FIRST FACTS ABOUT AMERICAN HEROES

This entry in the First Facts series offers colorful snapshot biographies of 42 Americans in several accessible sections: ``Colonial America,'' ``American Revolution,'' ``Early United States,'' ``Civil War Era,'' ``Heroes of the West,'' ``Early Twentieth Century,'' and ``America Since 1950.'' Each section is introduced by a description of the era and a chronology of significant events. King presents each hero or heroine in an attractive two-page spread that includes black-and-white or full- color paintings, photographs, and tinted engravings. The layout is quite good, making the information immediate; an abundance of pictures makes the book a treat to browse. The selection of figures is eclectic in the best sense, for the list includes people across the cultural, racial, and political spectrums. A well-organized, skillful presentation. (chronology, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10+)