(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Sean Qualls. A first-person narrator addresses readers conversationally (sometimes irritatingly so) in this biography of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century African American poet. Dunbar's poems are placed throughout the book, introducing both his work and life story. Qualls's black-and-white illustrations are full of action and emotion, enhancing the informative text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(4) YA Legendary African Americans series. These biographies, originally published under slightly different titles in the African-American Biographies series, dutifully (and somewhat dully) report on their subjects' lives, accomplishments, and struggles, placing them within their historical time period. Unfortunately, almost all of the black-and-white photographs have been removed in these new editions, making for dense, uninspired packages. Reading list, timeline. Ind. Review covers these Legendary African Americans titles: The Life of Carter G. Woodson, The Life of Paul Laurence Dunbar, The Life of Harriet Tubman, and The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr..

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) YA African-American Biographies series. Well-rounded, clearly written biographies explore the lives of the groundbreaking singer, inspiring writer, and successful entrepreneur. The books address personal setbacks and the roadblocks these individuals encountered due to racism, but the emphasis is on their triumphs and the legacy that each provided. Average-quality black-and-white photographs illustrate the texts. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta