Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults

by Barbara Thrash Murphy (Editor), Deborah L. Murphy (Editor)

Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults is a biographical dictionary that provides comprehensive coverage of all major authors and illustrators – past and present. As the only reference volume of its kind available, this book is a valuable research tool that provides quick access for anyone studying black children’s literature – whether one is a student, a librarian charged with maintaining a children’s literature collection, or a scholar of children’s literature. The Fourth Edition of this renowned reference work illuminates African American contributions to children’s literature and books for young adults. The new edition contains updated and new information for existing author/illustrator entries, the addition of approximately 50 new profiles, and a new section listing online resources of interest to the authors and readers of black children’s literature.

524 pages, Hardcover

First published December 21, 2006

Reviews

[Sam]

Murphy, B. T., & Murphy, D. (2007). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults (4th ed.). New York: Routledge.

Citation by: Sam Northern

Type of Reference: Biographical Reference

Call Number: 809/.89282/08996 B

Content/Scope: This biographical resource highlights African American contributions to the genre of books for children and young adults with the biographies of new authors and artists. This reference book contains 230 entries consisting of an author photograph, e-mail address and Web site (when available), a short biography, and a bibliography.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This biographical dictionary features award-winning titles by black authors which include the Caldecott, Newbery, and more. This title is in its fourth and latest edition showing that revisions and updates have been made to keep it as current as possible. The author is Dr. Barbara Thrash Murphy, a retired faculty member from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, where she also received a master's degree in elementary education and a doctorate in curriculum and supervision.

Arrangement/Presentation: This 568 page reference item includes photographs of authors’ lives and a number children book covers are reproduced in black and white. This biographical dictionary contains an extensive index which lists books by black authors and illustrators.

Relation to other works: There are a variety of biographical sketches in biographical resources for the authors of children and young adult books; this biographic dictionary specifically targets the work of African American authors. This newest edition also includes the addition of approximately 50 new profiles, and a new section listing online resources of interest to the authors and readers of black children’s literature.

Accessibility/Diversity: This is a guide for readers seeking information about black writers and illustrators representing the international culture and views of black people. The biographical dictionary includes authors and illustrators of nonfiction and various fiction genres from the Americas, Europe, England, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of Indonesia.

Cost: $115.00

Professional Review: Moses-Allen, B. (1999). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Voice Of Youth Advocates, 22(4), 287.

[Kim Hunt]

Murphy, B., & Rollock, B. T. (1999). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults: a biographical dictionary 3rd ed;. Garland.

Professional Review: Murphy, B., & Rollock, B. (1999). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults (Book Review) (Undetermined). Booklist, 95(21), 1966.

Reference Type: Bibliographic Reference

Call Number: 920.003

Content Scope: This bibliographic reference for black authors and illustrators of fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults with photographs of some.

Accuracy Authority Biased: The author of this reference included authors and illustrators with projects that have had significant and historical impact on children's literature.

Arrangement and Presentation: An index and three appendixes include a of sample book covers and jackets, list awards and honor books. . Bibliographies of the books are followed by a short biographical sketches including quotes from the authors and illustrators.

Relation to Similar Works: There are a few bibliographic references in the library regarding Black American Women and Scientists and one regarding black writers titled Black writers of America; a comprehensive anthology by Richard Barksdale and Keneth Kinnamon.

Timelessness and Permanence: This is the third edition and this reference includes authors and illustrators of the 20th century.

Accessibility/ Diversity: This reference makes finding literature by black authors and illustrators easy as it represents the international culture and views of black people from around the world.

Cost: $65

[Amelia]

Citation:
Murphy, B., & Rollock, Barbara. (2014). Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults. New York: Garland Pub.

Citation by:
Amelia Ford

Type of reference:
Bibliography

Call Number:
Ref 900 M9781b2014

Content/Scope:
This book provides comprehensive coverage of all major African American authors and illustrators - past and present.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
Dr. Barbara Thrash Murphy is a retired faculty member from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, where she also received a master's degree in elementary education and a doctorate in curriculum and supervision. The author is credible and accuracy of information in ensured.

Arrangement/Presentation:
The book presents the reader with a rich source of accessible, in-depth biographical data on each individual author or artist, including birthplace, education, their approach to art or literature, career development, and awards and honors received.

Relation to other works:
This book goes well with the historical reference section and will add some insight into the library’s collection of authors.

Accessibility/Diversity:
This book will meet the needs of the very diverse population of the school, especially the African American population that may be interested in their culture and history.

Cost:
54.95

Professional Review:
Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults, 3rd Ed. (Book Review)(Brief Review) (Vol. 96). (2014). Boolist

[Sheba.ramseyharlan.kyschools.us]

Murphy, B. T., & Murphy, D. (2007). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults (4th Ed.). New York: Routledge.

Citation by: Sheba Ramsey

Type of Reference: Biographical Reference

Call Number: 920

Content/Scope: This reference gives an overview of various African American authors and illustrators for young children’s books. There is 230 entries with pictures and e-mail addresses listed for many of the authors.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This is the fourth edition of this book. It is written and kept up to date as much as possible.

Arrangement/Presentation: This reference list authors and illustrators and gives some pictures and even a glimpse into some of the books reference within the content.

Relation to other works: This book is among many other biographical references, however its focus is on African American authors and illustrators. It also gives some online resources.

Accessibility/Diversity: This reference makes a good resource for media centers that are enlarging diversity and increasing support for young African American children.

Cost: $100.00

Professional Review: Moses-Allen, B. (1999). Black authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Voice of Youth Advocates, 22(4), 287.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm grateful to Barbara for this comprehensive list of African American writers and artists for children, especially as she provides detailed biographies, photos, and bibliographies for each. This is a wonderful resource.