplicity, honesty and such clarity the one is there as she spends hours supporting the Franks.  This is a great book for those who wish to know more about Anne from one who was her protector as well as her special friend.

How they Croaked / Georgia Bragg 184 p.

Georgia Bragg tells the "awful ends of the awfully famous" with panache and humor. In chronological order, the deaths of 17 world figures including King Tut, Christopher Columbus, Henry VIII, Mozart, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein are described. King Tut’s illustrated how the Egyptians prepared mummies. A short biography tells of the importance of the person. Then comes the gore, rooted in medicine and science, about how each died. Medical practices were rather horrific. Some may find this disturbing. Kevin O’Malley’s cartoon illustrations complement Bragg’s approach to the subject.

2012 Notable Children's Books