Louis Armstrong

Gr 7 Up—These books couldn't be more different from one another. Armstrong is a sweet, touching biography that looks at the extraordinary life of a musical genius. The writing is clear and engaging, with a light, humorous touch. The text moves along smoothly, interrupted from time to time by informational text boxes that supply additional and often fascinating information. Readers are treated to an overview of a unique personality. Slavicek follows the same formula, and does give the facts of Robeson's life, but there's little to reveal the full-bodied man behind them. She does, however, illuminate his music and his artistry on the stage and in film. Both books include a few black-and-white photos and reproductions. Armstrong will make a fine addition to any collection. For those libraries with few or no resources on Robeson, Slavicek's biography provides a solid overview of the man's life.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ