Kramer, Barbara. Toni Morrison.

Kramer, Barbara.  Toni Morrison.   Enslow  2013  104p  $26.60  978-0-7660-3989-6  series: African American Icons.  ms/hs  Biography     VG-BNS

     

This easy-to-read biography of Toni Morrison is well written, thorough and enjoyable for anyone interested in her work, or in American  literature generally.  Since most of Morrison’s work is aimed at high-school and adult readers, this book is perfect for those who do not have time to read a longer biography, or who just want to get an idea of her major works.  In addition to her life, the book covers several of her most well-known novels along with the critics’ responses to them.

 
Since Morrison has also written a few things aimed at a younger readership, this biography might also find a place in a middle-school library.  The writing is on an upper-elementary or middle-school level, and of course most of Morrison’s own work is written at a much higher level.  But this book will still fill the bill for high-school reluctant readers, or those who want to read a short biography of her, or those younger readers who have seen Remember: The Journey to School Integration or her children’s books.  This book is part of the African-American Icons series, which includes books on Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, and Maya Angelou as well. 

Toni Morrison                                               --Carol Kennedy