Presenting Mildred D. Taylor /

This biocritical examination of the Newbery Award-winning author of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1976) follows the familiar Twayne formula. Crowe begins with a biographical overview of Taylor's life, but he emphasizes her public career and glosses over private events such as motherhood and divorce. The author supplements the biography with a history of racism and the Civil Rights Movement. Crowe's chronological analysis shows how Taylor modified stories she heard from family members to create books that celebrate the loving relationship within an idealized black family yet do not blink at the brutal realities of racism. In a separate chapter, the author stresses Taylor's twin themes of family and land. Written at a level accessible to high school students, this book becomes annoying because it unnecessarily repeats biographical and literary points. Because it is devoid of significant new insights, it is more an appreciation than a critical guide. Nevertheless, some beginning undergraduates may find it a convenient distillation of information and critical viewpoints scattered about in the reference works and journals cited in its annotated bibliography. For large undergraduate collections supporting the study of children's literature. R. E. Jones; University of Alberta

Gr. 6^-12. Part of Twayne's United States Authors series, this is a fine, readable introduction to Taylor's life and work. Crowe, a professor of English, shows how much of Taylor's fiction is rooted in her extended family's storytelling tradition and in her personal experience growing up with racism and violence, sustained by her family's loving support and pride. He discusses her books in their historical context, including her Newbery award winner, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1976), and provides a background chapter on the civil rights movement in Mississippi. In his final chapter, he answers those who criticize her books for their painful representation of racism and shows that she maintains a balance between realism and hope. Illustrated with many black-and-white family photos, this will interest YAs and teachers who want to know more about the writer and her times. Includes detailed source notes by chapter and a long bibliography. --Hazel Rochman