Month: June 2025

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric Velasquez

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric VelasquezOutspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velásquez
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 1536212970
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this first person narration, biographical, picture book in verse, Newbery Honor Winner Carole Boston Weatherford steps into the shoes of the multitalented Paul Robeson.  Those talents expand to All-American Football, baseball, and basketball player, valedictorian of Rutger class of 1919, Columbian Law Degree recipient, actor, singer, and activist.  His impact reached far and wide as he traveled around the world, using his amazing voice and strong influence to, “…speak out against the injustices against the Negro people of this land… fighting for the rights of my people, who are still second-class sitizens in this United States.”  There are so many things to say about this remarkable man, but you just have to read the book to learn more.  

While this is a “picture book,” it is written for a middle grade and older audience.  The verse is layered with lyrics from spirituals and folk songs.  The illustrations by Eric Valasquez are exquisite and add a lot to understanding the wonderful and tragic events of Robeson’s life.  The back of the book contains a timeline of Robeson’s life as well as a bibliography for further reading.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

Lonely Bird’s Dream by Ruth Whiting

Lonely Bird’s Dream by Ruth WhitingLonely Bird's Dream by Ruth Whiting
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 153622619X
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Lonely Bird’s dream is to fly.  Yet, Lonely Bird is a hand sketched, nearly wingless, paper bird.  Through research, imagination, experimentation, and trial and error, she creates a usable airplane.  Her dream of flight is a success, but landing is not.  After her flight is unpredictably cut short, she gets some help from a very clever spider who helps her find a way back home in flight using dandelion seeds, riding the wind. 

This is Whiting’s follow up to her book Lonely Bird.  The story is so well told through the artwork, that the simplistic prose is almost unnecessary.  Her amazing artistry is on display with layered paintings that make the eye believe the 2D Lonely Bird is living her best life in a 3D miniature world.  This book will appeal to ages four through nine.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars