Gr. 7-10. Vladimir Putin may not be a subject with instant appeal for YA readers, but the changes through which he has lived certainly make for a wonderful history lesson. Sparse on personal details and strong on professional and political information, this title in the A&E Biography series begins with teenage Putin going straight to the offices of the KGB and inquiring about how to become an employee. Advised to study law, Putin found his path to a political career that would take several detours over the decades as the former Soviet Union changed ideologically and socially. Frequent color photos and sidebars on specific topics--from World War II to Chechnya--add vitality to the otherwise straightforward narrative. End matter includes brief source notes, a bibliography comprising scholarly works for adults, and a list of books and Web sites appropriate for further student research.
