African American Millionaires

November 1, 2004
Sullivan, the author of two previous volumes in Wiley's Black Stars series (African American Inventors; African American Women Scientists and Inventors), highlights the rags-to-riches stories of black millionaires, from William Alexander Leidesdorff (who became one of California's founding fathers) and Annie Minerva Turnbo (whose cosmetics empire predated Madame C.J. Walker's) to Tyra Banks and Eldrick "Tiger" Woods. Sullivan's simple prose skims along with thumbnail biographies and careful attention to his subjects' philanthropy: lawyer Crispus Attucks Wright (1913-2001) donated $2 million to USC for need-based scholarships, for example, while rap mogul Russell Simmons co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged kids get better access to the arts. With its topical sidebars and occasional bullet-pointed definitions ("Vocational means training in a special skill for a job in a certain field"), this book is serviceable but dull, a quick look at people whose lives warrant (and have often gotten) greater attention on the page.

May 1, 2005
Gr 5 Up -Sullivan offers an exemplary compilation of a relatively unexplored subject area. The 25 individuals profiled are from diverse fields and eras, ranging from contemporary figures such as Russell Simmons and Tyra Banks to early-18th-century pioneers Mary Ellen Pleasant and Bridget "Biddy" Mason. A few of the inclusions are obvious choices (Madame C. J. Walker and Oprah Winfrey, for example), but some will most likely be unfamiliar. Little-known pioneers in their fields include William Alexander Leidesdorff, builder of San Francisco's first hotel, and Annie Turnbo Malone, whose hair and skin products preceded those of Madame C. J. Walker. All of the individuals are noted for their philanthropic ventures. Each entry includes a black-and-white photo or reproduction. The book is well organized, highly readable, and inspiring." -Ajoke T. I. Kokodoko, Oakland Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 29, 2004
Sullivan, the author of two previous volumes in Wiley's Black Stars series (African American Inventors; African American Women Scientists and Inventors), highlights the rags-to-riches stories of black millionaires, from William Alexander Leidesdorff (who became one of California's founding fathers) and Annie Minerva Turnbo (whose cosmetics empire predated Madame C.J. Walker's) to Tyra Banks and Eldrick "Tiger" Woods. Sullivan's simple prose skims along with thumbnail biographies and careful attention to his subjects' philanthropy: lawyer Crispus Attucks Wright (1913-2001) donated $2 million to USC for need-based scholarships, for example, while rap mogul Russell Simmons co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged kids get better access to the arts. With its topical sidebars and occasional bullet-pointed definitions ("Vocational means training in a special skill for a job in a certain field"), this book is serviceable but dull, a quick look at people whose lives warrant (and have often gotten) greater attention on the page.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.