(4) K-3 Illustrated by Larry Johnson. In this Civil War-era story based on actual people and events, slave Alec Turner's hard work, perseverance, and willingness to fight for his dream help him reach freedom in Vermont. Stiff illustrations provide a sense of history as they accurately convey the characters' emotions. A detailed author's note includes a photograph of Turner and lends continuity to the story.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Teresa Flavin. Though tall, eleven-year-old Alexander Bingham doesn't like basketball; he likes to draw. He feels awkward, inept, and lonely--feelings not often expressed by a black boy in a children's book. He's helped by a caring adult, and while his transformation during the course of this short novel is too swift, the book is reassuring in its honest portrayal of his insecurities and his willingness to persevere.

Reviewer: Candelaria Silva | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1999