(4) YA African-American Achievers series. Supplemented by black-and-white photos and reproductions, this brief but accessible history also discusses related topics, such as the civil rights movement and the effects of slavery on black culture and on the development of gospel music. Important gospel musicians are discussed as are blacks who made major contributions to jazz and pop music. A lack of clear sources is disappointing, however. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 African-American Achievers series. This admiring but not uncritical account traces rap's origins back to griots, or African storytellers; Lommel considers the music "the sum of the history of the African experience in 20th-century America." Equal time is given to rappers accepted by mainstream audiences and those who have sparked controversy. Poorly reproduced black-and-white photos mar this passionate, persuasive book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA African-American Achievers series. Lommel discusses racial barriers in the film industry, the importance of independent film companies in empowering black filmmakers, the stereotypical film roles for black actors, and the contributions of black actors, directors, and cinematographers who laid the groundwork for younger African-Americans. Black-and-white photos supplement the informative narrative. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA African-American Achievers series. This readable history of "the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States" is at its best when discussing the group's rocky beginnings. The lack of notes is a drawback, but Rhym provides a basic overview of the changes brought about by such influential activists as W. E. B. Du Bois. Black-and-white photos and archival drawings accompany the text, and a chronology is appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(3) 4-6 African-American Achievers series. Beginning with a description of the first Literary Award Dinner sponsored by the National Urban League in 1925, this lively analysis offers an informative, inspiring account of the cultural blossoming of New York City's Harlem in the 1920s. Novelists, poets, artists, musicians, journalists, and intellectuals are all covered--and well-chosen black-and-white photos and color reprints of paintings from the period effectively complement the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 African-American Achievers series. Following a brief overview of "Blacks in the Americas," the text provides detailed descriptions of the life of a cowboy and the particular problems and successes encountered by African-American cowboys. The interesting account is illustrated with black-and-white archival photographs and drawings. Unfortunately, no cow'girls' are included, but you can pair this with William Loren Katz's 'Black Women of the Old West'. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.