From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–These clearly written, factual biographies emphasize the integrity and determination that led to each individual's success. Each title begins with a vignette about the subject's adulthood before turning to a chronological recounting of important people, events, and accomplishments in their lives. Brooks moves beyond dates and facts to help readers understand the poet's personality, important relationships, and philosophies. All of the books include the subjects' encounters with and responses to racism, as well as the careers/talents that bolstered their confidence and resolve to succeed. Orange sidebars provide historical background on such topics as affirmative action, segregation, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Great Migration. Green boxes provide extrapolated or additional material. The captioned color photos add to the visual appeal; those that are black and white offer a glimpse into early- and mid-20th-century America. Although Brooks exceeds the quality of the other two books in both organization and writing style, all three are valuable contributions to general collections.–Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. The first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize, in 1950, Brooks wrote poetry about the people she knew in her segregated South Side Chicago neighborhood. Later, feminists would credit her for being one of the first writers to treat the lives of everyday women in serious poetry. Readers will want more about the poetry itself (at least a quote from "We Real Cool"), but this lively, readable title in the African American Biography Library series provides plenty about Brooks' personal life and her politics as she moved from her early integrationist views to militant support for black liberation. The series design is spacious, with lots of photos, colored boxes, and detailed chapter notes, and the bibliography will take readers right to the poetry. Rosa Parks, Colin Powell, and Oprah Winfrey are among others profiled in the series. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
