Ducks Have Ducklings

June 1, 2007
Gr 4-8 -The extraordinary life of Will Rogers, born the same year Edison invented the light bulb, is chronicled in simply written, accessible language. Most children today will not know that this witty cowboy comedian of Cherokee heritage was a nationally known newspaper columnist and ranked as one of Hollywood's biggest stars. As interesting as his rise to fame was, the book's format is so report-driven that it lacks a spark that a truly excellent biography can generate. Boxy sidebars are scattered throughout with quotations, definitions, or explanations of related topics. For example, one sidebar explains how "the word lariat comes from the Spanish phrasela riata, meaning the rope,'" and continues to explain what lariats are made of and who used them. Informational? Yes. Exciting? Not really. Attractive black-and-white photographs, many of them full-page, are included. A spacious six-page "Life and Times" time line compares events in Rogers's life to other world events for perspective, perhaps to meet the 100-page assignment requirement for so many students. The six-word glossary is so minimal as to be almost unnecessary. Despite its lack of thrills, this book serves as a decent introduction and overview to Rogers's life and will fulfill report or assignment needs.Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

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