Mary McLeod Bethune

Children's Literature

Enslow Publishers has given young people a valuable series of "African-American Biographies," of which this volume is a part. Offering a wealth of detail, the author takes her readers from this inspiring woman's birth in late 19th-century South Carolina through her early school successes, her marriage, the birth of her son, and her beloved Bethune-Cookman College (Daytona Beach, Florida), which she started with
— Earlene Viano

VOYA

The "African-American Biographies" series covers famous as well as lesser-known accomplished African Americans from childhood to death in an interesting, easily read format. Plenty of pictures, well-cited references, and clear chronologies make these titles important for classroom assignments. Each title begins with an exciting scene from the life of the subject to draw in readers. In the Mary McLeod Bethune biography, the scene portrayed is a description of how she and a group of voters were surrounded by Klu Klux Klan members. Bethune's name should be familiar to students for her work with education for African Americans, but this title offers details about other accomplishments that might be new to readers. For example, readers will find her work with recruiting for the Red Cross or in fighting the KKK equally inspiring. The pictures provided in this title, including a frightening portrait of clan members with a baby, powerfully bring the words to life. The section on legacies will show young readers how Bethune's work is alive today through colleges, endowments, and more. This forty-seven title series provides interesting information in a reader-friendly format. Other offerings are books on union leader A. Philip Randolph, the late tennis player Arthur Ashe, Colin Powell, and actor Denzel Washington. The books are highly recommended for middle grade and junior high school and public library collections. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2002, Enslow, 112p.; Index. Illus. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., PLB. Ages 11 to15.
—Amy Alessio