You So Black
(Hardback)
Publishing Details
You So Black
By (Author) Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.
Illustrated by London Ladd
Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster
19th April 2023
United States
Classifications
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage: Poetry
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem
Physical Properties
Hardback
48
Width 229mm, Height 254mm, Spine 10mm
456g
Description
Based on Theresa Wilsons (a.k.a. Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.s) beautiful, viral spoken word poem of the same name, You So Black is a picture book celebration of the richness, the nuance, and the joy of Blackness.
Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyonein the night sky and the fertile soil below. Its in familial connections and invention, in hands lifted in praise and voices lifted in protest, and in hearts wide open and filled with love. Black is good.
Accompanied by powerful yet tender illustrations by award-winning illustrator London Ladd, Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has adapted her poem, full of gorgeous lyricism and imagery, to show readers the love, joy, resilience, and universality in the beauty of Blackness.
Reviews
"Its a potently messaged poem thoughtfully rendered." -- -Publishers Weekly * 03/06/2023 *
"An intriguing blend of spoken-word and picture-book artistry." -- -Kirkus Reviews * 02/01/2023 *
Author Bio
Theresa Wilson a.k.a. Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is a musical, lyrical and theatrical alchemist, sprinkling magic like hot sauce. She is best known for her appearance on the 2019 Trumpet Awards on Bounce TV, and the now viral recitation of You So Black. Theresa is from the south suburbs of Chicago but calls Atlanta home. She holds a degree in commercial music from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.
London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with an MFA in illustration. He uses a unique mixed media approach, combining cut paper textured with acrylic paint, tissue paper and colored pencil to bring his diverse subjects to life. Londons artwork is steeped in intensity and emotion, a reflection of the artist himself. His hope is thatYou So Blackwill be passed down through generations, reaffirming African Americans strength, beauty, power and love. His goal is to open a visual arts community center where lower-income families can create their own art. London lives in Syracuse, New York.
