Joining the editors' On the Shoulders of Giants (2019), this second volume in what will be a three-volume set explores eight authors writing between 1980 and 2000: Rita Williams-Garcia, Jacqueline Woodson, Angela Johnson, Nikki Grimes, Sharon Draper, Christopher Paul Curtis, Sharon G. Flake, and Jewel Parker Rhodes (Woodson, Grimes, and Draper get two essays each; the others get one). Each essay begins with a brief backstory on the author; goes on to provide a critical discussion of the author's work and instructional activities for individual, small group, and whole group settings; and concludes with a select bibliography, awards, scholarly works, and references on the author. The book's greatest strength is the contributors' skill at tailoring the instructional activities for application with other works of the author as well as other authors' works. Chapter 2, "Coming of Age and Confronting Sexual Identity” is outstanding with its suggestions for before, during, and after reading, as it offers practicing teachers wishing to include diverse authors in their classrooms unique ideas for classroom practice. This book will be invaluable, particularly for teachers with limited knowledge of African American authors of the period. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, professionals.

Choice Reviews

Expanding the Foundation; African American Authors of Young Adult Literature, 1980-2000 edited by Bickmore and Clark is a perfectly timed and carefully edited follow-up to On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating African American Authors of Young Adult Literature. The selections give readers an inside look into the fascinating lives of some of the most talented literary geniuses of our time, while including instructional strategies for educators and students to think critically and deeply. The book combines a perfect blend of history, research, theory, and practice about African American literature and provides us all--publishers, teachers, librarians, parents and students-- direction for examining African American literature.

Susan Densmore-James, PhD, Associate Professor; Director of the Emerald Coast National Writing Project; The Book Dealer