Benjamin Banneker

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-- Well known as an astronomer, a mathematican, a surveyor of the District of Columbia, and an almanac author and publisher, Banneker's achievements are all the more notable when readers consider the time in which he lived. A clear portrait of Banneker emerges as information about the 17th century, its laws and social mores, is interwoven. Primary sources are occasionally interspersed, including Banneker's correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. Period etchings, reproductions of Banneker's writing, and portraits of prominent figures extend the fluid text. The placement of the text and clearly labeled illustrative material combines to create an open format. A welcome volume. --Maria B. Salvadore, District of Columbia Public Library