From Booklist
Part of Twayne's United States Authors series, this is a fine, readable introduction to Taylor's life and work. Crowe, a professor of English, shows how much of Taylor's fiction is rooted in her extended family's storytelling tradition and in her personal experience growing up with racism and violence, sustained by her family's loving support and pride. He discusses her books in their historical context, including her Newbery award winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1976), and provides a background chapter on the civil rights movement in Mississippi. In his final chapter, he answers those who criticize her books for their painful representation of racism and shows that she maintains a balance between realism and hope. Illustrated with many black-and-white family photos, this will interest YAs and teachers who want to know more about the writer and her times. Includes detailed source notes by chapter and a long bibliography. Hazel Rochman
