Description: A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.
Brief description: Ekua Holmes is a native of Roxbury, MA and a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is the recipient of the 2013 NAACP Image Award, a Brother Thomas Fellowship, and a 5-year appointment to the Boston Art Commission. Her picture book illustrations include the Caldecott Honor book Voice of Freedom and the Coretta Scott King Award winners Out of Wonder and The Stuff of Stars. Holmes serves as Assistant Director of MassArt's Center for Art and Community Partnerships, and manages sparc! the ArtMobile, the institution's vehicle for community outreach.
Review Quotes:
"Joy's words and Holmes's art are a perfect pairing where the verse is as vivid as the paints and collage. Children (and parents) of all colors will be rereading this one plenty." --Washington Post, "Best Books of 2020"
"Both a beautiful celebration of black culture and an excellent first black history book for young children." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A treasure trove of positivity, strength, and pride for anyone seeking to uplift and educate young people." --Horn Book, starred review "A beautifully told and illustrated celebration of African American people and ethnology, Black Is a Rainbow Color thoughtfully explores what the Black experience means to a child . . . A must-have for children's collections." --Booklist, starred review "With Black Is a Rainbow Color, debut author Angela Joy pens a loving tribute to all the ways black is beautiful. Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ekua Holmes's brilliant collage illustrations elevate the text's themes of resilience and strength." --Shelf Awareness