Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes opens in a new tab
Traci N. Todd, author
Shannon Wright, illustrator
Orchard Books, Scholastic, 2023
Ages 6 – 10 years.
Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature “Jackie joy” while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?
Rising stars Traci N. Todd, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, and Shannon Wright, co-creator of the bestselling graphic novel Twins, have crafted a gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Jackie Ormes, whose life and work still influences illustrators and cartoonists today.
Anne Frank: The Girl Heard Around the World opens in a new tab
Linda Elovitz Marshall, Author
Aura Lewis, Illustrator
Orchard Books, Scholastic, 2020
Ages 5 – 9
The biographical Anne narrative has that Little People Big Dreams or Ordinary People Change the World vibe with its mix of personality and interests. For those old folks who only know Anne through her diary, it’s so nice to read and think about Anne BEFORE she went into hiding.
All her life, Anne Frank wanted to be heard. Really, truly heard.
Marshall introduces readers to the story of Anne Frank in this powerful book about family, war, and the importance of finding your voice. During her two years in hiding from the Nazis, Anne Frank poured her soul into a red plaid diary named Kitty. She wrote honestly of the reality of Nazi occupation, of daily life in the annex, and of her longing to be heard. More than anything, Anne spoke the truth, and her words have echoed throughout history. Gorgeous prose and striking art deliver Anne’s ever-relevant story with poignancy and grace, while robust back matter — including biographical information, an author’s note, and a timeline.
