(3) 4-6 Inspiring Stories series. Colonial-era slave Wheatley was the first African American poet to publish a book. In the early 1900s, Walker became extremely wealthy through her own hair-care business initiatives and fought for racial equality. With background information on each historical period, these well-documented, accessible biographies of African American women will be useful for reports. Period illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Inspiring Stories titles: Phillis Wheatley and Madam C. J. Walker.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Candlewick Biographies series. Illustrated by Paul Lee. Phillis Wheatley's experience of being sold into slavery and her growth as a poet are, along with some fictionalized elements, set against the events of the American Revolution. Although Lasky milks the story for sentiment and handles some of the racial issues clumsily, she does convey the extraordinary quality of Wheatley's achievements. Workmanlike acrylics illustrate scenes from Wheatley's life in this "reformatted edition."

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Keeter. Malaspina sets the scene in Revolutionary War–era America, beginning with George Washington leading "his ragged Continental Army." She then shifts to the life of African American poet (and former slave) Wheatley, culminating in her sending a tribute poem to Washington and having him read it. The text is a little choppy, but the events, shown in vivid oil paintings, are engaging. Reading list.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) 4-6 These books examine the different paths taken by their subjects from servitude to independence. Wheatley describes the African American poet's life from slave to celebrated world traveler; Bibb tells of the abuse and oppression Henry faced before escaping to Canada. In both volumes, the first-person narration and invented dialogue can be stilted. Review covers these titles: My Name Is Henry Bibb and My Name Is Phillis Wheatley.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sean Qualls. In 1772, Phillis Wheatley's poems were subjected to an "examination" by eighteen men. This book begins with Phillis's walk to the exam, then pulls back to describe her past, from girl in Africa to slave to educated and talented young woman. Qualls's acrylic and paper collages display a grace and serenity about Phillis even when she's faced with injustice.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Paul Lee. Phillis Wheatley's experience of being sold into slavery and her growth as a poet are, along with some fictionalized elements, set against the events of the American Revolution. Although Lasky milks the story for sentiment and handles some of the racial issues clumsily, she does convey the extraordinary quality of Wheatley's achievements. Workmanlike acrylics illustrate scenes from Wheatley's life.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Let Freedom Ring series. With occasionally stilted language, each of the flattering biographies in this series briefly chronicles the early life and later accomplishments of colonial figures. Features include maps, time lines, Internet sites, and historical places related to the subject. Archival paintings, without bibliographic citations, and photos of period clothing and household items serve as illustrations. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Let Freedom Ring titles: Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin, Phillis Wheatley, George Washington.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These competently written biographies cover a wide range of subjects who lived between the American Revolution and World War II. The texts are supplemented by black-and-white photographs and reproductions, as well as information boxes that provide colorful background information or place events within historical context. The final pages of each volume discuss the legacy of each subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta