"The Gateway Biographies series does a fine job of introducing people who have made a difference in the world. A welcome addition to this circle is Aly Raisman, which profiles the Olympic medalist and U.S. gymnastics team captain. Along with detailing her hard work to achieve her goals, the book discusses the sexual-abuse scandal surrounding team doctor Larry Nassar and how Raisman has become an advocate for victim organizations. Martin Luther King Jr. gives a rather staid examination of an already well-covered life. Few of King's speeches or writings are quoted, but the trajectory of activism makes for interesting reading.

Never Again breaks new ground as it tells the story of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students who became activists after 17 fellow students were killed during a school shooting. Individual students, like David Hogg and Emma Gonzalez, are profiled, and their efforts for stricter gun laws are detailed, showing how effective teen activism can be. Taylor Swift spotlights the pop star's determination to be in the music business, both as a writer and performer, clearly conveying how pursuing her dreams also meant giving up certain things, for instance, a normal teenage life. These books are well written and, for the most part, quite engaging. Sharp photographs and a judicious use of sidebars make for an attractive format that adds to the books' appeal."--starred, Booklist.