(4) K-3 Illustrated by Max Ginsburg. In WWII Normandy, Lisette's family suffers the fear and deprivation of living under German occupation. The title angel is a U.S. paratrooper who lands injured in their garden one night. Lisette and her brother Emile briefly hide the American, whose injury (inexplicably) improves. Then he disappears, leaving chocolate for Emile and his silk parachute for a new dress for Lisette. The book is illustrated with realistic, detailed oil paintings.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. In a moving if somewhat didactic story, Jolie doesn't think she needs Freedom School, but Annie, the young white teacher from up north, tells her about brave Harriet Tubman and about Benjamin Banneker, who shared Jolie's love of the stars. Glowing illustrations underscore the courage of the young people involved in the 1964 Mississippi Summer Project and those who dared house them. An author's note is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Florrie's dad loves acting more than anything, but the Depression forces the closing of the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem. Eventually, he's able to return to the stage when, by decree of President Roosevelt, the Lafayette is reopened and Orson Welles casts his Haitian version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Cooper's illustrations softly accent the engaging story. A historical note is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. In this story about Elvis Presley's early life and musical influences, Littlesugar portrays the boy musician as lonely, poor, and without many resources, but deeply passionate about gospel music and the blues. The overlong text offers insight (albeit fictionalized) into this legendary figure; Cooper's hazy, earth-toned illustrations lend feeling to the story. An author's note provides additional information. Bib.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Told in the first person by a young white girl, this is the story of New York painter Winslow Homer's little-known 1876 visit to Virginia to sketch the black citizens of a small town. The girl secretly watches Homer--and her previously unknown neighbors--learning to respect the painter and also the people and customs of the African-American community. Schoenherr's realistic painting style resembles Homer's.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.