On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison

(Hardback)

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Discover the early life and legacy of groundbreaking American writer Toni Morrison in this beautifully illustrated and awe-inspiring (School Library Journal, starred review) nonfiction picture book biography.

Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Ohio, Toni Morrison grew up listening to her family tell myths, legends, and stories from the Bible. She loved hearing the music and power of the words. Toni also heard new stories from the students from other countries who went to her school. After an early childhood of soaking up tales from those around her, it was no surprise Toni grew into a voracious reader.

She worked at her town library as a teenager and was an editor for a New York publisher as an adult. When it came time for her to write her own stories, she knew she wanted to write about her peopleBlack people. Early in the morning and late at night after her children were asleep, Toni began work on what would become an acclaimed and trailblazing body of work.

This luminous picture book has back matter with further reading on Toni Morrisons life and work.

Reviews

Gr 2-5Toni Morrison was born Chloe Ardelia Wofford. At an early age she fell in love with words, melodies, stories, and the rhythm and rhyme of music. She went on to Howard University, where she changed her name to Toni because it was easier to pronounce. She eventually taught at Cornell and at her alma mater. There she met and married her husband. Soon after the birth of her second son, Morrisons marriage failed, and she moved to New York City for a fresh start as an editor. During the day she edited others work; at night, after her children went to bed, she would write her own. At age 39, she published her first novel. Though the world knew her as Toni Morrison, she insisted that Chloe Wofford was the one who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first Black woman to do so. Her books often focused on Black history and motherhood, race, and skin color, and she sought to empower her people. Her stories inspired others to do the same. This lyrical biography about Morrisons accomplishments and legacy has a reverential tone, putting the groundbreaking author on a well-deserved pedestal. This title honors her memory and the sheer enormity of her lifes work. A perfect complement, Ransomes painterly illustrationsdone in watercolor and collageshine with a beatific light. Remarks about her books and Morrison herself float in the background. Back matter includes an authors note, further reading, and a selected list of her awards and books published.

VERDICT An awe-inspiring picture book biography about an outstanding storyteller. -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW * 12/23/2022 *

Author Bio

Jerdine Nolen is the beloved author of many award-winning books, includingBig Jabe;Thunder Rose, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book; andHewitt Andersons Great Big Life, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, all illustrated by Kadir Nelson. She is also the author ofElizas Freedom Road, illustrated by Shadra Strickland, which was an ALA/YALSA Best Fiction Nominee for Young Adults;Raising Dragons, illustrated by Elise Primavera, which received the Christopher Award; andHarvey Potters Balloon Farm, illustrated by Mark Buehner, which was made into a movie by the same name. Her other books includeCalico Girl, aKirkus ReviewsBest Book of the Year, andIrenes Wish, illustrated by A.G. Ford, whichKirkus Reviewscalled delightful and memorable in a starred review. Ms. Nolen is an educator and lives in Ellicott City, Maryland.

James E. Ransomes highly acclaimed illustrations forBefore She Was Harrietreceived the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include the Coretta Scott King winnerThe Creation; Coretta Scott King Honor BookUncle Jeds Barbershop;Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; andLet My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. James is also a recipient of the ALA Childrens Literature Legacy Award.He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome. One of their recent titles isGame Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, which received four starred reviews and was an ALA Notable Childrens Book. James is a professor and coordinator of the MFA Illustration Graduate Program at Syracuse University. He lives in New Yorks Hudson River Valley region with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.