Alice Walker

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Walker's life is a bouquet of inspiration-she overcame humble beginnings and adversity, believed in herself, persevered, and remained committed to her principles and ideals. In the process, she found her own identity and means of self-fulfillment. This volume traces her experiences from her childhood in Eatonton, Georgia, to her present status as a world-renowned author and activist. It details her beginnings as a writer, including the influence of Zora Neale Hurston; the success and criticism of The Color Purple; and her involvement in various social and political causes. The chapters are short and supplemented by interesting black-and-white photographs. Although text and photographic differences are minor, Tony Gentry's Alice Walker (Chelsea, 1992) is of slightly better quality.-Marilyn Makowski, Greenwood High School, SC