Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

How do you select the best recent works of fiction, oral tradition, and poetry about African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, and Native-American Indian experiences and traditions from the profusion of titles being published today? This annotated bibliography of titles for children and young adults published from 1985 through the end of 1993--with 60% published since 1990--provides a one-stop selection tool. Appraisals of 559 titles, as well as information about an additional 188 recent books and 90 earlier ones of importance, are provided.

Each entry features a plot summary incorporating themes, critical comments with a judgment of the book's value as an example of its genre, suggestions of other books by that writer, and related books of importance. The authors, who are recognized authorities in children's literature, and an advistory board of librarians and teachers, each of whom specializes in the literature of a particular ethnic group, have provided insightful critical appraisals and expertise and guidance in the selection of titles. Helpful subject, grade-level, author, title, and illustrator indexes are organized for ease of use. Titles in the grade-level and subject indexes are also identified by ethnic group.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

Gr 5 Up-A fast-paced romp through the fashions of the past 40 years, these books are full of bold, full-color photographs and texts that are more like extended captions. Fashion's influences on world events, entertainment, cultures, and technology are explored, as are the ways in which styles were influenced by these forces. The authors include the extremes as well as the changing wardrobes of everyday people. Mods and hippies dominate The 60s, with miniskirts, Eastern influences, and art as fashion included. Punks and glam rockers take over in The 70s, with disco, denim, and the emergence of Japanese designers. Power dressing, androgyny, sportswear, and grunge characterize The 80s and 90s, as well as retro looks and advancing technology producing new fibers such as Tencel and Gore-Tex. The books conclude with time lines that connect trends with world events, technology, famous people, and art and music. The "Fashions of a Decade" series (Facts On File) includes volumes on these decades, although the value of the `90s volume is limited due to its 1992 publication date. Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler's Vanity Rules: A History of American Fashion and Beauty (21st Century, 2000) is heavy on commentary and description and light on illustration, and better suited for research.-Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

Although interesting in content and imagery, the crowded pages of this series often make absorbing the information difficult. Each book gives a snapshot of the era and its fashions, as well as some of the social, political, and economic issues that influenced dress. Meant as a supplement to other history sources, the books are suitable for browsing. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.