Stephen Crane

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12--The Red Badge of Courage is a staple of the high school English curriculum all over the country, and Sufrin's biography of Stephen Crane is a necessary addition to the study of this author. The book is authoritative, well researched, and includes a thorough bibliography of standard sources. It manages to convey a sure sense of Crane without the egregious fictionalizing so common in weaker biographies; every direct quote comes from documented sources. Even better, these quotes are gracefully blended into the story. But by far the best thing about this title is its readability. Crane was a fascinating man, and this offering does absolute justice to the turbulence and honesty of his life. Young adults will read this book for its nonstop narrative drive, but they will close it with a clear understanding of the man, his times, and his place in literary history. --Kathy Fritts, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR