(4) 4-6 Transcending Race in America: Biographies of Biracial Achievers series. These biracial (or multiracial) achievers are revealed through their backgrounds, goals, accomplishments, and obstacles overcome. Parks and Du Bois are examined against the historical context of racial inequality and injustice, the others in light of contemporary struggles. The pages, jam-packed with pull-quotes, sidebars, and crisp photographs, are difficult to navigate. There are seven other fall 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Transcending Race in America: Biographies of Biracial Achievers titles: David Blaine, Rosa Parks, Alicia Keys, Prince, Soledad O'Brien, and W. E. B. Du Bois.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) YA With punchy, colorful prose and a colloquial tone, Bolden brings readers face to face with "this man of intellect and soul." The text concisely details Du Bois's long (ninety-five years) and productive life, delving into his views and foibles. What sets this biography apart is the author's inventively intimate approach, which helps readers connect with Du Bois on a more personal level. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2009

(3) YA Despite a slight bias in favor of Du Bois's philosophical and political ideologies regarding race relations in America, this well-written biography presents an intelligent interpretation of his relationship with his contemporary, Booker T. Washington. A readable text and color, sepia, and black-and-white illustrations chronicle Du Bois's scholarship and activism as he championed education, socialism, and finally Pan-Africanism. Sources, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) YA African-American Biographies series. Four clearly written biographies cover major figures--two historical, two contemporary--who, despite some early difficulties, achieved major personal and professional success. Winfrey, Du Bois, and Banneker have been featured in numerous biographies, but this full-length work on Myers, which includes discussions of his books and how they came to be written, is particularly welcome. Black-and-white photos accompany the texts. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Slick, glossy pages illustrated with sepia photos (some of which are used in more than one book) lend these slim biographies a magazine-like look. A general understanding of African-American history emerges from volume to volume while the individual is the focus of each. The at-times graphic photos are themselves a visual history. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey