Schools of California Online Resources for Education
Literature Unit: The House of Dies Drear
"The House of Dies Drear," is a powerful novel by Virginia Hamilton.
PBS
Pbs's Africans in America: Equiano's Autobiography
Chapter two of "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," the autobiography of a man abducted from Africa and forced into slavery before later obtaining his freedom. This chapter details his capture and eventual journey...
PBS
Pbs.org: Sterling Brown, Biography
PBS offers a brief, but well-written, biography of the famous Harlem Renaissance author.
PBS
Pbs: Literature & Life Givens Collection (Afr. Am. Lit)
This PBS site explores African-American literature from its beginnings to the present. Includes an on-line study guide.
PBS
Pbs: Literature & Life: Choice of Weapons
It is hard to categorize Gordon Park, Sr., because he excelled in so many areas. He was well known for his writing, his photojournalism and in film. He also composed music. Listen here to an interview with Gordon Parks, Sr., and to...
Other
World Views: African Literature: Voices From 'Another' Africa
A chapter which looks at the development of African literature. Lists many sources for studying and reading African literature.
Other
Infozone.comz; Biography of the Delany Sisters
This site features a biography and tribute to these fine authors.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Toni Morrison
A detailed biography on the works of African American writer and 1993 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Toni Morrison. Contains information on the themes and subject matters of her most famous books while also giving some information on...
Cengage Learning
Gale: Harlem Renaissance: A Gale Critical Companion: Jessie Redmon Fauset [Pdf]
Read the biographical notes, a review of Fauset's major works, a portrait, a reprint of a short essay by Fauset from "Some Notes on Color," a collection of essays on her life and work, and an extensive bibliography.
Other
Reading Group Guides: My Intonia
This site features a reading group guide for the book, "My Antonia," by Willa Cather. Students will benefit from the discussion questions listed in this resource.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Jean Toomer
This is a brief biography of Jean Toomer, an African American author of poetry and short stories, published in many magazines in the early twentieth century. Click on "Jean Toomer Activities" for related materials.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: James Baldwin
James Baldwin is presented in this biography as a great African American contributor to the literary world during the civil rights movement. See "James Baldwin Activities" for more information.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Gwendolyn Brooks
Writer Gwendolyn Brooks is presented in this biography for her contributions to African American literature. Click on "Gwendolyn Brooks Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Becoming Visible: Ralph Ellison
Author Ralph Ellison is presented in this biography for his contributions to African American literature. See "Ralph Ellison Activities" for further information.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Poetry of Liberation: Amiri Baraka
Poet and playwright Amiri Baraka is featured in this brief biography for his radical views and contributions during the Black Arts Movement in America. See "Amiri Baraka Activities" for related resources.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Alice Walker
Alice Walker is highlighted in this brief biography for her acclaimed contributions to literature, relating the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Click on "Alice Walker Activities" for related materials.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is featured for her ability to illustrate the idiocies of racial stereotyping through her award winning literature. See "Toni Morrison Activities" for related materials.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Amiri Baraka
Provides some key facts and accomplishments in the life of African American poet and writer, Amiri Baraka.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Sterling A. Brown
Excellent biography citing influences on the famous author's work. Links to contemporaries of the era.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Literature by and About African Americans
A bibliography collection of literature by and about African Americans. Includes a selection of memoirs, fiction and non-fiction work.
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: Reading Guide to Langston Hughes
This guide discusses Langston Hughes's body of poetry, as well as briefly analyzing characteristics in several individual poems. The site also offers an interview with writer Afaa Weaver regarding Hughes's works, discussion questions, a...
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Toni Cade Bambara
Have your students ever read any of Toni Cade Bambara's work? This site offers links to important resources about her life and work.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Chinua Achebe
Discover the path of Chinua Achebe's life and work through the links found within this resource. This site features links to several to lesson plans and activities for his work.