Books in Famous African Americans series

Marian Anderson, with the power of her magnificent voice, triumphed over the racial barriers of her time. In a career that spanned four decades, she lifted herself out of poverty to become a world-famous singer. In this wonderful, easy text, the McKissacks show how the light of Marian Anderson grew bright and transformed her into one of the most beloved people around the world.

Carter G. Woodson, born just ten years after the Civil War ended, grew up in the lingering shadow of slavery. Woodson became a scholar dedicated to learning, teaching, and writing about the history of his people. Today, because of the efforts of this one man, Black History Month is celebrated annually and African-American history is a well-respected field of study. The McKissacks bring this pioneering historian to life for another generation of budding young scholars.

Despite being a slave, Frederick Douglass (1818?–1895) learned to read and write. At age 21, he escaped from slavery and created a new life for himself as a free man. Intelligent and charismatic, Douglass became the leading voice against slavery in the 1800s. "There is no way a nation can call itself free and accept slavery," he said. The McKissacks’ lively, easy-to-read text highlights the importance of this internationally known author and orator.

Every school child knows the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., beacon of the civil rights movement. The McKissacks offer an easy-to-read journey through King's life, as he brought people of all races and religions together to fight—without violence—for equality. Young readers will come away from this book with an understanding of the civil rights movement and what made Dr. King so special.

George Washington Carver spent his life asking questions and looking for the answers. He gained a reputation as the farmers' best friend after teaching about crop rotation. He told farmers to grow peanuts and sweet potatoes to "rest" their soil between cotton crops. And what could they do with all those peanuts? Carver developed more than 300 peanut-based products—from milk to printers' ink—and more than 100 ways to use sweet potatoes. Young children love the story of this exceptional inventor.