The plus here: learning about the existence and art of Edmonia Lewis. The minus -- well, the verse form leaves a lot to the imagination -- which makes it a reasonable choice for a figure whom much is unknown, but is frustrating in its slender narrative. ( )

Edmonia Lewis was the first professional African-American sculptor, active in the U.S. and Italy during mid- to late-1800s. This fictionalized biography in verse elaborates on what little is known of the life of this largely unknown and unheralded artist, from her upbringing among the Chippewa and her time at Oberlin College, to studying sculpture in Rome and exhibiting her work at the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia. Hers is a life of many question marks, and it is a shame we know so little about her. Readers who are inspired to find out more about her work will not be disappointed. ( )