(3) YA Social Issues in Literature series. The Huxley volume in this reliable (if not always inspired) series stands out. The timeliness of debate surrounding bioethics makes it useful; the editor is careful to maintain neutrality by presenting a well-chosen selection of essays. The volumes on Hansberry and Knowles are dependable but less likely to elicit enthusiasm from students. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Social Issue in Literature titles: Bioethics in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, War in John Knowles's A Separate Peace, and Gender in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA African-American Biographies series. Similar in scope to Young, Black, and Determined by Patricia C. and Fredrick L. McKissack, this biography does an able job of describing Hansberry's public persona and artistic goals without delving deeply into her personal life. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the text details the ups and downs of Hansberry's writing career and traces the growing social conscience prematurely silenced at the playwright's untimely death. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta