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Cox, Clinton
4 Reviews
(3)
4-6
Cox captures the personal contradictions of Houdini's personality in a well-rounded and engaging biography that covers his success as a stage performer as well as his failure as a movie actor and literary author. The lack of specific citations weakens this account because, as Cox notes, separating fact from fiction in Houdini's life is difficult. Two inserts with archival photographs illustrate the book. Ind.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2002
(3)
YA
Black Stars series.
Each book contains over twenty short, cogently written biographies of trailblazing African Americans, from James Durham, the first black doctor in the United States, to Surgeon General David Satcher, and from Phillis Wheatley, the earliest published African-American poet, to novelist Terry McMillan. A black-and-white photo or drawing of each subject is provided when one exists. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(3)
YA
Black Stars series.
Each book contains over two dozen profiles. Teachers includes Benjamin Banneker, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Marva Collins. Musicians profiles a wide range of figures such as Scott Joplin, Mahalia Jackson, Jessye Norman, and Stevie Wonder. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, these cogent profiles emphasize professional achievements over personal lives. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta
(4)
4-6
Cox has collected an impressive array of documentary evidence highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the war effort. A sense of irony frames the narrative--many whites who fought for freedom from England wanted to deny freedom to blacks. The listing of soldiers' names becomes monotonous, and the quotes could have been better cited, but the text is otherwise engrossing. Archival reproductions are included. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson
4 reviews
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