Harlem’s Little Blackbird

The Story of Florence Mills

Renée Watson and Christian Robinson ∙ Illustrated by Christian Robinson

Paperback

Published on Nov 30, 2021 | 40 Pages

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Hardcover

Published on Oct 23, 2012 | 40 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Oct 23, 2012 | 40 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

From Caldecott Honor winner Christian Robinson and Newbery Medal winner Renee Watson, comes the inspiring true story of Florence Mills.

Born to parents who were both former slaves, Florence Mills knew at an early age that she loved to sing, and that her sweet, bird-like voice, resonated with those who heard her. Performing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired everyone from songwriters to playwrights. Yet with all her success, she knew firsthand how prejudice shaped her world and the world of those around her. As a result, Florence chose to support and promote works by her fellow black performers while heralding a call for their civil rights. Featuring a moving text and colorful illustrations, Harlem’s Little Blackbird is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following one’s heart and dreams.

A CARTER G. WOODSON ELEMENTARY HONOR BOOK
(awarded by the National Council for the Social Studies, 2013)

Starred Review, Booklist, June 2012:
“With a text that stylistically sings yet is packed with information, the book introduces a woman who, though part of the Harlem Renaissance, is not well remembered by history.”

ISBN 9780593380055 (Paperback)
Published on Nov 30, 2021
Published by Dragonfly Books
Pages 40
Dimensions 8 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD770L | Fountas/Pinnell: S

ISBN 9780375869730 (Hardcover)
Published on Oct 23, 2012
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Dimensions 8 x 10
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD770L | Fountas/Pinnell: S

ISBN 9780375985379 (Ebook)
Published on Oct 23, 2012
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages 40
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Lexile: AD770L | Fountas/Pinnell: S

Renée Watson

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and community activist. Her books have sold over one million copies. Her young adult novel, Piecing Me Together (Bloomsbury, 2017), received a Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor. Her children’s picture books and novels for teens have received several awards and international recognition. She has given readings and lectures at many places, including the United Nations, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. embassies in Japan and New Zealand. Her poetry and fiction center the experiences of Black girls and women, and explore themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

Ekua Holmes is a collage-based artist who investigates family histories, relationship dynamics, childhood impressions, and the power of hope, faith, and self-determination in her work. She has created and led workshops, been a visiting artist and lecturer, and held artist residencies throughout New England. For her work in illustrating children’s literature, Holmes is the recipient of a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King’s John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, Robert Siebert and Horn Book awards. She is also currently Commissioner and Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission, along with Associate Director at the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at MassArt.

Christian Robinson

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 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 follow him on Twitter @theartoffunnews and on Instagram @theartoffun.