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48 pp.
| Seven/Triangle
| January, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-60980-882-2$17.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Rod Brown.
The author recalls her father telling the story of how her famous grandfather, the singer Paul Robeson (1898–1976), "stopped a war." In 1938, his singing for the soldiers on the front lines of Teruel temporarily halted the Spanish Civil War ("The battlefield grew silent. No shots were fired"). The story's humanity is underscored with paintings by a sure hand.
24 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4107-3$21.26 New ed. (2001)
(4)
K-3
Famous African Americans series.
Each simply written title in this updated series (originally published in 1991 and 1992) provides an adequate introduction to a notable African American. Archival photographs, mostly black and white, and mediocre color illustrations appear on every spread. Large type and short sentences make these books suitable for use with reluctant readers. There are six other spring 2013 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous African Americans titles: Carter G. Woodson, George Washington Carver, Louis Armstrong, Marian Anderson, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Paul Robeson.
40 pp.
| Lee
| April, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-60060-256-6$18.95
|
PaperISBN 978-1-60060-262-7$9.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
George Ford.
Robeson's life story is well told and expertly contextualized. Greenfield explores the many difficult issues--racism, blacklisting, death of loved ones--faced by this remarkable man. Robeson's great strengths and artistic expression are also examined. The black-and-white acrylic illustrations are subtle and beautifully shaded.
(4)
4-6
Little Catfish helps with a theatrical production about African American heroes (the "tallest tree" being Paul Robeson) to inspire his rundown neighborhood. The narrative is interspersed with first-person perspectives of Little Catfish and hooligan Lamar; photographs of Robeson are also set between chapters. Though it's preachy, the story's account of efforts to improve one corner of the world is stirring. Reading list, websites.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| June, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-2703-9$31.93
(4)
YA
African-American Biography Library series.
These entries in the competent series trace the lives and contributions of outstanding personalities in the performing arts. Information in each title includes a well-balanced presentation of the trials and triumphs of the subject, fostered by social attitudes during his time. The text, though uninspired, is useful. Formulaic design includes photos, sidebars, and boxed quotes throughout each book. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these African-American Biography Library titles: Duke Ellington, Paul Robeson, and Louis Armstrong.
(4)
4-6
African-American Biographies series.
These books provide overviews of the lives of prominent African Americans. The readable text superficially covers each subject's childhood, mentors he or she encountered, struggles through adversity, and contributions to society. The accompanying photographs don't always match the text, but the books are sufficient introductions for report writers. There are ten other new books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these African-American Biographies titles: Zora Neale Hurston, Marcus Garvey, Robert Parris Moses, Paul Robeson, Bessie Smith, and Medgar Evers.]
32 pp.
| Enslow
| May, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1674-9$$14.95 1992
(3)
K-3
Great African Americans series.
This updated, refurbished edition is an adequate introduction to the life of the many-faceted Robeson: athlete, singer, civil rights activist. Well-reproduced black-and-white photos add interest to the clearly written, informative biography. Bib., glos., ind.