Frederick Douglass and the North Star (African American Quartet) - Softcover

K-Gr 2—In 2001, artist Pace (best known for his sculpture Triumph of the Human Spirit, which commemorates an African burial site discovered in New York City's Foley Square), wrote Jalani, the story of his ancestor who was enslaved as a young boy. More than 10 years later, Rosen is now rereleasing the book, along with three new titles on the African American experience. Though fairly light on material and lacking features such as an index and table of contents, these new additions make the political personal, as Pace injects his own experiences and feelings. Dynamic, mixed-media collages add to the kid appeal. Featuring vibrant, childlike images and a rhythmic text, Jalani remains a strong choice. VERDICT Solid, age-appropriate selections for introducing a difficult subject to young readers.