Overview

A graphic novel for children ages 7 to 10. Josephine Baker left a segregated America in 1925 and became the most famous entertainer in Paris, France. She went on to be the first Black woman to star in a movie, a volunteer spy during World War II, and the mother of twelve adopted children from around the world. Then, she returned to the States to dance for American audiences and bring her voice to the Civil Rights Movement. This is her story.

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9781503764910

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Reviews

Josephine Baker lived a fascinating and varied life, and this graphic biography highlights her many talents and versatility. Indeed, its fast pace sometimes demands a double take to process unexpected leaps in time. That said, readers will enjoy the ride as they watch a spirited Baker grow into a magnetic performer with a strong sense of social justice, refusing to let America's racist laws and social norms limit her career. Stylized illustrations have a cartoonish quality that amplifies Baker's verve and singular presence, ramping up colors for her stage performances and employing more somber tones for her civil rights work and encounters with discrimination. It's regrettable that no sources are listed, particularly given the amount of dialogue, but this It's Her Story series (8 titles) selection will nevertheless draw readers in. -- Booklist * https://www.booklistonline.com/Josephine-Baker-/pid=9775977 * This is the story of Josephine Baker, a symbol of the Jazz Age in Paris, told as a graphic novel. It is part of a series of books that include figures such as Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Rosalind Franklin. The story of Josephine's life is told from her early childhood to performing in Paris and then returning to America and campaigning in later life, as part of the Civil Rights movement. The format of the graphic novel allows the narrative of the historical events to be seen and commented on and gives a helpful perspective of what it was like in France and America for Black Performers during this time. It includes some really interesting information about her life, but sets it well in the historical context of the time, such as Josephine refusing to sign a contract which would only allow her to perform to segregated audiences. For those readers who are familiar with the conventions of graphic novels, such as reading the multiple speech bubbles, narrative bubbles and varying sizes of frame to regulate reading speed, this is an easy read and gives lots of information. If graphic novels are not your usual preferred reading material, then this is a great introduction, and I liked the biographical-narrative genre. I also liked the use of colour palette within the framing to show the mood of some of these events and I am sure that it would help children to understand the feelings behind the facts. This would be a great addition to a topic on key figures or when exploring Black History month, although some of the content would mean it would be better suited to older KS2. I am sure it will help older children find out more information about Josephine Baker in an accessible way. -- Just Imagine, Heather Hann * https://justimagine.co.uk/review/its-her-story-josephine-baker-a-graphic-novel/ * Josephine Baker's story is unique and inspiring and, as told in this short graphic novel, will more than capture the interest of young readers. Born in St Louis, Missouri in 1906, Josephine was dancing professionally by the age of fifteen, her talent already clear to see. Unable to perform in America on her own terms because of her colour, she moved to Paris where she quickly became one of the most popular and highly paid performers in France, becoming a French citizen in 1937. The book details her work for the Resistance during the war and how she returned to America afterwards to campaign for the civil rights movement, speaking alongside Dr Martin Luther King. It's a story of huge determination, a lifetime fighting for rights and justice, while the illustrations and text also capture the glamour and joy Josephine Baker brought to the people who watched her perform. An engaging tribute to an extraordinary woman who deserves to be known to and remembered by today's young people. -- LoveReading4Kids * https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781503764910/isbn/Its-Her-Story-Josephine-Baker-by-Lauren-Gamble.html *

This is the story of Josephine Baker, a symbol of the Jazz Age in Paris, told as a graphic novel. It is part of a series of books that include figures such as Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart and Rosalind Franklin. The story of Josephine's life is told from her early childhood to performing in Paris and then returning to America and campaigning in later life, as part of the Civil Rights movement. The format of the graphic novel allows the narrative of the historical events to be seen and commented on and gives a helpful perspective of what it was like in France and America for Black Performers during this time. It includes some really interesting information about her life, but sets it well in the historical context of the time, such as Josephine refusing to sign a contract which would only allow her to perform to segregated audiences. For those readers who are familiar with the conventions of graphic novels, such as reading the multiple speech bubbles, narrative bubbles and varying sizes of frame to regulate reading speed, this is an easy read and gives lots of information. If graphic novels are not your usual preferred reading material, then this is a great introduction, and I liked the biographical-narrative genre. I also liked the use of colour palette within the framing to show the mood of some of these events and I am sure that it would help children to understand the feelings behind the facts. This would be a great addition to a topic on key figures or when exploring Black History month, although some of the content would mean it would be better suited to older KS2. I am sure it will help older children find out more information about Josephine Baker in an accessible way. -- Just Imagine, Heather Hann * https://justimagine.co.uk/review/its-her-story-josephine-baker-a-graphic-novel/ * Josephine Baker's story is unique and inspiring and, as told in this short graphic novel, will more than capture the interest of young readers. Born in St Louis, Missouri in 1906, Josephine was dancing professionally by the age of fifteen, her talent already clear to see. Unable to perform in America on her own terms because of her colour, she moved to Paris where she quickly became one of the most popular and highly paid performers in France, becoming a French citizen in 1937. The book details her work for the Resistance during the war and how she returned to America afterwards to campaign for the civil rights movement, speaking alongside Dr Martin Luther King. It's a story of huge determination, a lifetime fighting for rights and justice, while the illustrations and text also capture the glamour and joy Josephine Baker brought to the people who watched her perform. An engaging tribute to an extraordinary woman who deserves to be known to and remembered by today's young people. -- LoveReading4Kids * https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781503764910/isbn/Its-Her-Story-Josephine-Baker-by-Lauren-Gamble.html * Josephine Baker lived a fascinating and varied life, and this graphic biography highlights her many talents and versatility. Indeed, its fast pace sometimes demands a double take to process unexpected leaps in time. That said, readers will enjoy the ride as they watch a spirited Baker grow into a magnetic performer with a strong sense of social justice, refusing to let America's racist laws and social norms limit her career. Stylized illustrations have a cartoonish quality that amplifies Baker's verve and singular presence, ramping up colors for her stage performances and employing more somber tones for her civil rights work and encounters with discrimination. It's regrettable that no sources are listed, particularly given the amount of dialogue, but this It's Her Story series (8 titles) selection will nevertheless draw readers in. -- Booklist * https://www.booklistonline.com/Josephine-Baker-/pid=9775977 *

Author Information

Lauren Gamble is a multimedia writer from Mobile, Alabama. She uses her voice to tell character-driven stories about Black female artists, and speaks through television, novels, and audio stories. This book is dedicated to her nieces Zoë and Milan, two little Black girls who now have the opportunity to obtain anything their hearts desire. Markia Jenai was raised in Detroit during rough times and found adventure through art and storytelling. After studying at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, she has made it her goal to create worlds where people of color are front and center. When she's not drawing, she likes to watch documentaries, listen to Dungeons & Dragons livestreams, and read historical articles-all of which fuels her work!

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