Young Gifted and Black

This book was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about these people and I learnt about some people who I never knew of and learnt more about those I knew already. I wish it was longer and I had a psychical copy!

Though written for children, I wanted to read this to discover more people that are not usually included in the history books but nevertheless made a great impact on the world. This was an amazing introduction to 52 people, only about half of which I was already familiar with, accompanied by gorgeously bright illustrations done by Andrea Pippins. The illustrations brought the whole book to life and made the people really jump off the page. 

Though the amount of space given to each figure is limited and so not as in-depth as I would have liked, I understand that this is aimed at a much younger audience so I would definitely recommend to buy this for children in your life. It's something that I would love to have a physical copy of for my son when he's a little older. Overall this is an important read and I will definitely be doing some more reading about some of the people mentioned in here!

This book, as the authors point out, is written in the spirit of the song "to be young, gifted and black."

Not all the men and women in this book were young when they became famous.  But, it is important to see that there are others who had dreams, before you, who succeeded.

And it may be that you have never heard of Matthew Henson, but he was an explorer who was the first African-American to trek in the Arctic, despite the fact that he didn't learn to read until 12, and found work on a merchant ship, where the ship's captain taught him.  He was right along there with Admiral Perry when he went to explore the Arctic.

There are the usual people in there, of course, as well, such as Harriet Tubman and George Washington Carver.  But there is also Mo Farah, Kofi Annan and Jesse Owens.  The time line spans the past and the present, including Simone Biles, the gymnast.  This is also not limited to African-Americans, but Black people from all over the world.  We have Oprah Winfrey next to Pelé.  And each short bio has a quote.  Nelson Mandela's "It always seems impossible, until it it's done"

This is a great book, that should be in every school and library.  It will inspire, and delight. And show what has gone before.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

This phenomenal children's book is #OwnVoices exceptionalism with Jamia Wilson weaving words to Andrea Pippins' vibrant illustrations, these black women provide readers with a diverse collection of international black trailblazers from such diverse areas as ballet, environmental activism, literature, boxing, sprinting, Arctic exploration, etc.

What I love the most about this is the way it incorporates the fun fonts, color, drawings and you can still read it so easily. The more fancier fonts incorporated into the story aren't overbearing so kids aren't struggling through this font or missing a lot if they have to skip it to move forward.

 I love the expansion of not just Americans (which I thought this was going to be) listed here and not one particular job or success  story. We have athletes, millionaires, singers, actors,  chess players, author and activists, etc. 

Fantastic to have in your library, especially, for any biography needs.

I adore books like this, and am always looking for more to add to my classroom library and to recommend for our public libraries for ordering. I teach in a predominately black school district, and as a white teacher, I'm very aware of my priviledge. I try to fill our classroom libraries with books full of positive black, female role models. I want my students to know they can do or be anything they want. There is not enough positive representation of POC in the media, and I'm hoping books like this can help students see themselves.

Young, Gifted, and Black is a compilation of achievements of 52 black people from different eras who have (and still) inspiring young black people everywhere in the world.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Young black kids (white too), boys and girls will find hope within the pages.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
The profiles aren't just from people who live decades ago we have summaries on Oprah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Stevie Wonder, Usain Bolt, and others who are still living. The art contributes to this book as well - colourful and unique. A splendid addition to book collection for children everywhere.

Bright, whimsical illustrations grab attention as page by page we are introduced to talented Black entertainers, activists, musicians, and more. While some names are overly familiar with the general reader (Oprah, anyone?) there are still a lot of lesser-known figures introduced in a way that invites the reader to learn more. I'm excited to share this book with library patrons!

This is an eye-catching anthology that celebrates the inspirational achievements of fifty-two trailblazing black women and men, including artists, sports legends, scientists and activists among many others. In the introduction, the author notes that “all children deserve to see themselves represented positively in stories. That’s why we’re highlighting the talent and contributions of black changemakers from around the world—for readers of all backgrounds to discover.”  

Each page contains a short biography of an influential figure, perfectly accessible in language and length to suit primary-aged children. The text on each page is set against a brightly-coloured background containing a dynamic portrait of the featured individual, accentuated by colours and patterns - such as crowns and stars - that add to the celebratory feel of the book.


Many of the biographies mention, without being militant, ways in which each figure overcame prejudice and followed their dreams. Most also include an insightful quotation from each figure, helping readers to empathise with the motivation that drove the accomplishments of each man or woman. We enjoyed finding out, for example, about American congresswoman Shirley Crisholm, who started her own debate club in college after the existing one had barred black people, asserting that “if they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Equally interesting is the story of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an author who reflects that discovering books by African authors brought about the realisation that “people who looked like me could live in books.” She went on become an award-winning author whose influential writing about equality has been translated into 30 different languages.

Here at BooksForTopics HQ we couldn’t agree more with the authors of 'Young, Gifted and Black' that all children deserve to see themselves positively represented in books. This important text would make a superb addition to primary school libraries and is suitable for use across both Key Stages.

First let me say that it was impossible for me to read this book without singing Nina Simone, and it is impossible for me to review it without singing Nina Simone. The incomparable songstress aside, I devoured this book with its vignettes about African Americans who made--and continue to make--a difference in our society. The illustrations are colorful and appealing to younger readers. This book deserves a spot in classroom libraries school-wide as its subjects have impacted literature, science, history, and sports.

A highly-enjoyable addition to the potted histories of under-represented facets of society.

Often hidden from mainstream education these histories are important in that they give people figures to aspire to and see themselves as people who can achieve.

Great little illustration in this book, overall a cracking read.

Wilson and Pippins state, “This book is a love letter to our ancestors and to the next generation of black changemakers.” And what a tribute it is. This collective biography features both contemporary and historical figures.  It contains important dates,  a brief summary of the individual’s achievements, and pertinent quotes. Most notably, the text includes people from all walks of life who many children may not recognize. Each page features lively, exciting  illustrations created in ink and colored digitally.  All of the selected colors evoke joy and positivity. 

“Young, Gifted, and Black” is a valuable resource for students who seek to see themselves in the pages of a book, but it is also vital for students of all backgrounds to read about the contributions these people made. I hope to see more books like this, books we can readily refer to to celebrate black achievement and ultimately, equity.--Highly recommended.

I received access to this book as a galley from NetGalley in exchange for a unbiased review. 

This vibrantly colored book pays homage to 52 men and women from around the world who have demonstrated what it is to be not only young, not only gifted, not only dark-skinned, but all three. They are gifted performers, athletes, designers, speakers/orators, writers, leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists and mathematicians. They explore, serve, lead, pioneer. They are men and women we know, men and women new to us. 

Many of the vignettes contain a quote from the individual though some - "Making history is cool." (Simone Biles) - might not be as inspirational as they could be. There is no doubt, however, that the 52 individuals featured are more than worthy of recognition as heroes. And for every entry, it's difficult not to say, "But why didn't you include ____?"

The foreword, "Welcome to this book!" sets the stage nicely, but other than a meager glossary (six words with brief definitions), no additional materials are provided as a selected bibliography of more to read, watch, or listen to. Perhaps this is attributable to reading an e-galley, but I'm not sure about that. Additional information (a timeline? suggested readings?) would have, in my opinion, earned the 5th star.

Young, Gifted, and Black is a great book to use as a resource to teach and expose children of all ages to African-Americans who have changed, shaped, and influenced our world!  This book features both women and men from different backgrounds, professions, and eras.  Each individual is beautifully illustrated with detailed information provided about them. From W.E.B. 
Du Bois to Barack and Michelle Obama, this book holds a wealth of information!  A wonderful representation of African-Americans and perfect for teaching black history all year round!

I understand the importance of this book for children of colour but I think that all children throughout the world should learn about these amazing people and their accomplishments as they would inspire any child regardless of race.

'Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present' by Jamia Wilson with illustrations by Andrea Pippins gets it's title from the song by Nina Simone.  It's colorful and creative and inspiring.

In a short foreword, the author explains where the title came from and the inspiration for writing this book.  The book is written to encourage children to share their gifts with the world, and the book shows how these 52 people made their contributions.  Most get a single page, but a few get double pages.  There are entries for director Ava Duvernay, pilot Bessie Coleman, former president Barack Obama, sprinter Cathy Freeman and so many others.

I love that the book focuses on people with so many different talents.  The message is really clear that the reader can be inspired to do anything.  The illustrations are an explosion of wonderful color.  The last couple pages of the book have a portrait gallery of all the people featured as well as a short glossary of terms.  Read this and be inspired.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group, Wide Eyed Editions, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

This was a great read. The illustrations were bright and fun. It contained not only some people throughout history but present day prominent figures as well. There were some Americans but a few people from other countries too. It’s a great book for kids who are into history. The facts are interesting but not too omg that kids would become disinterested.
#netgalley

Short bio books are great and seem to be very popular at the moment! Young, Gifted and Black doesn't fail to impress. It has bright, eye catching illustrations which draw you in right from the start. The bios are informative and interesting. It's nice to see some British/Non-Americans feature however as with most books in this style, it is heavily weighted to Americas. It would be great to see some children books with more British role models.

Such an empowering and informative book. Detailing these wonderfully inspiring lives of gifted black people who achieved great successes.

Life stories of 52 iconic black people, both from the present and the past, enhanced with fantastic illustrations. I loved the styling and the colours of the illustrations it was a joy to look at. I loved Maya Angelou and Nina Simone page and them being put together. Would recommend to kids, teenagers but if you like quality illustrations you must have a look.

This book is a great one to introduce kids about to great people who contributed to the world in one way or another. I liked the diversity a lot. It talks about writers, scientists, artists, successful people from all kinds of professions. 
It has nice, attractive and simple illustrations. A few names that are talked about ate Kofi Annan, Beyonce, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and of course Obama. These are among the known names, but there are many more we didn't know. 
I would recommend this book to parents and kids from all ethnicities. 
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another powerful picture book by Wide Eyed Editions.

Presented here are some of the most loved, influential, and talented people-of-color all over the world with different backgrounds and professions- historical peace/equality fighters, artists, musicians, athletes, writers, politicians, professionals, scientists, explorers and etc. Some names are well-known, some are not too much the household names. I always learn few new things from reading books published by Wide Eyed Editions. Go figure! I didn't realized Alexandre Dumas was multiracial. Silly me. 

Catchy illustrations with brief text make reading "Young, Gifted and Black" a pure bliss. I love the inclusions of the actual pictures of everyone mentioned in the book because the illustrations, as pretty as they are, barely resemble the actual persons. 

This is definitely a great, fun and quick read. Well done again, Wide Eyed Editions!

No Limits!

This book presents the opportunity for children of all races and ethnicities to learn about the contributions made by Black people throughout history. The authors highlight 52 people out of the many Blacks around the world and throughout time whose stories have impacted society in various areas. I believe use of this book will open the way for discussion on various levels and hopefully will promote greater understanding and encouragement for people to pursue their dreams.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

* I received this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review." I am absolutely in love with this book and the positive vibes. Words cannot express how wonderful I find everything, from the vivid and colorful illustrations, to the short biographies and Hall of Fame, and even the glossary in the back on  key terms like "Activist". This book was so well thought out and encompass a diverse group of African Diaspora individuals from all types of backgrounds (entertainment, activism, etc). Nina would be proud of her "Young, Gifted and Black" descendants. Jamia's last quote for the book, sums up the #ForTheCulture Movement perfectly: "For Mom, Dad, my ancestors and the next generation. I am because you are."

This was an amazing read. I teach in a multi faith/ multi ethnic school and it is great to be able to use much more relevant examples that i've gained from this book.

This is an excellent book. The art is also wonderful. I recommend it to people of all ages, not just children. It highlights wonderfully the past and current achievements of a whole wonderful group of society, and also makes the reader feel like they can do anything. It is especially good for young children to see someone who is like them in a wonderfully positive book. This book should be available to everyone in schools and libraries. It highlights many people who may be well known from history, but also others who may have been overlooked in the past. All of the people in this book had varying careers (or do have a varied a career) and many accomplishments of which to be proud. I definitely want to buy a copy and read about more of all of this people in greater detail. I especially loved the inclusion of Misty Copeland, Josephine Baker and Matthew Henson.

Another I picked up to look at as a potential gift for my nieces. :)  Cute illustrations and great stories of amazing people.

We love this book, bright, well designed and striking, the text is pure representation, not sugarcoated, but pitched correctly for the audience. Great!