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This group of engrossing biographies focuses on people whose accomplishments have spear-headed a major shift in the American consciousness. Individual stories are combined with sociological information and insights into 20th-century America.

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School Library Journal Review

Gr 6-10-- Drawing on information from a vari ety of recent periodicals and personal memoirs, Bianchi recounts Koop's youth and early train ing, his dedication and contributions to pediat ric surgery and health care, and the major con troversies and contributions of his tenure as Surgeon General. In a somewhat adultatory but fairly evenhanded presentation, the author portrays her subject as a conservative who put aside his personal preferences and beliefs to become a statesman. She describes him as a man of courage, principle, and dedication, who managed to retain his integrity and have far- reaching influence in significant areas of health for the nation. His only flaw seems to be his workaholic habits, but his wife and family are purportedly understanding, supportive, and accepting of his way of life. A clear writing style marks this readable volume; good-quality black-and-white photographs break up the text. A serviceable addition to biography collec tions. --Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Gr. 6-12. The road from prominent Philadelphia surgeon to surgeon general of the U.S. was long and difficult for C. Everett Koop. His appointment was opposed by liberals because of his anti-abortion activism, and what is usually a routine Senate confirmation took nine months in his case. But if the appointment was controversial, his eight years as surgeon general were positively volatile. He antagonized his former conservative supporters and the administration by advocating sex education in elementary schools and by waging an all-out campaign against smoking. Bianchi manages to keep her own biases hidden as she states Koop's positions and the pragmatic compromises he had to make as surgeon general. She gives an interesting account of a complex man who remained true to his own principles in the face of overwhelming pressure and ridicule. Chapter notes; suggested readings. ~--Sheilamae O'Hara