(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.

(3) 4-6 Black Americans of Achievement series. The civil rights activist and three prominent entertainers are profiled in readable biographies, illustrated with black-and-white photos. Though the Berry volume is somewhat padded by extraneous material, all the books successfully balance their subjects' professional achievements with their personal insights to create fully rounded portraits. Each volume contains a timeline and, when relevant, a filmography. There are four other new books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Danny Glover, Queen Latifah, Al Sharpton, Halle Berry.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta