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W. E. B. Du Bois

Civil Rights Activist, Author, and Historian
by Jim Whiting
64p. 978-1-42221-618-7.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-8 These biographies offer engaging overviews of these people's lives and achievements. Readers will be drawn to the appealing layout of this series. Full-color photos appear throughout, with the exception, of course, of "W.E.B. Du Bois;" they are in black and white or a sepia tone. "Derek Jeter" has some exceptional action shots that will excite young baseball fans. The sidebars flow well with the texts, allowing for a more natural read. The theme of the series is how these individuals were able to overcome the prejudices toward their race and make great achievements, but "Jeter" doesn't even mention the athlete's race again after it describes his heritage. "Prince" does elaborate on the entertainer's struggles with race. There are a few minor errors, such as a contradiction of dates in "Carey", but even so, libraries needing updated biographies on these individuals might consider these volumes."Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
These biracial (or multiracial) achievers are revealed through their backgrounds, goals, accomplishments, and obstacles overcome. Parks and Du Bois are examined against the historical context of racial inequality and injustice, the others in light of contemporary struggles. The pages, jam-packed with pull-quotes, sidebars, and crisp photographs, are difficult to navigate. There are seven other fall 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Transcending Race in America: Biographies of Biracial Achievers titles: David Blaine, Rosa Parks, Alicia Keys, Prince, Soledad O'Brien, and W. E. B. Du Bois.

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