The Harlem Renaissance

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9A concise overview of a unique and important era. Brief chapters address the rise of Harlem as an enclave of African-American culture; the lives and talents of the various artists who lived and created there; patrons of the Harlem Renaissance; the special role women played in it; the differing social, artistic, and political philosophies of the artists; and the eventual demise of the movement. The text is generously interspersed with interesting and informative black-and-white photographs; a full-color, eight-page centerfold of period artwork adds appeal. Source notes are not included. Although well written and appealing, the book does not measure up to James Haskins's The Harlem Renaissance (Millbrook, 1996), which is outstanding because of its generous use of quotes from primary sources and its lavish presentation.Marilyn Heath, Greenwood High School, SC