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Book Reviews

Awards: 

2021 Black Authors Matter Award sponsored by the National Black Book Festival

Reviews:

April 2022:

Leaders Like Us (Rourke/Discovery Library)

Booklist

Books in the Leaders like Us picture-book series introduce Black Americans who excelled in their fields. Written with clarity and organized logically, each volume focuses on one notable individual. The large-format volumes are brightened with Quartey’s illustrations, which use simplified forms and unusual color combinations effectively. In Cathy Hughes, readers meet media-maven Hughes, whose childhood love of radio led her to broadcasting, ownership of a radio station that reflected her community’s interests and developing and leading media company with radio and TV stations offering a Black perspective. Frederick O’Neal traces the story of this actor who moved to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance and made his mark on the stage, in movies, and in television. Georgia Gilmore tells of a cook who supported the 1955–56 Montgomery Bus Boycott by leading a group of anonymous volunteers who prepared and sold food to support the cause with much-needed funds. O. W. Gurley introduces a businessman who, beginning in 1905, used his wealth to develop the Greenwood district (known as “Black Wall Street”) in Tulsa. Gurley survived the 1921 race massacre, but much of his work went up in smoke. This well-conceived series delivers attractive, very readable biographies of lesser-known Black achievers who made significant contributions to American broadcasting, business, theatre, and civil rights.

April 2022:

Leaders Like Us (Rourke/Discovery Library)

School Library Journal

Four attractively illustrated volumes explore the careers of extraordinary, but little-know, Black leaders. Cathy Hughes founded a chain of radio stations aimed at Black audiences, Frederick O'Neal was instrumental in theater during the Harlem Renaissance, Georgia Gilmore provided food and money for the Montgomery Boycott, and Ottawa Gurley was responsible for a thriving Black community in Tulsa, OK. The primary focus of each book is the accomplishment of each subject in their respective fields. Those seeking statistical information will need to consult the timelines in the back. Nonetheless, the colorful drawings and straightforward texts do an excellent job introducing young readers to these admirable leaders who are omitted from the textbooks.

VERDICT: These nicely illustrated titles about lesser-known people who are important leaders in different fields should attract browsers and report-writers alike. Recommended.-School Library Journal

October 2021:

Leaders Like Us (Rourke/Discovery Library)

School Library Journal

These new picture-book biographies in the Leaders Like Us Series (written and illustrated by Black women) place a well-deserved spotlight on lesser-known Black Americans who were leaders in their fields. Civil rights activism, journalism, and politics are discussed in Charlotta Bass, which describes the impressive accomplishments of this Rhode Island native as she published her own newspaper for Black Americans and became a Vice Presidential nominee in 1952. Jackie Ormes introduces fashionable comics (the first by a Black woman to be nationally syndicated) featuring smart, successful, and attractive Black characters like Torchy Brown, Leland Melvin highlights Melvin's unlikely career as an NFL player and astronaut--truly the American dream --and draws attention to his passion for space science, and inspiring youth. Readers enter the NASCAR circuit in Wendell Scott, where they'll see impressive driving unfortunately hampered by racism. Scott saw his first place trophy in the 1963 Grand National Series Race - the first won by any Black driver - awarded to a white man instead a slight finally corrected in 2010. Occasionally the writing lacks smooth transitions, but all the books give a clear sense of their subjects, the importance of their work, and obstacles they overcome. Welcoming full-page illustrations, reading-comprehension questions, and an activity prompt round out each title in the worthwhile series - Julia Smith

April 2021:

Careers in the US Military (Rourke/High Tide)

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Middle school readers will be fascinated to learn about these less familiar careers in the U.S. military. Six traditional and nontraditional military careers are identified in these books, each of which defines the scope of the job, required training, and resources for further exploration. Information is thoughtfully organized and visually cohesive, and will appeal to readers at different interest and comprehension levels, with text, captions, and photos placed on each spread. This series authored by a Black female veteran of the U. S. Air Force, whose short biography appears on the back of each book, making this series a good way to highlight and expand the presence of Black female authors in nonfiction collections.

 VERDICT:

Middle and high school collections should consider.

April 2021:

Black Stories Matter (Crabtree Publishing Books)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8 These titles provide brief introductions to Black people of note in the fields of art, activism, science, and sport. Represented are the famous (Beyonce`, Martin Luther King, Jr., etc.) and lesser-known (Urma Oma, Mary Seacole, etc.). Two to three pages focus primarily on accomplishments in their respective fields. Emphasis is placed on their individual experiences with racism: for example, Nina Simone was refused admittance into a prestigious music school due to her race. Unfortunately, the brief bios incline toward hagiography; little attention is paid to the personal lives and struggles of these complex people. Still, there is merit in that some of these individuals are seldom the subjects of other biographies, and included are the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, lending the works currency.

VERDICT:

The volumes provide sufficient introduction to lesser-known Black achievers and may induce readers to more in-depth research. Purchasers should consider based on need.

April 2021:

School Library Journal/Highlights

Publishers pivoted quickly under difficult circumstances to produce books that provide relevant information about the changing nature of work. It can sometimes be challenging to identify and purchase nonfiction series books by BIPOC authors, which makes Rourke/High Tide's "Careers in the US Military," written by a Black female veteran, an outstanding choice for middle and high school collections.

October 2020: Sister Rosetta Tharpe

By J.P. Miller Illus. by Markia Jenai

Booklist Review

Rosetta Tharpe, though little known today, was instrumental in the early history of rock 'n roll in the 1940s, perhaps even performing the first ever rock 'n roll song. This picture-book biography from the Leaders Like Us Series (6 titles) chronicles Tharpe's musical evolution, from a young gospel singer at church to "a leader in music" who performed at everything from USO concerts for soldiers to a packed auditorium at her own wedding! The book addresses not only Tharpe's triumphs but also her struggles. Jenai's illustrations, though beautiful, don't quite capture the changing tone of Tharpe's music. They do, however, emphasize key settings in her career, from Carnegie Hall to the Cotton Club. Readers interested in music and history will particularly enjoy this biography of a pioneering Black woman.

November 2020: Leader Like Us Series

School Library Journal

By J.P. Miller Illus. by Markia Jenai

Readers are introduced to six African Americans who were pioneers in their fields. Brief overviews of their lives are provided, which include their experiences with discrimination and prejudice. For example, “Some people treated Bayard Rustin unfairly because he was gay, but this did not stop him.” However, most of the narratives are upbeat. Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s success in genealogy is highlighted; Shirley Chisholm’s efforts in Congress to improve lives are examined; Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s career as a gospel and popular musician is chronicled. The vivid illustrations feature close-ups of the subjects as well as action scenes; the illustrations of Major Taylor riding his bike are especially compelling. The information tends to be scarce; most of the facts are shared in the time lines.

VERDICT: Though the lack of in-depth content means this series won’t be useful for report writers, the bright illustrations will attract browsers who will enjoy learning about these inspiring individuals.