A marvelous, stirring homage to writer Toni Morrison uses a second-person voice addressing Morrison herself to chronicle people, places, and events that shaped and defined her before describing how she, in turn, helped shape the literary landscape, nurturing Black writers as an editor before becoming one of the seminal voices in contemporary American literature. “You so love language that by first grade you—the sole Black student in the room—are the only one who can read. All by yourself.” At college (where a mistaken classmate called her Toni—a name she claimed), immersed in theater and literature and studying Black characters in Shakespeare, “you listen for coins and cans of sardines inside care packages your mother sends …. That is how love sounds.” In writing novels, “You listen to the haunted and unholy places that your characters call home … You echo the deep pain of our past and the vast possibilities of our future.” With details of Morrison’s life and references to her works as touchstones throughout, this richly woven tapestry can serve as an introduction to Morrison but also inspire further exploration of her writing and life. Masterfully composed mixed-media paintings illustrate the exceptional narrative. An author’s note, timeline, and bibliography round out the volume.

From award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford comes a captivating picture book biography about the incredible life of esteemed author, editor, and activist Toni Morrison, featuring gorgeous illustrations by debut artist Khalif Tahir Thompson.

How do you tell a story?

Before Toni Morrison was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize-winning author, she was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, a little girl in Ohio who was both the only Black child in her first-grade classroom and the only student who was able to read.

This is the true story of how that young girl learned from her upbringing, surrounded herself with stories, and made a tremendous impact on the world. Toni Morrison's pen was her sword, and she grew to be a titan of the arts. Her legacy is one that still touches readers to this day.

Expertly and evocatively told by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, with beautiful painted illustrations by Khalif Tahir Thompson, this is a must-have picture book biography for any collection. It celebrates Toni Morrison's legacy while inspiring readers to create art, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness.