Colin Powell

Children's Literature

Colin Powell was a hard worker from the first time he unloaded furniture to help a neighborhood businessman through all the years when he was determined to be the best at whatever job he held. The best, period—not the best black man. Powell grew up in the north but began his army career in the segregated south at Fort Benning, Georgia. He could not even go to restaurants with his white army buddies—but "he had to stay out of trouble if he wanted to do well in the army. That meant following these rules." Later Powell would become a four-star general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. The text follows his career with black and white snapshots and boxes of related information (Vietnam protests, Powell's awards, facts about Iraq). There are pictures on every page, as well as a glossary, timeline and additional resources. It is an easy book to use for reference or school reports. Young readers do not really get to know the person inside the uniform, but they will learn how an African-American rose to the highest levels of government in spite of segregation and discrimination because of his intelligence, straightforward manner and loyalty. This is part of the "History Maker Bios" series. 2005, Lerner Publications, Ages 8 to 12.
—Karen Leggett

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-This clearly written, interesting biography begins with Powell's childhood in the Bronx and focuses on the man's distinguished career in the military and in government, with additional information about how he was affected by discrimination and segregation. Sidebars about the civil rights movement, Vietnam War protests, and Iraq expand the text. Black-and-white and color photos are included. The book ends with praise for how Powell "served his country by working to get the aid and support of other nations" in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. His resignation at the end of 2004 from his position as Secretary of State is not mentioned, nor is any opposition to the war.-Heather Ver Voort, Washington West Elementary, Olean, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.