By Walter Dean Myers; Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

This picture-book biography covers basic information about Wells’ life: her birth in slavery in 1862; her outstanding ability as a student; and her work as a teacher, journalist, and crusader. Myers’ masterful text is well matched by Christensen’s somber watercolor illustrations: neither soft-pedals the injustice and cruelty to African Americans. Wells’ stand against lynching and the peril in which that put her are covered, but there are no graphic scenes in the illustrations. The explanations of some complex topics, such as suffrage, are seamlessly woven into the narrative, while others—for instance, segregation—are not. What will come across to young readers, however, is how she helped make America a better place. Quotes from Wells’ autobiography are placed throughout, and a time line of the major aspects of her life is included. A fine introduction. Grades 2-4. --Randall Enos