Black Gold

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

"Obuobi pens an origin story thats at once earthly and impressively cosmic, an ethereal childrens debut that centers a Black childs beginnings." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is. Yamile Saied Mndez, author of Where Are You From and What Will You Be

This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universes unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earthrich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.

Laura Obuobis empowering, whimsical text and London Ladds lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.

A Bank Street College of Educations Childrens Book Committees Best Childrens Books of the Year (2023)

A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 5-9 in Family/School/Community Fiction and noted for outstanding merit (2023)

Reviews

"In a perfect weave of lyrical, empowering words and stunning, inspiring illustrations, Black Gold is a celebration of children and the attributes that make them unique. This book reads like an affirmation of the miracle each individual is. Yamile Saied Mndez, author of Where Are You From and What Will You Be Poetically written and wondrously illustrated, Obuobi and Ladds picture book offers Black children a cosmic origin story filled with beauty and strength. This book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world, and its empowering message will strike a chord. Booklist "Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth." School Library Journal "Obuobi pens an origin story thats at once earthly and impressively cosmic, an ethereal childrens debut that centers a Black childs beginnings." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Author Bio

Laura Obuobi (Oh-bow-be) is the award-winning author of Black Gold, an NAACP Image Award nominee and Bank Street Best Book, and What Love Looks Like, illustrated by Anna Cunha. Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Laura was a preschool teacher for eight years before switching careers into the publishing industry. Her time with preschoolers and picture books set the stage for her transition into writing for children. She is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, and the writing for children and young adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Besides creative writing, Laura also finds joy in drawing, collaging, and painting. Visit her at lauraobuobi.com.