Collection of essays to inform teachers, librarians, and others who work with young adults about aspect of African American young adult literature and what it communicates.
Over "230 essays describe the works of 135 African-American authors from the eighteenth century to the present[1994]...including works by literary figures of the Harlem Renaissance"--Publisher's catalog.
Traces the influences of traditional oral forms such as folktales, riddles, idiom, jazz rhythms, spirituals, and blues on the development of African American literature.