- Feb 19
How James Baldwin Became a Writer
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Little, Brown Books
for Young Readers
(pub.1.7.2025)
40 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Quartez Harris
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Character: James Baldwin
Overview:
"Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life."
Tantalizing taste:
"He earned enough money to travel far away from this troubles.
He flew to France, with dreams of writing a book of his own.
He saw mountains taller than the hill he climbed in Central Park. He knew that on those mountaintops he would find his peace and reach for new words.
So with his typewriter tucked under his arm, he began to climb ...
On that mountaintop, he found a clearer view of himself and of the world. He struck keys to heal his heart. His words spilled out of his typewriter and across the sky."
And something more: The More About James Baldwin explains: "In 1948, Jimmy packed up his ink-filled journals and flew to Paris with only forty dollars in his pocket. There, he wrote his first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, loosely based on his childhood. It was widely praised for capturing the life of Black Americans and for its rigorous examination of historical racism. This book launched his career as a literary figure."
How Lorraine Hansberry Found Her Voice
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Zando – Hillman Grad Books
(pub.10.22.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Jay Leslie
Illustrator: Loveis Wise
Character: Lorraine Hansberry
Overview:
" As a young girl, playwright Lorraine Hansberry walked everywhere with a notebook, eager to capture the sights, sounds, and stories of the people around her.
First Lorraine watched her parents’ triumph in the Supreme Court case of Hansberry v. Lee. Then she discovered the magic of theater. Next, she unlocked the power of her voice, crafting A Raisin in the Sun. Her play went on to influence generations of artists and the world was never the same."
Tantalizing taste:
"Lorraine climbed onstage as the chanting exploded into applause.
Years ago, people had tried to silence Lorraine's family.
Now their voices rang out in the biggest show on Broadway.
Her father's words came back to her.
Our stories can change the world.
'You're right, Papa,' she whispered."
And something more: Jay Leslie explained in A Note from the Author: "Lorraine Hansberry was an iconic writer who refused to be silenced - her voice rang out across the world. I was drawn to Lorraine's story because Lorraine was proud to be different... Like Lorraine, you can speak out for what you believe in. Your words are powerful, and your voice is strong."
In an interview with TeachingBooks, illustrator Loveis Wise answered the question of 'describe the book in three words': "I would describe this book as a book that speaks to resiliency, that speaks to legacy, that also just speaks to finding empowerment within oneself in such a deep way... I think Lorraine, in even her short life, built so much of a legacy, inspired by her family and what she went through as a youth that really catalyzed her into being this brilliant artist and thinker that inspired generations."
Updated: Feb 10
A Story of Prince
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Enchanted Lion Books
(pub. 11.19.2024)
68 pages
Ages 6 - 9
Author: Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Sirin Thada
Character: Prince
Overview:
" Prince is remembered as one of the greatest musicians and performers of all time. But before he achieved global superstardom, he was a child growing up in Minneapolis, with a universe of music inside him. From his first forays into writing songs with his school friends to his unprecedented three-album record deal at 19, and his surprise hit film Purple Rain to performing at the Super Bowl, Prince was never afraid to blaze his own trail—creating something entirely new, entirely free, and entirely PRINCE that would shape music and culture and resonate with audiences for generations to come."
Tantalizing taste:
"Prince understood that a true superpower
is something you create out of love, hard work, and joy.
By following his own path, day after day,
the small boy with a universe of music inside of him
grew up to become ...
The Purple One."
And something more: The author, Matthew Burgess, shared in the Author's Note: "The act of becoming was no accident. It was a bold creative feat, fueled by Prince's tremendous energy and daring. In addition to developing the skills he would need to become a serious musician, the young Prince studied his musical heroes, wrote out the lyrics of his favorite songs, and made 'vision lists' of the things he wanted to experience and accomplish."
