November 1, 2014
Gr 3-5-The books are well organized, featuring sidebars full of fascinating tidbits about these tech icons' hobbies and family histories. Each profile mentions the individual's salary, as well as their charitable contributions. Readers get a clear sense of the arc of their lives, from childhood experiences to higher education. Those interested in technology fields will come away with an understanding of conventional and unconventional paths to success. Graphic design is strong, with multiple photos of each person at different ages (one winner: Jeff Bezos posing in a garage full of books-the first Amazon retail warehouse). However, the writing is serviceable, and at times, one craves more elaboration. For instance, we learn that premed student Marissa Mayer became "bored" with coursework in brain surgery, but never find out why, which seems a missed opportunity to develop the unfolding of her career path.
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