In Search of Susanna is a remarkable transgeneric experiment in life writing, a densely textured "word quilt" in Bunkers' words, testifying to the author's passionate determination not only to reclaim her family past but to affirm a vital future for the female descendants who look back to Susanna and discover themselves." --William L. Andrews, University of North Carolina.

"In Search of Susanna is a lovely weaving together of threads from the ancestral past to tell a story of the present and future. The Susanna sought in this book--and beautifully evoked--is not only Suzanne Bunkers' great-great-grandmother but the author and her daughter as well. No one restores to us the lives of women across generations as gracefully and as movingly as Suzanne Bunkers."--James Olney, Editor, Southern Review

I first encountered Charlotte Forten Grimke as an adult, when I read the hefty (more than 600 pages) edition of her journals published as part of the Schomburg Library of 19th Century Black Women Writers. I was captivated by her inquisitive mind and vivacious spirit, which clearly came through in her prose.

"A Free Black Girl Before the Civil War" is a selection from the journals of the young Charlotte Forten (Grimke was her married name), all written in 1854. These writings offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of an educated free black girl during the era of slavery. We learn about Charlotte's love for nature, her participation in abolitionist activities, her admiration for the pioneering African American poet Phillis Wheatley, and other topics. Editor Christy Steele and company have provided a rich and colorful assortment of study aids: photographs and illustrations from Charlotte's era, a map of the "Underground Railroad," a timeline, and other resources. At 32 pages, the book is a lot less intimidating than the adult version which I first read!

The book also encourages its young readers to start their own diaries, and offers some tips. A list of relevant Internet sites further adds to the interactive nature of the book. This is an outstanding book for younger readers. Adults who also enjoy it would be wise to seek out the Schomburg Library edition of Charlotte's journals, edited by Brenda Stevenson. Both versions of these historic documents are excellent contributions to the field of African American studies.

Students, scholars, and diarists will enjoy and benefit from reading this volume in part of whole. The editors quote generously from diaries, and the bibliography suggests further reading in every direction . . . 15 accessible, jargon-free essays expand the "discussion of the diary itself" and contribute to "the ongoing assesssment of its place within autobiography, writing by women, and the audience and cultural communities" . . . The variety of situations, uses of diaries, and new ideas about women's diaries in this collection is enormous. --P. A. McHaney

I was so amazed at the writing ability and language skills of a very young child. Laura Jernegan's account of her three years aboard a whaling vessel kept me reading. I couldn't put it down! Nestled among her diary notes was useful and interesting information regarding the capture of whales, equipment used, and the manufacture of whale and sperm oil aboard the ship. Equally as interesting was her acount of what the family had to eat,the weather, and playtime activities of her brother and herself. I can't wait to read the other eleven books in the set!