Oprah Winfrey: I Dont Believe in Failure

VOYA

The six books in this series will intrigue middle schoolers with their amped-up style of brightly colored photos and information that gets to the heart of people behind the legend. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey, Jackie Robinson, Colin Powell, and Gwendolyn Brooks are showcased as leading the way throughout American history. Inspiring quotes such as "I Don't Believe in Failure" for Oprah Winfrey, or "Have a Vision. Be Demanding" for Colin Powell are visible on the book covers and interspersed throughout the text. Background information is included without being sensationalistic, yet it does not avoid controversy, such as when Oprah went on trial against the Texas cattlemen for supposedly affecting the crash in the meat market. Such honesty represents the true characters profiled in each book. Although the volumes are short, they satisfactorily pack in a lifetime of achievement without overwhelming or under-representing the successful person. How Colin Powell moved through the military ranks and often turned down job offers and the effect it had on his family and as an African American are discussed. Unfamiliar terms are explained in the texts and in light boxes. Further reading including non-print materials is available at the end of each book. Students writing reports on modern-day African Americans will appreciate the presentation and content of this series. There is an added bonus in the inspiration one hopes that teens will derive from the quotes by which these African Americans lived, possibly inspiring young readers to become whatever they want despite obstacles. (African-American Biography Library). VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P M (Better than most, marred only by occasionallapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2005, Enslow, 128p.; Glossary. Index. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., PLB . Ages 11 to 14.
—Kelly Czarnecki

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-These clearly written, factual biographies emphasize the integrity and determination that led to each individual's success. Each title begins with a vignette about the subject's adulthood before turning to a chronological recounting of important people, events, and accomplishments in their lives. Brooks moves beyond dates and facts to help readers understand the poet's personality, important relationships, and philosophies. All of the books include the subjects' encounters with and responses to racism, as well as the careers/talents that bolstered their confidence and resolve to succeed. Orange sidebars provide historical background on such topics as affirmative action, segregation, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Great Migration. Green boxes provide extrapolated or additional material. The captioned color photos add to the visual appeal; those that are black and white offer a glimpse into early- and mid-20th-century America. Although Brooks exceeds the quality of the other two books in both organization and writing style, all three are valuable contributions to general collections.-Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.