One More River to Cross: The Stories of Twelve Black Americans

In some ways, these dozen notables couldn't represent more diverse lives and more varied times, yet most of the figures have several commonalities: overcoming poverty and discrimination, avid self-education, drive to find a special niche. Haskins's subjects include Revolutionary patriot Crispus Attucks, co-discoverer of the North Pole Matthew Henson and Madam C. J. Walker, whose black hair preparations made her ``the first American woman to earn a million dollars.'' Also profiled are scientists Charles Drew (the isolator of blood plasma) and Ron McNair (an astronaut who perished in the Challenger disaster); social and political activists Ralph Bunche, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm and Malcolm X; and arts figures Romare Bearden and Marian Anderson. Each vignette manages to capture the individual's unique characteristics, particularly regarding his or her uphill battle: e.g., how Henson reacted to the disappointment of being left out of the glory, why Malcolm's adopted last name was X. Spiritedly informative. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)