Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1991)

Photographs. The author of 'Ragtime Tumpie' (Joy Street) presents a stimulating portrait of the celebrated and glamorous entertainer. Particularly interesting are the chapters on her role in the French Resistance during World War II, her adoption of twelve multiracial children, and her struggles with racial discrimination. Bibliography, index.

Kirkus Reviews

A workmanlike entry in the Black Americans of Achievement'' series. Flashing back from Baker's historic 1926 debut at the Folies-Bergare, Schroeder covers her poverty-stricken childhood in East St. Louis, her career in black vaudeville, and her rise to world-class entertainer. He briefly discusses Baker's three marriages (the first was at age 13) and other personal details, but the informing theme here is her dedication to overcoming the racist attitudes she continually confronted, culminating in her struggle to build and support a multi racial family: theRainbow Tribe.'' Schroeder, also the author of a fictional picture book about Baker (Ragtime Tumpie, 1989), reports incidents effectively but brings neither motives nor relationships to life. Useful for assignments, but not as memorable as his earlier book. (Biography. 10+)"

School Library Journal (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Gr 7-10-- Due to a recent television movie, there may be renewed interest in this multitalented individual who overcame difficult odds to succeed. At the age of 13, dressed in a skirt of bananas, Baker dazzled and riveted her audience in Paris during a performance at the Folies-Bergere. She soon became the toast of European entertainment and enjoyed superstardom as the highest paid entertainer of her era. This was no small feat for a woman who was born in St. Louis in 1906 to a washerwoman and endured a childhood of poverty. This biography probes beneath the glamour, flamboyance, and controversy surrounding this international star to reveal a woman who was a crusader for racial equality and a strong supporter of the Allies' effort during World War II. Schroeder details her subject's early struggles to make a name for herself in the United States and the impact that she had in Europe, a place that allowed her freedom and mobility which--even with her stardom--she was unable to obtain in this country. The author provides a balanced portrayal by relating how personal flaws, poor business decisions, and health problems contributed to Baker's decline in status. Black-and-white photographs appear throughout, some of which strikingly capture the essence of Baker. This biography aptly illustrates how, beneath the sensationalism and immense wealth that later surrounded her, Baker tried to leave a legacy for the world to emulate. --Jeanette Lambert, LaVega School, Waco, TX