Of interest to high school readers and older, this volume consists of profiles of 100 popular, contemporary African American authors, mostly those who have become prominent in the past 25 years, but with some seminal figures such as Alex Haley, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston. The profiles, which are presented alphabetically, provide brief biographies and discussions of their works, along with complete lists of their publications. Authors were chosen with an emphasis on popular fiction, durability, and US orientation in mind. A sampling of those profiled: Octavia Butler, Walter Moseley, Omar Tyree, Zane, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Bebe Moore Campbell, Edwidge Danticat, Terry McMillan, and Alice Walker. The book is indexed by author/title and genre. Profiles are based on sources such as existing reference works, periodicals, and author web sites. Drew is a freelance writer and editor. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)