From Booklist
Reviewed with Karen Brandon's Arnold Schwarzenegger.Gr. 5-8. Remarkably similar in format, length, grade level, and content, these two biographies introduce Arnold Schwarzenegger from his childhood in Austria through his election as governor of California. Both books are informative and interesting, and they show their subject in a positive light while also discussing areas of controversy. Each includes photos, sidebars, and extensive source notes for the many quotes. Brandon's biography, from the People in the News series, appends a time line and an annotated lists of recommended books and Web sites. A 5-page source bibliography comments on 13 books. Along with source notes, Sexton's book, part of the A & E Biography series, appends a list of the actor's films, a selected source bibliography, and 8 titles (of which 5 were also published by Lerner) recommended for further reading on subjects from Schwarzenegger to Ronald Reagan to Jesse Ventura to Austrian cooking. Although Sexton's book looks more inviting, with more white space, larger type, and color as well as black-and-white photos, Brandon's presentation offers a more detailed and compelling portrait. Carolyn Phelan
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Arnold Schwarzenegger FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Anita Barnes Lowen
As a young man in Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger told his friends that he wanted to be the best body builder ever, to be a big movie star, to marry a beautiful and intelligent woman and to be rich and powerful. Amazingly, he accomplished it all. Born in Austria, Arnold was a small and sickly child. Interested in sports, he tried swimming, boxing, gymnastics and soccer, but none of these seemed right. It was not until Arnold visited a gym and saw a weight lifter that he "found the answer he had been seeking"—body building. His success as a body builder earned Arnold movie and television roles and his growing celebrity status earned him invitations to star-studded events. At one such event he met Maria Shriver, a member of the legendary Kennedy family, whom he eventually married. Over time his interest in politics grew and in 2003 Arnold announced that he would run for governor of California. Amazingly, this man who had never before held public office won the election. A straightforward and timely account of an out-of-the-ordinary life. At the end of the book, reader will find a filmography, a list of sources, a selected bibliography, suggestions for further reading and an index. 2005, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 12 up.
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