Children’s / Teenage general interest: Biography and autobiography

Book Synopsis STONEWALL BOOK AWARD HONOR BEST OF THE YEAR Booklist - BookPage - Kirkus - BCCBIn a kaleidoscope of desert sands and swirling skirts, Queen Harish takes flight. This picture book biography, spun in vibrant verse by Jyoti Gopal, traces the journey of a beloved Rajasthani drag performer who defied tradition and dazzled the world. Fueled by an inner fire, young Harish yearns to join the captivating desert dancers, their music pulsing through his veins. But societal constraints paint a narrow path, one that clashes with his vibrant spirit. Through lyrical stanzas and Svabhu Kohli''s evocative art, Harish''s story unfolds, a tapestry woven with resilience and the transformative power of dance. From village gatherings to Bollywood stages, Queen Harish twirls her way into hearts, leaving a trail of shattered stereotypes and empowering others to embrace their true selves. This is a celebration of courage, finding your inner queen, and dancing to your own rhythm.6 STARRED REVIEWS ★ With art as shiny and glittery as the goddess herself, this picture book is nothing short of brilliant. An essential purchase.-School Library Journal (starred) ★ Both a celebration of art and a manifesto for living on one''s own terms. . . Kohli''s vibrant, kaleidoscope-like illustrations duet in harmony with Rajan Gopal''s lyrical, rhythmic language.-Publishers Weekly(starred) ★ This one-of-a-kind picture book paints a stirringly intimate and reverential portrait of the late drag performer known as Queen Harish, the Whirling Desert Queen of Rajasthan. . . As gorgeous and indefinable as Queen Harish herself, this book belongs on every shelf.-Booklist (starred) ★ A fearlessly triumphant depiction of the wonder, magic and sparkle of dance.-BookPage (starred) ★ Celebratory. . . striking.-Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books (starred) ★ Vibrant, kaleidoscopic illustrations inspired by the desert environs and the textiles, architecture, and artwork of the city of Jaisalmer capture the joyful dancer''s whirling and swirling movements. . . Lyrical poetry mirrors the sounds and beats of the local folk music and complements the dreamlike visuals. Evocative and electrifying.-Kirkus Reviews (starred) A love letter to gender fluidity, accompanied by stunning art full of vibrancy and warmth.-Betsy Bird,Fuse8

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Book SynopsisDiscover the life of Kamala Harrisa story for kids ages 6 to 9 about fighting for justiceKamala Harris is the first woman, Black American and South Asian American to become vice president of the United States. Before she made history, Kamala was a passionate kid who enjoyed traveling and attended civil rights protests with her family. She always wanted to help people, so she worked hard to become a lawyer, then a U.S. senator, and then vice president! Explore how Kamala went from being a young girl to an American leader and role model. Independent readingThis Kamala Harris biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own. Critical thinkingKids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Kamala''s life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more. A lasting legacyWatch Kamala progress from a little girl to vice president of the United States with a visual timeline marking the major milestones in her life. How will Kamala''s belief in a better world inspire you?Discover activists, artists, and athletes, and more from all across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Princess Diana, and Eliza Hamilton.

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Book Synopsis★★★★ FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! New from the award-winning author/illustrator team behind Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop! Who was Coretta Scott King? Her black-veiled image at the funeral of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was moving and iconic. This book introduces readers to the woman behind the veil—a girl full of spunk and pluck, bravery and grit.“Corrie, you are a brave soldier. I don’t know what I would do without you.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Much more than just a wife, Coretta Scott King was Martin’s partner in the fight for justice. It wasn’t always easy. From an early age, she stood strong against white violence toward her family in the South, and against discrimination as a music student in the North. Coretta found her voice as a classical singer, but she struggled mightily to speak out as an activist in the face of men who thought she should be seen and not heard. But she never wavered. When Martin died, it was Coretta who carried on the struggle, and preserved his legacy so that his voice would be heard by future generations. This important story, told in poetry and prose, is a riveting introduction to an important and instrumental figure in the history of activism and civil rights. Awards for Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop… Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book • School Library Journal Best Book of the Year • Booklist Editors' Choice • Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book • Booklist Top 10 Diverse Books for Middle Grade or Older Readers • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best BooksTrade ReviewA 2023 Horn Book Fanfare BookCenter for the Studies of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 20232023 Eureka! Nonfiction Childrens’ Honor Award A Chicago Public Library Best Book"[A] stirring introduction to a woman who stood strong before and after her husband’s 1968 assassination...Alternating between poems and prose, Duncan’s text is informative as well as emotionally powerful, with a sense of cosmic destiny about Coretta’s future with Martin sprinkled throughout...Christie’s illustrations similarly range from dreamlike images to real-life documentation." —The New York Times Book Review★ "Duncan depicts Coretta’s path through both verse and prose; the many poetic forms she employs reflect the complexities of her subject’s life, and the strong prose gives a clear picture of her determined personality. Christie’s impressionistic mixed-media watercolor illustrations are stunning, beginning with the powerful cover that immediately commands attention. Exuding emotion, each image perfectly complements the intriguing text." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "Coretta Scott King gets her due recognition in this comprehensive, creative, and radiant picture book biography...Alternating between spreads of poetry and prose, the clever structure balances the delivery of both emotion and information, and the poems themselves vary significantly in form, deftly matching the tone of Coretta’s experiences at each age. Unexpected allure is added by the recurring celestial imagery related to both Coretta and Martin, which Duncan explains is based on the couple’s belief that their marriage was 'divinely appointed—beyond earthly perimeters.' Christie’s mixed media watercolor art uses a vibrant, warm color palette and is stunningly emotive in depicting the details of a storied lifetime." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review★ "In a sophisticated, poetic biography in picture-book form, Duncan alternates double-page spreads featuring prose or poems in a variety of forms that highlight Coretta Scott King's accomplishments...Duncan's reverent tone gleams thanks to an effective combination of forthright prose and eclectic poetic forms. Christie conveys the highlights of Coretta's life story in vivid and engaging watercolor renderings." —The Horn Book, starred review★ "A marvelous tribute to the activist, singer, and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Duncan crafts a captivating look at the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King...Duncan’s narrative emphasizes King’s strength and bravery, and how she inspired her husband to make difficult choices for the cause. The text’s musicality recall’s King’s vocalist background...Gorgeous text and resplendent illustrations present a nuanced picture book biography for all shelves." —School Library Journal, starred review"Duncan's picture-book biography emphasizes the personal strengths and virtues that make CSK a civil rights icon in her own right, in addition to being MLK's life partner. Duncan uses a variety of poetic styles, ranging from acrostics and haiku to free verse, that walk readers chronologically through key moments in CSK’s life, while the prose passages generally provide wider historical context. Christie's mixed-media, watercolor illustrations appear on every spread, depicting cited events and individuals, conveying the emotions of those involved, and providing important setting details." —Booklist"Blending poetry and prose to chart the path of Coretta Scott King (1927–2006), Duncan and Christie portray a person who was formidable from her earliest years." —Publishers Weekly"Coretta's Journey eloquently blends poetry and prose to tell the life story of civil rights activist, Coretta Scott King. This powerful picture book biography is organized chronologically and includes dates to help readers place the events in history. Duncan incorporates quotes into the narrative and poems as she describes the life and accomplishments of the fearless and steady civil rights leader, mother and wife. Christie's mixed media watercolor illustrations evoke a range of emotions from joy and wonder to determination and grief. Rich back matter includes photographs, a timeline and author's note. Coretta's Journey is a recommended purchase for upper elementary and middle grade readers. Look for the title to appear on awards lists in the coming months!" —The Nonfiction Detectives"Coretta's Journey should be read by any young person who wants to understand Coretta Scott King's essential contribution to her husband's extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Her courage and dedication were evident both before and after she met Martin. She chose to be a wife and mother but was always Coretta."—Dr. Clayborne Carson, historian and founding director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University“Coretta’s Journey is complete with compelling prose and vivid illustrations. Alice Faye Duncan seamlessly weaves historical facts together to show that by some universal, divine source, Coretta’s marriage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. allowed them both to actualize their life callings to advance civil and human rights.” —Daphene R. McFerren, executive director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis

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Book SynopsisDiscover the untold yet inspiring story of Amy Beach, musician extraordinaire and the first successful woman composer in America.With perfect pitch and fierce persistence, Amy Beach always knew she had to make music. There was just one BIG problem. Her mother believed it was not proper or suitable for a young lady to draw attention to herself, let alone take on a musical career. But give in or give up? Not Amy Beach. She demanded to play the piano. Demanded to have a real teacher. Demanded to perform. Luckily—for the world!—Amy’s persistence paid off. At just sixteen years old, Amy Beach found herself on the stage of Boston’s Music Hall—and the start of a brilliant career. A female composer who paved the way—perfectly! Trade Review★ “A profile of the early life of a 19th-century musical prodigy… carefully chosen details paint a portrait of a remarkable young person.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Paired with Jay’s vibrant illustrations, with a cracked-paint-like texture that pops off the page like paintings of the period, this lively tale will introduce young readers to a new and important historical figure who—in ways such as playing by ear or memory to linking colors with sounds—proves a truly remarkable figure. This charming introduction to Beach’s life and career is explored in further historical detail in the extensive back matter." —Booklist"In a picture book exploration of the childhood of composer and musician Amy Cheney Beach (1867–1944), DeLems spotlights a barrier-breaking feminist in the male-dominated 19th-century music industry. DeLems focuses on Cheney Beach’s childhood through her stage debut, energizing detail-rich text with interspersed staccato sentences and all-caps emphasis, while Jay’s crackled illustrations establish the mood of her rural upbringing through earth-toned paintings" —Publishers Weekly"DeLems shares Beach’s accomplishments with a sprightly text. Jay’s signature artwork illuminates the young woman’s rise to fame with bright ­yellows and sky blues. The lively narrative and images combine to give a rambunctious feel to the work. An author’s note, time line, ­period photos, musical glossary, and bibliography are included in the back matter. Readers will be inspired by her verve and dedication. A joyous picture book biography about a little known, gifted female musician, that would make a great choice for most nonfiction shelves." —School Library Journal“The greatest American musician of the late 19th century was . . . a girl? Yes indeed! The extraordinary Amy Cheney Beach comes to vivid life in this fabulous picture-book biography. With charm, humor, and honesty, Caitlin DeLems writes the story that needs to be shared with children and adults alike. Against all odds, the genius of Amy Beach triumphed over the challenges of her time, societal constraints, and prejudice. Why did I have to wait until I was in my twenties to learn about this astonishing musician? Thanks to Caitlin DeLems and artist Alison Jay, youngsters can now discover the amazing Amy Beach and be inspired to follow their dream.”—JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra“This delightful book will introduce young readers to the brilliant American composer Amy Beach. Carefully researched, as well as full of fun and whimsy, this book provides insight into her growth and work as a musician. Amy Beach is brought to life through beautiful illustrations, engaging prose, and quotations. And the end matter encourages readers to visit historical sites or learn more about Beach and her illustrious career.” —Liane Curtis, PhD, President, Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy

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Book SynopsisThis YA biography-in-verse of six important Black Americans from different eras, including Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, chronicles the diverse ways each fought racism and shows how much—and how little—has changed for Black Americans since our country’s founding.Full of daring escapes, deep emotion, and subtle lessons on how racism operates, A LONG TIME COMING reveals the universal importance of its subjects’ struggles for justice. From freedom seeker Ona Judge, who fled her enslavement by America’s first president, to Barack Obama, the first Black president, all of Shepard’s protagonists fight valiantly for justice for themselves and all Black Americans in any way that they can. But it is also a highly personal book, as Shepard — whose maternal grandfather was enslaved — shows how the grand sweep of history has touched his life, reflecting on how much progress has been made against racism, while also exhorting readers to complete the vast work that remains to be done.Trade ReviewA 2023 School Library Journal Best BookA 2023 Booklist Editors' Choice A 2023 Kirkus Best BookTexas Topaz Nonfiction Reading ListFinalist, SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction Text for Older Readers★ "These narratives will also give young people a new understanding of how the subjects became exceptional forces for racial freedom...Meticulously researched and organized...Shepard creatively argues through captivating poetic history that racial justice is the long struggle in this country and that we are still working toward who ''we' is in this more perfect union. A must ­purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review★ "Rooting the events presented in documented history, Shepard distills them into concentrated bursts of truth... Christie’s section-heading black-and-white scenes are as starkly powerful as the poems. The information presented is kaleidoscopic rather than comprehensive; readers will come away with clear senses of who these individuals were and what motivated them, while formidable backmatter...provides avenues for them to fill in the gaps. Electrifying." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "In this substantive nonfiction history in verse, Shepherd depicts the lives of six Black Americans who 'tilted the country’s moral arc toward liberty, freedom, and justice.' The poetry is always engaging, at times unwieldy, at times electric in its power. Highly recommended for both personal reading and curricular study." —Booklist, starred review★ “This is a highly readable work of creative nonfiction told in five story-poems–flash lines of verse, prose, and quotes–anchored in historical facts The individual poems are impressionistic, and many have a rhythm that would work well when read aloud.” —Youth Service Book Review"In this biography in verse, Shepard presents thoroughly researched portraits of six historical Black figures...Shepard makes each subject both distinct and connected; repetitive phrases and similar stylistic structures thread through the book, underscoring an arc of history that has lurched toward racial justice in fits and starts, taking one step back as many times as it moved forward." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“A Long Time Coming is an unflinching, thoughtful, instructive, and beautiful rendering of the African American journey from slavery to freedom and beyond. Students of all ages will benefit from reading it.”—Randall Kennedy, Michael R. Klein Professor at Harvard Law School and author of Say It Loud! On Race, Law, History, and Culture“Ray Anthony Shepard takes readers on an epic journey along Freedom’s road. As they encounter conquering souls like Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and President Obama, readers will finish the book bolstered with understanding and feelings of inspiration and joy.”—Alice Faye Duncan, author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop“In powerful prose poetry, Ray Anthony Shepard recounts the lives and audacity of Black leaders from Harriet Tubman and Frederic Douglass to Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama. Learning about them together gives this history of our country’s sins and the people who fought for justice the gravitas it deserves. I pray that this book—painful, revealing, and ultimately inspiring—will disprove forever ‘the lie,’ as Shepard puts it perfectly, ‘that people are color-coded into winners and losers.’ It is a long time coming.”—Deborah Heiligman, author of Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith“An exquisite historical tapestry, A Long Time Coming, weaves the lives of six heroes to create unflinchingly detailed documentation of American strength, suffering, and survival. Approachable, quick, and brimming with dynamic storytelling. Depth of research shines as Shepard graciously sheds new light on the lives of these heroes.”—Angela Joy, author of Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

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