Awards

• Long-listed for UKLA Book Awards 2023 (UK)

Overview

A BIG ISSUE BOOK OF THE YEAR Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards This illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award-winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone — and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation. With passion and unparalleled skill, Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson bring this iconic singer’s story to young readers and their families. Meet young Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano stool she shared with her father in her childhood home, to the bars and concert halls where she became the one and only Nina Simone. Learn about how Nina’s voice started out rich and sweet but grew to a thunderous roar as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam. Witness this artist in all her brilliance, singing in protest against racial inequality and discrimination. With rhythmic prose and masterful images, Nina perfectly demonstrates the relationship between art and activism. An essential addition to every young reader’s library.

Full Product Details

9781914484261

Table of Contents

Reviews

'This celebration of Simone’s extraordinary life, career, and activism, written in soaring song-like cadences, and heightened by warm, expressive illustrations, packs enormous meaning and impact into a brief, beautiful picture-book biography for ages six plus.' -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian * ‘Enlightening … Robinson’s pictures paint vivid images that undertone the harsh reality of life for black people in America ... this biography should be a fundamental piece of every young reader’s book collection.’ -- Fiona Buckley * Irish Examiner * ‘Todd’s telling shines in this skillfully paced portrait of Eunice Kathleen Waymon — more widely known by her stage name of Nina Simone — which traces her journey from a piano-playing child in North Carolina to later years as a performer, protest song pioneer, and civil rights activist. In an elegantly told story, Todd interweaves Simone’s encounters with racism throughout, eventually paralleling Simone’s experiences with concurrent events during the civil rights movement … Caldecott Honoree Robinson contributes distinctive, carefully constructed vignettes of Simone rendered in acrylic paint, collage, and digitally in a predominantly earth-toned palette … An engaging, affecting, and powerful biography that aptly situates Simone’s enduring legacy in musical and social history. Back matter includes more about Simone and a bibliography.’ * <i>Publishers Weekly</i>, starred review * ‘Nina Simone’s beauty and talent is given prominent expression by multi-award-winning Robinson in this picture-book biography … while Todd’s prose eloquently tells her story from childhood to fame … A worthy biography for all collections and especially for those that serve music-loving children.’ * <i>Booklist</i>, starred review * ‘Some storytellers use words to entertain listeners and readers, while others share their tales in song. Nina: a story of Nina Simone gracefully brings the life of one such legendary musician into readers’ hearts … Traci N. Todd’s straightforward narration is honest and candid … [and] fans of Caldecott Honor illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street, The Bench) will immediately recognise the bold, distinct shapes that are his hallmark. Robinson outdoes himself here … reflecting on the strength, hope, and revolution she conveyed in her music.’ * <i>BookPage</i>, starred review * ‘The narrative includes details of the love and support of family and community that gave Nina her early start, the disappointments and humiliations she suffered because of racism, and the determination and sheer love of music and of her people that carried her to success despite the setbacks. Todd’s musical prose allows readers into Nina’s perspective, and Robinson’s scenes and portraits absolutely sing with energy, keeping pace perfectly with the text as it expands beyond typical picture-book length. Do not miss this complex story of an American legend.’ * <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>, starred review * Nina’s story is fascinating, and the author’s lively conversational style and choice of detail brings it vividly … well written and strikingly beautiful.’ * Books for Keeps * ‘In Todd we find a writer who carries the cadence of song, and in Robinson an illustrator who connects the simplicity of early days with the growing anger at segregation and the inequity of America as it was. There is a chic ‘50s jazz feel at times too. A beautiful and essential biography of a 20th-century icon.’ -- Jane Graham * Big Issue * ‘Todd moves effortlessly between silky narration marked by subtle wordplay, and pointed references to Simone’s musical activism. Robinson’s collage compositions convey critical civil rights context in scenes playing out atop Simone’s grand piano strings, often fiery images that contrast with the pictures of Simone’s childhood origin story and her front-stage panache.’ * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * ★ ‘Todd ends her unflinching narrative with a perfectly placed, direct-address line: “And when she sang of Black children—you lovely, precious dreams—her voice sounded like hope.” This unexpected, yet needed, outpouring of love is the perfect end to a stunning book.’ * Horn Book * ‘An incredibly poetic telling of Nina Simone’s life.’ * Juno Magazine * ‘Luminous … [and] visually rapturous … Robinson imbues Nina with sumptuous colours … His elegantly simple figures recall the work of Ezra Jack Keats and occasionally Charles M. Schulz … Todd brings nuance to Simone’s musicianship in ways that should prove instructive to curious young readers … The journey to merge her astonishing virtuosity and professional achievements with her bold activism is summed up by the arresting portrait of the artist seated at her baby grand and flanked by four little Black girls.’ * The New York Times Book Review * ‘Compelling and eloquent … Amplifying Nina's humanity is Robinson’s signature acrylic paint and collage art (Last Stop on Market Street; Milo Imagines the World), which always hums and thrums with life … Robinson creates stunning visual music for Traci N. Todd’s vibrant picture book biography of the great musician Nina Simone.’ * <i>Shelf Awareness</i>, starred review * ‘Discussions of racism and resistance are undertaken with a skillful hand, not exceeding the tone or maturity level appropriate for young readers. Robinson’s jewel-tone artwork is colourful, engaging, and complements Todd’s lyrical text … An excellent and magnetic biography, this book is highly recommended in all elementary collections and should be considered for libraries serving older students.’ * <i>School Library Journal</i>, starred review * ‘Evocatively illustrated … the prose is warmly poetic.’ * Ink Pellet * ‘Poetic.’ * The School Librarian * ‘Gorgeous … we loved discovering more of Nina’s story.’ * The Green Parent * ‘This is a fabulous biography — it’s full of rich, immersive details and accompanied by striking illustrations.’ -- @books_for_little_bookworms ‘Combined with stunning artwork, this is an essential biography to read!’ -- @father_teacher_reader

'This celebration of Simone’s extraordinary life, career, and activism, written in soaring song-like cadences, and heightened by warm, expressive illustrations, packs enormous meaning and impact into a brief, beautiful picture-book biography for ages six plus.' -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian * ‘Enlightening … Robinson’s pictures paint vivid images that undertone the harsh reality of life for black people in America ... this biography should be a fundamental piece of every young reader’s book collection.’ -- Fiona Buckley * Irish Examiner * ‘Todd’s telling shines in this skillfully paced portrait of Eunice Kathleen Waymon — more widely known by her stage name of Nina Simone — which traces her journey from a piano-playing child in North Carolina to later years as a performer, protest song pioneer, and civil rights activist. In an elegantly told story, Todd interweaves Simone’s encounters with racism throughout, eventually paralleling Simone’s experiences with concurrent events during the civil rights movement … Caldecott Honoree Robinson contributes distinctive, carefully constructed vignettes of Simone rendered in acrylic paint, collage, and digitally in a predominantly earth-toned palette … An engaging, affecting, and powerful biography that aptly situates Simone’s enduring legacy in musical and social history. Back matter includes more about Simone and a bibliography.’ * <i>Publishers Weekly</i>, starred review * ‘Nina Simone’s beauty and talent is given prominent expression by multi-award-winning Robinson in this picture-book biography … while Todd’s prose eloquently tells her story from childhood to fame … A worthy biography for all collections and especially for those that serve music-loving children.’ * <i>Booklist</i>, starred review * ‘Some storytellers use words to entertain listeners and readers, while others share their tales in song. Nina: a story of Nina Simone gracefully brings the life of one such legendary musician into readers’ hearts … Traci N. Todd’s straightforward narration is honest and candid … [and] fans of Caldecott Honor illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street, The Bench) will immediately recognise the bold, distinct shapes that are his hallmark. Robinson outdoes himself here … reflecting on the strength, hope, and revolution she conveyed in her music.’ * <i>BookPage</i>, starred review * ‘The narrative includes details of the love and support of family and community that gave Nina her early start, the disappointments and humiliations she suffered because of racism, and the determination and sheer love of music and of her people that carried her to success despite the setbacks. Todd’s musical prose allows readers into Nina’s perspective, and Robinson’s scenes and portraits absolutely sing with energy, keeping pace perfectly with the text as it expands beyond typical picture-book length. Do not miss this complex story of an American legend.’ * <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>, starred review * Nina’s story is fascinating, and the author’s lively conversational style and choice of detail brings it vividly … well written and strikingly beautiful.’ * Books for Keeps * ‘In Todd we find a writer who carries the cadence of song, and in Robinson an illustrator who connects the simplicity of early days with the growing anger at segregation and the inequity of America as it was. There is a chic ‘50s jazz feel at times too. A beautiful and essential biography of a 20th-century icon.’ -- Jane Graham * Big Issue * ‘Todd moves effortlessly between silky narration marked by subtle wordplay, and pointed references to Simone’s musical activism. Robinson’s collage compositions convey critical civil rights context in scenes playing out atop Simone’s grand piano strings, often fiery images that contrast with the pictures of Simone’s childhood origin story and her front-stage panache.’ * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * ★ ‘Todd ends her unflinching narrative with a perfectly placed, direct-address line: “And when she sang of Black children—you lovely, precious dreams—her voice sounded like hope.” This unexpected, yet needed, outpouring of love is the perfect end to a stunning book.’ * Horn Book * ‘An incredibly poetic telling of Nina Simone’s life.’ * Juno Magazine * ‘Luminous … [and] visually rapturous … Robinson imbues Nina with sumptuous colours … His elegantly simple figures recall the work of Ezra Jack Keats and occasionally Charles M. Schulz … Todd brings nuance to Simone’s musicianship in ways that should prove instructive to curious young readers … The journey to merge her astonishing virtuosity and professional achievements with her bold activism is summed up by the arresting portrait of the artist seated at her baby grand and flanked by four little Black girls.’ * The New York Times Book Review * ‘Compelling and eloquent … Amplifying Nina's humanity is Robinson’s signature acrylic paint and collage art (Last Stop on Market Street; Milo Imagines the World), which always hums and thrums with life … Robinson creates stunning visual music for Traci N. Todd’s vibrant picture book biography of the great musician Nina Simone.’ * <i>Shelf Awareness</i>, starred review * ‘Discussions of racism and resistance are undertaken with a skillful hand, not exceeding the tone or maturity level appropriate for young readers. Robinson’s jewel-tone artwork is colourful, engaging, and complements Todd’s lyrical text … An excellent and magnetic biography, this book is highly recommended in all elementary collections and should be considered for libraries serving older students.’ * <i>School Library Journal</i>, starred review * ‘Evocatively illustrated … the prose is warmly poetic.’ * Ink Pellet * ‘Poetic.’ * The School Librarian * ‘Gorgeous … we loved discovering more of Nina’s story.’ * The Green Parent *

Author Information

When Chicago native Traci N. Todd was born, her father decided her initials should stand for dynamite, just like his. He raised her on Ray Charles and Nina Simone, and her mother read her every good book. Traci grew up to become a children’s book editor and currently lives in Jackson Heights, Queens where she writes, edits, and listens to Ray Charles and Nina Simone, while her partner draws comic books. Christian Robinson received a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in Last Stop on Market Street. He is the author and illustrator of the picture books Another and You Matter, and he has illustrated many more, including Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s The Bench, Carmela Full of Wishes, the Gaston and Friends series, School’s First Day of School, and The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade. You can visit Christian at theartoffun.com or on Instagram @theartoffun.

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