"A brief look at many of the black trailblazers in world society - a useful start for further reading | Inspiring celebration of black trailblazers "
This inspiring, illuminating, stylishly accessible anthology invites young readers to discover and celebrate phenomenal forebears and contemporary catalysts, while encouraging them to blaze their own inimitable trails.
Taking its name from a Nina Simone song, and written as “a love letter to our ancestors, and to the next generation of black changemakers,” this exuberantly illustrated book presents a plethora of outstanding individuals who’ve realised amazing achievements in their respective fields. Among the fifty-two figures we meet are household names from contemporary culture (Michelle and Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé, for example), and hugely important historical heroes and heroines. While some will be familiar – Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks, for example – lesser-known pioneers are also presented, among them Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel in space.
In their introduction, the author and illustrator issue an emboldening statement about the importance of representation – “all children deserve to see themselves represented positively in stories”. And, with such a dazzling diversity of talents portrayed here (from writers, musicians, dancers and visual artists, to sports people, scientists and politicians), this book has much to inspire a real range of young readers.
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Meet 52 icons of colour from the past and present in this celebration of inspirational achievement - a collection of stories about changemakers to encourage, inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.
Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this range of black icons and the book is stylishly brought together by Andrea Pippins' colourful and celebratory illustrations.
Written in the spirit of Nina Simone's song To Be Young, Gifted, and Black, this vibrant book is a perfect introduction to both historic and present-day icons and heroes. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.
All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in the books they read. Highlighting the talent and contributions of black leaders and changemakers from around the world, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. Strong, courageous, talented and diverse, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dream... whatever it may be.
If you like this book, check out Step Into Your Power and Big Ideas for Young Thinkers, by the same author-illustrator team.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Young Gifted and Black and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-18 years old
Young Gifted and Black features in the following genres: Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Featured Books for Young Adults, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Young Gifted and Black is available in Paperback, Hardback
Young Gifted and Black was written by Jamia Wilson and published by Wide Eyed Editions
Young Gifted and Black has 61 pages
Yes it is part of See Yourself in Their Stories series
£8.99
