Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

A richly illustrated collective biography of 52 black icons, from the well-known to the less familiar.In the opening author's note, the purpose of the volume is made clear: "All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in stories. That's why we're highlighting the talent and contributions of black changemakers from around the world—for readers of all backgrounds to discover"—a worthwhile goal exquisitely executed. This diverse collection of iconic figures includes film directors, politicians, writers, athletes, musicians, scientists, and leaders, among others. In no apparent order, subjects profiled range from those born in the 1800s to those born more recently, after the turn of the 20th century, who make up the majority of the 52. Most icons occupy one half of a double-page spread that's unified by colors, designs, and patterns in the art. The colorful and dynamic images often use shapes and imagery to portray the subjects as crowned or haloed (as in the angelic halo, partially made of piano keys, that adorns Nina Simone). Each vibrantly illustrated minibio includes either the person's nickname or words they are known by in bold, their birth and death dates (if deceased), and the place of their birth. The inclusion of non-American black icons is notable and commendable—especially that of Australian Aboriginal "Champion Sprinter" Cathy Freeman. A beautifully crafted volume that can serve either as an introduction to these figures or as a supplementary text. (glossary) (Collective biography. 9-14)

ALA Booklist (Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Fifty-two black men and women, past and present, are introduced in this eye-catching book. Readers receive short bios about subjects that include icons (Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman); celebrities and athletes (Oprah, the Williams sisters, Louis Armstrong); and some people whose names are less familiar, such as Samuel Coleridge Taylor, a mixed-race English composer who worked at the turn of the last century. The book gets most of its points for the breadth of its coverage and its dynamic design and artwork. The oversize volume has a pop-art sensibility, depicting every subject in a folk-art style surrounded by design work and, often, items representative of their careers. These are accompanied by biographical information five or six paragraphs long, along with a highlighted quote. Information so concise does leave out a lot: for instance, there is no mention of the affect Oprah Winfrey's father had on her life, nor Muhammad Ali's issues with serving in the U.S. Army. But the visuals will draw kids, and the bios may be just enough to spur readers onward.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

In this "love letter...to the next generation of black changemakers" (per the book's welcome note), stylish digitally colored ink portraits illustrate fifty-two brief bios of black subjects; the person's iconic (unsourced) quotations appear in bold. The selections vary widely in era, nationality, background, and occupation, but the connecting factors are talent and willingness to work hard as a child. A "Hall of Fame" with photos is appended. Glos.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A richly illustrated collective biography of 52 black icons, from the well-known to the less familiar.In the opening author's note, the purpose of the volume is made clear: "All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in stories. That's why we're highlighting the talent and contributions of black changemakers from around the world—for readers of all backgrounds to discover"—a worthwhile goal exquisitely executed. This diverse collection of iconic figures includes film directors, politicians, writers, athletes, musicians, scientists, and leaders, among others. In no apparent order, subjects profiled range from those born in the 1800s to those born more recently, after the turn of the 20th century, who make up the majority of the 52. Most icons occupy one half of a double-page spread that's unified by colors, designs, and patterns in the art. The colorful and dynamic images often use shapes and imagery to portray the subjects as crowned or haloed (as in the angelic halo, partially made of piano keys, that adorns Nina Simone). Each vibrantly illustrated minibio includes either the person's nickname or words they are known by in bold, their birth and death dates (if deceased), and the place of their birth. The inclusion of non-American black icons is notable and commendable—especially that of Australian Aboriginal "Champion Sprinter" Cathy Freeman. A beautifully crafted volume that can serve either as an introduction to these figures or as a supplementary text. (glossary) (Collective biography. 9-14)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

With a title drawn from Nina Simone-s -To Be Young, Gifted and Black,- this striking volume highlights 52 black activists, politicians, artists, writers, scientists, and entertainers from around the world. Wilson introduces the figures in succinct biographies that move briskly through their accomplishments, emphasize their impact, and include brief quotations (-If they don-t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,- said Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman in Congress). Wilson-s subjects are weighted toward the 20th and 21st centuries (Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mae Jemison, Steve McQueen, the Obamas, the Williams and Knowles sisters), but earlier trailblazers are also represented, including George Washington Carver, Alexandre Dumas, and Harriet Tubman. Pippins uses dramatic shades of pink, yellow, red, and fluorescent green to create tableaus that suggest a blend of religious iconography and pop art. A luminous and diverse tribute to black movers and shakers across the centuries. Ages 7-10. (Feb.)