The Arts

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6Reminiscent of the "Voices of Triumph" series (Time-Life) but for a younger audience, these five volumes focus on various aspects of African American life. Standard topics are addressed: art, political leaders, music, etc. But a much-needed addition to these subjects are books devoted exclusively to the history of African American cuisine and to black religious life. Food and People of Faith seek to demonstrate how African tradition and practices influenced and continue to influence what African Americans eat, how they prepare foods, and how they worship. Food offers some wonderful recipes for traditional dishes. All of the volumes except Food include an annotated list of the people important to the featured subject. Copious illustrationsfull-color photographs of people and events and reproductions of paintings and sculpturesappear throughout. These offerings should make positive contributions to libraries interested in providing a range of materials on African American culture.Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ