This book presents the stories of 10 noteworthy African American men, from the era of slavery (Benjamin Banneker) to modern day (Barack Obama). Each individual’s historical context, childhood influences, accomplishments, and legacy are presented. Index, Sources and Further Reading, Timeline.

Reviewed in the NY Times Book Review, this book sounded better than it actually was. Clearly written for elementary age children, it profiles ten influential black Americans chronologically: Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, A. Philip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr, Barack Obama. The major recurring themes of hard work, perserverence, education were evident in most, if not all of these leaders from different eras. I think the Malcolm X biography was weak, and did not accurately portray the violent meaning of his catchphrase: "By any means necessary." I am looking forward to reading Manning Marable's biography next year. ( )

Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America, tells the story of ten black men who's lives left a lasting mark on American history from their childhood through their adulthood and up to their deaths (for those who have passed). These men; Benjamin Banneker, Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. DuBois, A. Philip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barrak H. Obama II were all visionaries, activists, speakers, writers, and much more who persevered in the face of systematic oppression and discrimination to achieve great things and improve the world around them. I rated this book 5 stars because I learned a lot about some men that I'd never heard of and gained a new appreciation for the contributions given by he men I did know about. While not overtly related to science, the work these men did paved the way for other important figures by fighting for equal rights and an end to racial discrimination and beyond that, each and everyone is a role model for young students (regardless of sex or race) to inspire towards. ( )

This is a collection of short biographies that can be helpful to have in the classroom to read any time, specially those days when you just want a short read with depth.