Young, gifted and Black too

Gr 3 Up--This follow-up from the team that created To Be Young, Gifted and Black presents more biographical profiles of Black artists, athletes, healers, leaders, thinkers and more. The profiles are in chronological order, beginning with poet and professor Juan Latino (circa 1518--1594) and going all the way to present day with celebrities like Laverne Cox (1972--present) and teen activist Mari Copeny (2007--present). A pleasing layout with full- and partial-page biographies written in Wilson's clear, straightforward style create an accessible reference book that can be read all the way through or picked up and browsed. Pippin's eye-popping, modern artwork done with ink and digitally illustrated with bright, happy colors makes this a pleasure to page through. What elevates and distinguishes this collective biography is the inclusion of figures not often featured in typical collections, including warrior queen Yaa Asantewaa, architects Moses and Calvin McKissack, and singer and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. At the same time, the inclusion of profiles on more familiar individuals, such as Bob Marley and Angela Davis, provide familiar touchstones. A glossary is appended. VERDICT The unique range of this biographical collection makes it a must-have, especially where a more diverse biographical selection is needed.--Kristy Pasquariello