Virginia Hamilton

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-The book begins with an overview of Hamilton's work and achievements. Following are brief chapters, three to six pages in length, that discuss the writer's life and work from her birth in 1936 to her death in 2002. Although most of the writing is clear, lack of detail may lead to some confusion. For example, readers are told that Hamilton graduated high school at the top of her class but was denied a scholarship "because she was black." A few paragraphs later, the author notes that a teacher arranged for Hamilton to receive a five-year scholarship to college. The chronology contains a few facts not mentioned in the text. The text contains a number of quotes, but no sources are listed. Captioned, black-and-white photographs are merely decorative. Biographical data about this writer can be found in many other sources. Although this title does not provide enough information for a detailed report, it is up-to-date and may fill a gap where books on authors are needed.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.