Toni Morrison: Magic of Words

Documents the life of the first African American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, whose work reflects her heritage and brings to light her experiences as a black woman, in a fascinating series that celebrates the individuals that have had a profound impact on the world.

Gr 4-8-This introductory biography is well organized, attractive, and inspiring. While chronicling the writer's life, Haskins also gives readers a glimpse into the times in which she has lived, providing a clear sense of her challenges and motivations. The volume is slim but packed with black-and-white and full-color photographs that include the public library Morrison frequented as a child in Lorain, OH, her days at Howard University, and her acceptance of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. An informative choice.-Kate McLean, DeKalb County Public Library, Tucker, GA

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Gr. 4-6. Part of the Gateway Biography series, this photo-essay is written at a much lower reading level and for a much younger audience than Morrison's novels. But Haskins writes without condescension, and he includes fascinating information in a clear, direct style with short sentences, lots of black-and-white photographs, and personal quotes from Morrison herself about her life and work. He discusses her childhood, her career as an editor (highlighting her encouragement of black women writers), and he gives a very brief outline of each of her books and its critical reception, from The Bluest Eye to Beloved. Of course, the climax comes when she is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first African American to win it. Readers will make readers think about black history, black writers, and, especially black women writers. A good choice for older reluctant readers and for use in adult literacy classes. Includes brief chapter notes for direct quotes. Hazel Rochman
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