Héroes Del Deporte (Sports Heroes)

April 1, 2021

Gr 4-8-These titles provide brief introductions to Black people of note in the fields of art, activism, science, and sport. Represented are the famous (Beyonc�, Martin Luther King Jr., etc.) and lesser-known (Umra Omar, Mary Seacole, etc.). Two to three pages focus primarily on accomplishments in their respective fields. Emphasis is placed on their individual experiences with racism: for example, Nina Simon was refused admittance into a prestigious music school due to her race. Unfortunately, the brief bios incline toward hagiography; little attention is paid to the personal lives and struggles of these complex people. Still, there is merit in that some of these individuals are seldom the subjects of other biographies, and included are the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, lending the works currency. VERDICT The volumes provide sufficient introductions to lesser-known Black achievers and may induce readers to more in-depth research. Purchasers should consider based on need.

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April 15, 2021
Grades 4-7 The Black Stories Matter series (4 titles) will help fill gaps in collections, with its four collective biographies introducing 73 influential Black figures from around the world. The range of subjects--many of whom are often overlooked--is impressive, spanning centuries, continents, and intersectional identities. Sports Heroes introduces the best athletes in everything from track and soccer to hockey and wheelchair basketball. The first 10 subjects receive 3 pages of text, set among pull quotes and Carroll's illustrations of these historical greats, and are followed by a series of shorter "mini biographies." Miller's text is appropriately narrow, focusing on the subjects' specific work and its intersection with their Black identities. Some sections are written in-scene, pulling readers into the drama, and while the book is overwhelmingly sympathetic to social justice, some stylistic choices (referring to racial groups as "Blacks" and "Whites," with a capital W) may add a sour note. Otherwise, a rich glossary of important terms rounds out what is a powerfully expansive resource.

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