Tell It In Words and Pictures: Outstanding New Biographies of African Americans
RSSJoy Fleishhacker, Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 10/20/2009
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Librarians and educators will want to have these recently published biographies on their shelves in time for Black History Month and for use throughout the year. Presented in picture-book format, these first-rate offerings will grab readers’ interest and satisfy their curiosity with a dynamic balance of engaging narrative, striking artwork, and storytelling flair. These depictions soar beyond straightforward biographical summation to convey an intimate sense of time and place and underscore the enormity of challenges faced and achievements accomplished.
Read these books aloud with students to introduce courageous and committed men and women, to enrich discussion of the African-American experience, and to ignite interest in American history. Or put these volumes in youngsters’ hands for involving, you-are-there reading adventures that will inform and inspire.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney’s robust language and radiant artwork proudly promenade together to provide a magnetic look at this 19th-century abolitionist, lecturer, and women’s rights activist. There’s nothing quiet about the narrative, which celebrates Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride (Disney/Hyperion, 2009; Gr 3-6) as she trudged through years of hardworking slavery, treaded her way to freedom, and finally, “putting her foot down for what she knew was right,” marched across the land to preach about her beliefs.
Filled with lyrical phrasings and resonant rhythms, the text reads aloud like a foot-stamping dance tune, fluently conveying the essence of a woman who was large in stature (“almost six feet tall while still a child…with size-twelve feet…and hands like hams”), steadfastly devoted to helping others, and a fiery and fearless orator (the book climaxes with Truth’s famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech). Aglow in ember-bright hues tempered by softer earth tones, the vivid illustrations effortlessly echo the verbal imagery. The artwork has an abstract, flowing quality, with heavy black lines riveting the eye and nailing down details. One dramatic spread focuses on Truth’s face as she speaks her mind to a crowd, capturing her passion and commitment and reiterating the text’s refrain: “Big. Black. Beautiful. True. That was Sojourner.” A biographical note and photos of Sojourner are appended. Students (and teachers) can step-stomp over to the Sojourner Truth Institute’s Web site to find out more about her life and times, view historical photos, and access a virtual library of her speeches and other information.
Bass Reeves (1838-1920)
Like Sojourner Truth, Bass Reeves was born into slavery, later escaping to freedom and settling down on a farm in Arkansas after the Civil War. In 1875 he was hired on as a deputy U.S. marshall in the vast and unruly Indian Territory, a commission that quickly translated into Bad News for Outlaws (Carolrhoda, 2009; Gr 3-8). During his legendary 32-year career, this formidable federal peace officer arrested more than 3,000 fugitives, killing only 14 men in the line of duty and never once sustaining injury. From the very first page, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s riveting narrative balances historical detail with storytelling flair.
The book begins with an edge-of-your seat showdown between Reeves and a desperado who fires four shots before he is done in by Bass’s Winchester. Colorful quotes from contemporaries (on both sides of the law) and Nelson’s own tongue-twanging language and clever metaphors relate specific incidents to introduce a quick-witted, gutsy, and tough-as-leather hero who was respected and feared throughout the land. The author makes clear that despite his size and strength, the “biggest thing about Bass Reeves was his character. He had a dedication to duty few men could match. He didn’t have a speck of fear in him. And he was as honest as the day is long.”
Textured brushstrokes, rich colors, and eye-catching perspectives make R. Gregory Christie’s paintings as arresting as the action they portray. Parchment-like backdrops and candid poses give the illustrations the old-time aura of an antique photograph. A portrait of Reeves, a glossary of “Western Words,” added historical tidbits, and a list of kid-appropriate resources are appended. Youngsters will be awed and intrigued by this amazing true-life story, presented here with the flavor, suspense, and drama of an Old West yarn. A podcast of Christie discussing his work and other resources are available at the publisher's Web site.
Paul Robeson (1898-1976)
Eloise Greenfield’s award-winning picture book biography of Paul Robeson (Lee & Low, 2009; Gr 2-5), originally published in 1975 and recently updated, is as inspiring today as it was more than 30 years ago. Beginning with a dramatic recounting of his father’s escape from slavery, the narrative provides just the right amount of depth for young readers, describing Robeson’s youth in New Jersey, his education, and the many roles he played an adult—actor, singer, social activist, and orator. The elegant and succinct text highlights particular incidents—a young Paul engaging in fistfights motivated by racial slurs, singing in the church choir, and later encountering instances of prejudice at Rutgers University—that will help youngsters to understand his motivations and passion for fighting injustice.
Set against a warm, cream backdrop, George Ford’s stirring monochromatic illustrations use strong lines and shading to convey Robeson’s power as a performer and his unwavering sense of purpose. According to Greenfield’s afterword, Robeson “lived and sang a purposeful life.” Be sure to enhance studies of this courageous and charismatic individual by sharing the “power, the richness, and the beauty of his voice” with your students (recordings and videos of Robeson performing classics such as “Ol’ Man River” are available on Youtube).
Coretta Scott King (1927-2006)
Coretta Scott (HarperCollins, 2009; Gr 4 Up), a biographical poem written by Ntozake Shange and majestically illustrated by Kadir Neslon, provides a lyrical introduction to this author, activist, and civil rights leader. Poignant and provocative verbal and visual images work in tandem to draw attention to significant moments in King’s life and pay homage to her calling. A verse detailing how young “Coretta and her siblings/walked all/of five miles to/the nearest colored school/in the darkness/with dew dampening/their feet” is paired with an illustration of the three children striding along a shadowy road, their determination etched in their body language. Another painting focuses closely on the peaceful profiles of Coretta and Martin Luther King, Jr., backlit by a stained-glass church window, their eyes closed in prayer. A pulled-back perspective shows the enormity of the crowd that gathered at the March on Washington “listening to the words/that would inspire a nation.”
There is much to discuss and elucidate here, including Gandhi’s belief that “the humility of millions could free/more than just one people/it could free the world;” the “long journey” begun by the Montgomery bus boycott; and the inexorable fact that “tragedy accompanies growth/no matter who we are.” This stirring ode to a remarkable woman fittingly ends with an uplifting excerpt from the traditional gospel song, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round,” providing a wonderful opportunity for a listening experience. A photo of King and a biographical note are appended.
Wendell Scott (1921-1990)
In Racing Against the Odds (Marshall Cavendish, 2009; Gr 3-5), Carole Boston Weatherford presents a lively look at Wendell Scott, stock car racing’s first and most-successful African-American driver. This motivated individual “was in a hurry from day one. He probably walked early, talked early, and wolfed down supper before you could say, ‘Pass the peas.’” The rapid-fire text describes Scott’s “burning rubber” style of driving a cab, his high-speed moonshine-running days (the police recommended him to a racing promoter), and lean years trying to break the color barrier at various race tracks while supporting a family (“one pocket nearly broke, the other pocket full of dreams”).
Though he lacked “big-money backers”’ and drove only “hand-me-down cars,” Scott’s tenacity and talent eventually earned him a dramatic (and unacknowledged until later) win at a championship NASCAR race in 1963. “And when Hollywood made a movie about his life [1977’s Greased Lightning], he built three cars for the film and even drove in action scenes.” Done in warm pastels, Eric A. Velasquez’s paintings employ varied layouts, sequenced panels, and changing perspectives to keep the visual pace moving just as swiftly as the narrative. Kids will enjoy discovering this engine-revving, automobile-tinkering, risk-taking trailblazer.
Muhammad Ali (1942- )
Pairing articulate text with electrifying artwork, Walter Dean Myers and Alix Delinois pull off a dazzling one-two punch combo to introduce readers to Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion (HarperCollins, Jan. 2010; Gr 3-7). The tone is set by the endpapers: a bright orange backdrop hosts a kaleidoscope of bold-colored butterflies, sketched-in bees, and well-known quotes from the three-time World Heavyweight Champ himself.
The narrative capably covers Ali’s accomplishments in many arenas, discussing his finesse and pizzazz in the ring, his religious conversion and growing social consciousness, his 1971 victory in the Supreme Court justifying his status as conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, and his ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease. With scintillating color blends, vibrantly flowing lines, and shimmer-filled shading, the paintings convey both Ali’s audacity and sincerity, while expanding the text with details of time and place. Supplement this wonderful biography with a visit to “The Official Site of Muhammad Ali,” where students can access more information, browse an interactive time line, and view video clips and photos of this American hero in action as athlete and humanitarian.
