(3) Illustrated by Katie Dorame. In the Tongva village of Japchivit in California, a girl named Toypurina grows up to become a powerful medicine woman. When Spanish missionaries invade and oppress the villagers, Toypurina leads an unsuccessful rebellion and is exiled for life, but remains convinced of a brighter future for her people. Stone’s (Paiute) generous narrative illuminates an important eighteenth-century Indigenous figure. Saturated, hand-painted illustrations rich with historical details bring the era to life. The vignette-dotted backmatter includes selected resources, authors’ and illustrator’s notes, and an afterword.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brittany Jackson. Born blind and enslaved in 1849 Georgia, pianist Tom Wiggins's musical genius ultimately saved him from being considered "a defective piece of property." His master--seeing "a business opportunity"--nurtured and celebrated the young slave's talents. Wiggins appears carefree in Jackson's cartoon illustrations; Armand's straightforward narrative doesn't gloss over Wiggins's and his family's exploitation by his master/manager. An author's note offers more biographical details. A select list of sources is appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Armand narrates how Ira Aldridge, an African American aspiring actor, left New York City at age seventeen in 1824 and became acclaimed throughout Europe for his performances in Shakespeare's plays (most notably for his role as Othello). Cooper's oil-wash illustrations with kneaded erasures in tones of sepia, amber, and brown cast the powerful story in a soft, warm light. Bib.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Colin Bootman. This poignant story, based on Frederick Douglass's childhood, tells how his mother, a slave, would walk twelve miles at night for a brief visit with her son. Soothing text describes how she overcomes the monotony and loneliness through songs (joyful and sad), the solace of prayer, and love. Emotional paintings capture moods, especially the joy of reunion that wipes away weariness.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith