Additional information
by Jade Orlando (Illustrator), Traci N. Todd (Author)
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2025
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2025
A beautiful, bold collection of more than 100 dazzling poems by Black poets for the whole family to treasure.
Discover classic favorites and new stars. This gorgeously illustrated children's anthology is the perfect introduction to poets such as Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Zephaniah, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Caleb Femi, and Joseph Coelho, and also features brand-new work by poets Nikki Grimes, Carole Boston Weatherford, and others. Lovingly compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches on a wide range of themes-hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is paired with vibrant, inviting illustrations by Jade Orlando. This beautiful gift book is a remarkable and moving tribute to the rich literary history and bright future of Black writing.Author Biography
Traci N. Todd is a children's book editor and an award-winning author whose work centers on Black culture and social justice. She is the author of Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, illustrated by Christian Robinson, among several other books for children, and is a proud native Chicagoan, currently living in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Jade Orlando was born in North Carolina and grew up in a tiny Michigan town. She has illustrated many children's books, including I'm Going to Be a Princess and A Year of Black Joy: Black Voices Share Their Life Passions. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, greyhound, and four cats (including two naked ones!).
