ALA Booklist (Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2013)

From the African-American Collective Biographies series, this volume introduces nine significant figures in rock and soul music: Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Little Richard, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Prince. After a general introduction to rock and soul music, each chapter looks at the individual performer's life, career, musical style, achievements, and contributions to the field. Two well-chosen photos appear in each chapter, and about half the illustrations are in color. Each chapter includes a time line and a Career Highlights box, source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography appear in the back matter. The text is lively and sometimes opinionated. And while readers may occasionally disagree with Aretha's opinions, there's no denying the clarity of the writing or the enthusiasm he brings to the subject. The only thing missing is the music itself, and that's readily available online. A fresh introduction to a timeless subject.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

These volumes profile eminent African American figures from various cultural fields. Each icon has his or her own chapter offering basic biographical information, archival photographs (some appear doctored), career highlights, and a timeline. This series is suitable for introductions but not in-depth research. Readers may be distracted by a hodgepodge of graphics and borders. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

School Library Journal (Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

FEINSTEIN, Stephen . Incredible African-American Jazz Musicians . ISBN 978-1-59845-137-5 . LC 2010025167. FEINSTEIN, Stephen . Inspiring African-American Civil Right Leaders . ISBN 978-1-59845-136-8 . LC 2011019952. GRAHAM, Amy . Celebrated African-American Novelists . ISBN 978-1-59845-138-2 . LC 2011019953. NEIS, Therese . Extraordinary African-American Poets . ISBN 978-1-59845-139-9 . LC 2011019954. YOUNG, Jeff C . Amazing African-American Actors . ISBN 978-1-59845-135-1 . LC 2011019951. ea vol: 112p. (African-American Collective Biographies Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. CIP. Enslow . 2012. PLB $31.93. Gr 5-9 These volumes illuminate 8 to 10 notable individuals from various categories. Featured subjects are chosen from various time periods, beginning with earlier figures and working up to the present day. For example, Actors covers Paul Robeson (1898-1976) to Halle Berry (1966). An introductory chapter places the individuals' lives in historical, social, and political context, and then devotes one chapter for each subject. The people profiled range from little known to well known (e.g., Novelists explores the life and work of both Harriet Adams Wilson and Toni Morrison). Each book is attractively laid out and organized. The texts flow well, and color and black-and-white photos are pleasingly reproduced.