Description
The award-winning, inspirational story of journalist Ida B. Wells and her crusade for justice and civil rights. A must-have for American, Black, and women’s history collections.
“This handsomely packaged introduction to one of the most important progenitors of the Civil Rights Movement is just the ticket for young readers.” ―Kirkus Reviews
In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”?
Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells and her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.
Awards:
Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation
Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―National Council of Teachers of English
Amelia Bloomer Project ―Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Social Studies, Grades K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International
Macy’s Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature ―Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
Children’s Books: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing ―New York Public Library
Garden State Children’s Book Awards (Non-fiction Nominee) ―New Jersey Library Association
Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Picture Narrative Master List) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA
Reviews
“Alcorn’s striking, symbol-infused hand-colored prints on creamy vellum get star billing… Author notes, a timeline and more enhance this age-appropriate introduction to difficult issues and the woman who educated the world about them.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“In this stirring tribute to an African-American journalist… Adding strong notes of reverence to the narrative, Alcorn’s big cubist paintings center on Wells… Capped by a well-chosen list of additional resources at several levels, this handsomely packaged introduction to one of the most important progenitors of the Civil Rights Movement is just the ticket for young readers not yet ready to tackle the Fradins’ definitive profile.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Alcorn’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations have a fluid quality, conveying both action within the story and movement from one scene to the next. The use of warm colors and fanciful elements help to mute the harsh realities of lynching and segregation, while still maintaining a respectful tone. Appended with notes on Well’s later life, a time line, and bibliography, this makes a good choice for middle-grade readers studying the early period of the civil rights movement.” ―Booklist
“An excellent picture-book biography… Alcorn’s inventive, imaginative artwork softens the violence without minimizing it.” ―School Library Journal
“Eloquently written text combined with whimsical illustrations, is sure to be a valuable addition to any biographical collection.” ―Library Media Connection
“The highly stylized cubist-inspired illustrations form a sophisticated counterpoint to the matter-of-fact text adding drama and emphasis to every page.” ―Parents’ Choice
Awards
Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2008
Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―National Council of Teachers of English, 2009
Amelia Bloomer Project ―Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association, 2009
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Social Studies, Grades K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2008
Macy’s Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature –Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), 2008
Children’s Books: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing ―New York Public Library, 2008
Garden State Children’s Book Awards (Non-fiction Nominee) ―New Jersey Library Association, 2011
Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Picture Narrative Master List) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA, 2012-2013
UMW Reading Program ―United Methodist Women, 2014
