Reed

Grade 5–8—These biographies are short enough not to intimidate yet long enough to impart the enormity of the tyrants' atrocities. Amin explores the dictator's personal life and boxing hobby as well as his penchant for murdering those he suspected of treason. Zedong illustrates the Communist leader's growing desire for a cult following and for complete control of the Chinese people's thoughts, finances, and property. Opening with a description of Zedong's ruthlessness as an early revolutionary, Heuston follows him through the 82 years of his life, describing his devastating impact on China. Black-and-white photos, maps of Uganda and of China, time lines of the men's lives, and labeled webs showing their allies and enemies will assist readers in placing these brutal figures in their time and place, and make the books accessible.—Natalie Teske, The First Academy Royal Library, Orlando, FL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.