HOLDING HER OWN: THE EXCEPTIONAL LIFE OF JACKIE ORMES, by Traci N. Todd and Shannon Wright, Orchard Books, Jan. 3, 2023, Hardcover, $21.99 (ages 7-10)
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, by Traci N. Todd and Shannon Wright, is an excellent picture book biography.
Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature “Jackie joy” while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting? —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
Jackie Ormes was an influential Black woman who used her talents to call attention to inequalities facing Black people in America. In Holding Her Own, author Traci N. Todd captures Jackie’s spark through strong text and solid pacing. But it’s Shannon Wright’s illustrations that are key to young readers understanding of who Jackie was. Wright’s collage work is not only full of movement, but offers little nods to Jackie. Wright’s black-and-white renditions of Jackie’s comics make you want to see the originals.
An excellent end note from the author includes photographs and more detailed information about Jackie’s life.
Holding Her Own is a fascinating look at the woman whose groundbreaking cartoons continue to influence Black illustrators and cartoonists today.
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