Eighteenth-century mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was widely known and respected in his time. Most of what he knew, he taught himself. His letter to Thomas Jefferson asked the future president to reconsider his racial prejudices. Learn about Banneker, who abolitionists would use as proof that people of any race can be equally intelligent. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research. - (Child's World)

Booklist Reviews

Benjamin Banneker, one of America's greatest African American scientists and mathematicians, grew up free on a Maryland farm owned by his grandmother and parents. He attended the local Quaker school, where his inquisitive mind opened many opportunities. Benjamin made a working wooden clock; became an astronomer and a surveyor; wrote an almanac; helped survey the nation's new capitol, Washington, D.C.; and became an outspoken antislavery advocate. As part of the continuing Journey to Freedom series, Maupin has created an accessible account of Banneker's life and accomplishments. Short, uncomplicated text is interspersed with sepia-tone primary source photographs and documents, while sidebars give brief extensions of information without distracting from the story. Includes a time line, a glossary with pronunciations, further readings, and an index. Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.

Horn Book Guide Reviews

These adequately written biographies of five African Americans influential in science, the military, the abolitionist movement, and women's and civil rights causes convey each subject's drive and courage in pursuit of their goals. The accessibly designed books are illustrated with archival reproductions and sepia-toned photographs. A time line is included in each volume. Bib., glos., ind.Copyright 2000 Horn Book Guide Reviews

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 2-4-Maupin discusses the life of Banneker from his birth in 1731 to his death in 1806. She relates incidents from his childhood and describes his many achievements as a scientist, architect, mathematician, astronomer, and promoter of human equality. Andrea Pinkney's picture book, Dear Benjamin Banneker (Gulliver, 1994) focuses on Banneker's almanac and the events that led to his writing it. Jeri Ferris's What Are You Figuring Now? (Carolrhoda, 1988) includes some fictionalization. Maupin's accessible title mentions a Web site that includes Thomas Jefferson's letter to Banneker. Colin Powell was born to immigrant parents in 1937 and raised in New York City. In college, he joined ROTC, and over the years, rose steadily through the Army's ranks. Both books are written in a straightforward manner; Banneker is enhanced by a variety of glossy black-and-white reproductions that depict life during the period while Passaro's book has black-and-white and full-color photographs of Powell at various stages of his life. Useful introductory titles for reports.-Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 5–7—To say "Lincoln freed the slaves" is too simplistic to be real history. Students should learn the actual reasons for his actions. Black Americans have withstood horrific conditions throughout American history and these books speak to their heartbreaking struggles and considerable triumphs. The writing is approachable and the texts are evenhanded. Period photos, drawings, and maps are generous. Historical illustrations are devastating at times, such as a boy drinking out of a "colored" water fountain or a poster advertising enslaved people for sale. Photos of archival documents such as the Emancipation Proclamation are included. Back matter includes a "Think About It" box, with questions for further thought about the subject at hand. This series was clearly painstakingly researched, but one quibble is there are no source notes. VERDICT This is true Black American history everyone should know about. Highly recommended for schools and public libraries.