Young, Black, and Determined: A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry

Rating:
Summary: Determined to Succeed
Review: Young,Black,and Determined:A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry is an excellant book for young adults. Frederick and Patricia McKissick's biography clearly states that Lorraine was sent to Kindergarten too well dressed (in her white fur coat)on Chicago's South Side. She grew up a rebel due to the fact that the kids beat her up. Lorraine grew up listening to her parents making clear, that she was "equal" and listening to the NAACP lawyers in her living room planning legal strategies. Lorraine learned to express herself and she wrote the play A Raisin in the Sun which later made dramatic history. Her life ended early from cancer. She had a fascinating life and the readers can re-live this and learn about the 1960's and how it has impacted our society. As a teacher, I would use this book and talk about current issues such as: discrimination, diversity, how we can impact our community, issues facing kids living in the inner city, and compare and contrast life of the 1960's on a teenager to the life of one today. Activities for my students would be to have students create a timeline of their own life, or have students develop and implement a community service project to help those in need in our society. Great book, a must to read!