Told from the viewpoint of a young black girl growing up in Manhattan and North Carolina at mid-century, these 15 interconnected short stories evoke the troubles and triumphs of a community. Included in this collection are the much-anthologized Raymond's Run and My Man Bovanne. Bambara was an unflagging advocate of justice and civil and human rights, and her stories are shot through with powerful social conscience.  (NYC121, $12.95)