"What to Expect: History, art, racism, equality, hope, perseverance
"Alma loves color and nature. Even though she lives in a world that denies her access to rights and education, she is lucky to be part of a family that celebrates creativity, books, learning, and teaching. With a loving family and great teachers to guide her, Alma becomes an amazing artist. When her family moves North to where they can enjoy more freedom, she devotes her energy to teaching and helping children, rather than becoming famous for her art. Alma’s story is an inspiring ode to giving back and helping others.
"In telling the true story of Black artist Alma Thomas, this stunning picture book places emphasis not on fame and success, but on serving and supporting others and on enjoying life and experience. Drawing on Alma’s own art for inspiration,
the book is awash with bright, vibrant illustrations, accompanied by vocabulary that invites a multisensory exploration of color.
"The book’s end matter includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of Alma’s life, and a resources page, making this volume a great educational resource as well as an engaging story.
"Overall, Ablaze with Color is a beautiful and thought-provoking biography for young readers and artists to enjoy. Highly Recommended!"
HURRAH! I'm so thrilled that our book, ABLAZE WITH COLOR - A Story of Painter Alma Thomas received a *STARRED* review from American Library Association (ALA) in the 1/1/2022 Booklist.
- Jan 16, 2022
Updated: Dec 30, 2022
A Story of Nina Simone
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
G.P. Putnam's Sons
(Penguin Random House)
(pub.9.28.2021) 56 pages
Author: Traci N. Todd
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Character: Nina Simone
Overview: "Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder, like her mother's preaching, and in much the same way as her career.
During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam, Nina's voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination."
Tantalizing taste:
"Nina's voice broke with the weight of this new music. It was harder now, rough, defiant.
Black people loved her for it. They had always loved her. But now, as they sat at lunch counters, demanding to be served; rode buses, demanding to be seated; and marched, demanding good jobs for good pay - they knew how much she truly loved them."
And something more: Traci N. Todd shares in the About Nina Simone section: "My father, a civil rights leader in his own right, introduced me to the music of Nina Simone. He first heard her music playing in a gas station in Alabama. The song was 'I Loves You, Porgy,' from George and Ira Gershwin's musical Porgy and Bess. When my father asked the gas station attendant who was singing, the attendant replied, 'I don't know if it's Nine-ah Simon or Nina Simone, but she sure can sing.' I've heard that story so often, it feels like part of who I am. So does the music of Nina Simone."
