(4) YA African-American Icons series. These accessible, simplistic biographies trace the lives of contemporary African American leaders in the arts. The uncomplicated prose may appeal to report writers who are also reluctant readers. While the books' original design was uninspired, it did include plenty of photos--which these new editions have oddly omitted. Discography (Smith), filmography (Berry; Smith). Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these African-American Icons titles: Maya Angelou, Walter Dean Myers, Toni Morrison, Halle Berry, Will Smith, and Oprah Winfrey.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) YA Teen Reads: Student Companions to Young Adult Literature series. This biocritical study of Myers's work presents synopses of his best known books, comprehensive explications of themes and literary techniques, and biographical information that can be examined to help contextualize his writing. While it's likely to be useful as reference material for students and teachers, the volume's accessibility is limited due to dense text blocks and unappealing design. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) YA Who Wrote That? series. Formulaic but informative, these biographies of popular children's book authors examine each writer's life, including the inspiration behind some of their works. Each volume includes photographs and quotations from interviews, as well as descriptions of main characters and annotated lists of books and awards. Useful for aspiring authors as well as book report writers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Who Wrote That? titles: Gail Carson Levine, Shel Silverstein, Laurence Yep, Pat Mora, Scott O'Dell, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Walter Dean Myers.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA While the facts might make Myers's life seem a tale of hoodlum-turned-writer, the more pertinent truth evidenced here is that the writer was there all along--and the hoodlum's fists only struck out to protect him. The memoir is diffuse and confused by digressions, but many of the individual scenes have power, and the author's voice and heart are consistently heard and felt throughout.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2001

(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