Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World
Charlesbridge, 2005
Akira to Zoltán: Twenty-six Men Who Changed the World
Charlesbridge, 2006

Ages 9+

Cynthia Chin-Lee's Amelia to Zora, published in 2005, was an alphabet-style ode to twenty-six women who, whether acknowledged in history books or not, have been responsible for remarkable and inspiring feats. Spanning two centuries and gleaned from various cultures and nations, Chin-Lee managed to cover a wide range of dreams and hard work, revealing women's contributions to all aspects of life.

Now Akira to Zoltán, following in its footsteps, highlights twenty-six men who have made a positive impact in the world. By no means comprehensive, the author's choice of subjects is creative and commendable: in the author's note at the end of the book, for example, she says she particularly sought out peacemakers.  The use of first names in the alphabetical ordering, rather than family names, really helps bring the subjects closer to the reader. As we read their concise but lively biographical sketches, we feel that Cesar (Chavez), Diego (Rivera), Akira (Kurosawa) could be our neighbors, our cousins, ourselves...Their portraits are enticing enough to inspire further reading and the desire in young people to make a difference by living a life true to themselves. A quote from Langston Hughes in L is for Langston points the way: "You have to learn to be yourself, natural and undeceived as to who you are, calmly and surely you".

Illustrators Megan Halsey and Sean Addy's gorgeous collage-paintings use scraps and vintage material to great effect, adding another layer of interest to the portrayed cameos.

Bookshelves should be so lucky to be graced with the presence of these inspiring men and women.

Aline Pereira
November 2006