Each simply written title in this series provides an adequate introduction to a notable African American. black-and-white photos, often poorly reproduced, extend the text. Large type and short sentences make these books suitable for use with reluctant readers. Along with a time line, an updated bibliography and a list of Internet addresses are included. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Great African Americans titles: Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Louis Armstrong, Marian Anderson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune.]

Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) was a journalist whose lifelong fight against discrimination began at age 16. A founder of the N.A.A.C.P., she was most effective in speaking and writing against the horror and injustice of lynching. Her story is outlined here in simple yet lively prose. Like the others in the new ``Great African Americans'' series (Ralph J. Bunche; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Marian Anderson), this serves as an introduction, the didactic feel exacerbated by boldfacing terms defined in a glossary and by the utilitarian line drawings that, with b&w photos, appear as illustrations. These will be more effective in the classroom than as additions to juvenile collections. No bibliography, sources, or index. (Biography. 7-9)"

Gr 2-4-- The McKissacks present their subjects in language that is simple, clear, and matter-of-fact. Fictionalizing is kept to a minimum. Incidents of racial bigotry appear as a matter of setting with almost no attempt at explanation or detail. The result is a short, bare-bones biography of each person. These are not extraordinary individuals who transcend the limitations of racism. Instead, they are people of such drive and determination that not even a racially biased society could provide effective obstacles to deter them from their goals. Accuracy, style, and content are consistent throughout; the abundance of exclamatory statements and questionable glossary entries are minor annoyances. Generous black-and-white photos with informative captions and pen-and-ink drawings augment as well as illustrate the texts. --Phyllis Stephens, Rye Free Reading Room, NY