Young Gifted and Black

December 11, 2017
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.

Starred review from March 1, 2018

Gr 3 Up-With a title that references the late Lorraine Hansberry's phrase "young, gifted and black," this exuberant collected biography is one readers won't want to miss. Students are invited to explore one and two-page vignettes of 52 compelling figures in black culture worldwide. Each profile recounts their beginnings and marvelous feats as scientists, writers, athletes, artists, or activists, both past and present. Exquisitely designed, each illustrated portrait is thickly outlined, colored digitally, and illuminated by irradiating forms that resemble papel picado. Each written entry follows a precise format: a clear definition of the person in a larger sans-serif font; the same but smaller font for the text; a bold handwriting font for a highlighted quote; and an outlined, all-caps font for the inventive titles given to each, such as "Conductor" for Harriet Tubman, "Soul-Singing Superstar" for Solange, and "Chess Grandmaster" for Maurice Ashley. There is not a chronology or categories. There is a back matter and a "Hall of Fame" photo album-like index of black-and-white headshots, each framed with a name banner and page number. In the preface, New York-based activist author Wilson and illustrator Pippins pinpoint the importance of telling stories of black success with the adage that "if you can't see it, you can't be it." VERDICT Share this book widely across generations as a launching point for more discoveries.-Sara Lissa Paulson, City-As-School High School, New York City

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 15, 2018
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)

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