(3) 4-6 Black Pioneers series. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. In 1855, thirteen-year-old Maria's family is in danger of losing its home to Central Park's development. Meanwhile, Maria, inspired by hearing Sojourner Truth speak, gets involved in the struggles of a fugitive slave family. Hansen's New York City setting, ably assisted by Lewis's atmospheric black-and-white spot illustrations, is vividly presented. An author's note tells more about the time and place.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Laurie McGaw. Attractive full-page portraits of these six royal women from ancient times (Hatshepsut of Egypt) to the present day (Elizabeth of Toro) are accompanied by captioned color and black-and-white photos. The author necessarily speculates about the princesses' feelings and actions, but the informative profiles are engaging. Map. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by James Ransome. After examining pre-Revolutionary War efforts by slaves to escape, the authors recount several escape stories, both familiar and lesser known. A strength of the book is the discussion of the increased role of archaeology to both support and question longstanding legends surrounding the Railroad. The straightforward narrative is highly readable, and its unsolved-mystery aspects will engage young readers. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2003

(3) 4-6 Separated from his siblings after his parents' deaths, fourteen-year-old Amir yearns to reunite his family. Letters between Amir and his friend Doris show Amir's gradual acceptance of his foster family. In this sequel to The Gift-Giver and Yellow Bird and Me, Hansen presents a touching portrait of a boy struggling to figure out what he wants and what is right, and a friendship that gives him the strength to do so.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) YA Concluding the Civil War trilogy begun in Which Way Freedom? and continued in Out from This Place, Hansen reunites Obi and Easter, former slaves separated for two years. Obi believes the two will head West for a fresh start, but Easter stands fast about finishing her education and opening a school. As a final entry in the trilogy, the book closes a full story in a natural way.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2000

(3) 4-6 Stunning black-and-white photographs and crisp writing frame twelve short biographies of African-American women, including Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Alice Walker, and Mae C. Jemison, who have made history with their remarkable contributions. Hansen provides just enough detail to inform readers and invites them to delve further into each woman's distinguished life. A list of "additional extraordinary African-American women" is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(2) YA Skeletons uncovered in 1991 during the construction of a new federal office building provide a dramatic focal point for this careful account of African-American life in New York City during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The authors provide important details of both New York and national history and also demonstrate how "the important work of understanding our collective past continues." Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.