(3) YA Literary Greats series. The first black author in the United States to write a bestseller, Wright published the history-making Native Son in 1940. Still, he faced racial prejudice and discrimination. This thoughtful biography places Wright's life and literary success in historical context, delineating how his books reflected his own experiences and those of black America. Uncluttered design and black-and-white photos contribute to the book's accessibility. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Translated by Eida De la Vega. Illustrated by Gregory Christie & Gregory Christie. This is the Spanish edition of Richard Wright and the Library Card, a story based on a fictionalized episode from Wright's autobiography. Seventeen-year-old Richard longs to read but is barred from the library because he is black. This doesn't serve as an introduction to the author, but the translation flows well, and the impressionistic illustrations are captivating. A brief note is appended.

Reviewer: Ana Maria Muniz-Leen