
By Alice Faye Duncan, Xia Gordon (Illustrator)
Part of the People Who Shaped Our World series
Discover the poetic journey of a trailblazing voice in urban America.
Explore the life of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black Pulitzer Prize winner, whose poetry captured the essence of urban Black life and women's roles. Raised in Chicago, her talent flourished with her parents' support, leading to a prolific career. This book celebrates her legacy, revealing the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and the triumph of her voice. What challenges did she overcome to become a literary icon? Dive into her world and find out.
“A stirring, accessible introduction to Gwendolyn Brooks and a must-have for all elementary collections.” –School Library Journal (Starred review) “The combination of biography and Brooks’ own poems makes for a strong, useful, and beautiful text . . . A solid introduction to a brilliant writer”–Kirkus. Acclaimed writer Alice Faye Duncan tells the story of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. SING a song for Gwendolyn Brooks. Sing it loud–a Chicago blues. With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age, her talent lovingly nurtured by her parents. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn’s life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success. Included on the Chicago Public Libraries list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers.
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Top contributors: Literary Leslie