Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills

by Renée Watson, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

Overview

From Caldecott Honor winner Christian Robinson and acclaimed author 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)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780375985379
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	10/23/2012
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Lexile:	AD770L (what's this?)
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

RENÉE WATSON is the author of the children’s picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association. Renée has worked as a teaching-artist for more than 10 years, teaching creative writing and theater to elementary, middle, and high school students. She also uses writing and drama therapy to work with youth and adults. Renée lives in New York, NY.

Christian Robinson is “one of the most exciting children’s book artists working today,” according to the New York Times. He received a Caldecott Honor for Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, which was also a Newbery Medal winner and a New York Times Bestseller. He also illustrated Rain! by Linda Ashman, winner of the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and Josephine by Patricia Hruby Powell, recipient of a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. He lives in San Francisco. Learn more at TheArtOfFun.com.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

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.”

Editorial Reviews

…[a] charming and evocative biography, carefully pitched to younger readers…[with] energetic, appealing illustrations…
—Pamela Paul

The New York Times Book Review

Watson (A Place Where Hurricanes Happen) pairs with first-time illustrator Robinson for a subdued but striking telling of the life of Florence Mills, following her journey from "the daughter of former slaves, living in a teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy house" to international stardom as a singer and performer. Robinson's chunky mixed-media collages have a vibrant palette and angularity that nods to Harlem Renaissance artists like Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence, while removing some of the sting from the discrimination Mills was exposed to, even as a child. In a memorable early scene, a young Mills refuses to perform at a whites-only club until her black friends can be snuck in to watch: "If they can't go in there, I'm staying out here!" she insists. Although Watson makes Mills's musical talents clear (an author's note reveals that her "voice was never recorded, and no films of her performances exist"), weight is also given to her generosity, even at the height of her stardom, cementing the idea that the potential for greatness lies within everyone. Ages 3–8. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

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.

From the Publisher

K-Gr 3—While there are no cordings of her voice, singer Mills left a lasting mark in other ways-most notably with her efforts to bring attention to rising black performers and her compassion for the sick and poor. Born in 1896, she became known for her lovely voice and energetic stage presence as a child. Yet even with the rave reviews she received, she endured painful acts of prejudice. Her friends were refused entry to a theater in Washington, DC, to watch young Mills sing and dance, and later, when she was invited to perform in London, white passengers on the ship refused to share the dining room with her and her entourage. Mills was feisty, refusing to perform unless her guests could watch the show, and she turned down the chance to be the first black woman to perform in the Ziegfeld Follies in favor of joining shows that gave young black performers their chance to shine on stage. There's a cheerful, singsong quality to Watson's writing, but it doesn't diminish the impact of racism in Mills's life. Robinson utilizes cut paper and ink in rich earth tones to create a folk-art style that's audacious and warm, much like the performer herself. This is a wonderful book for introducing a trailblazer in entertainment and equality.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

School Library Journal

Watson's biographical distillation of the life of jazz singer and dancer Florence Mills is endearing and affectionate, at just the right level for very young readers. The child who "lived in a teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy house" won singing and cakewalking contests all over Washington, D.C., and became famous dancing with her sisters. When Florence was a young teen, the girls performed in Harlem's Lincoln Theatre in New York, and from there, Florence landed roles in Shuffle Along and From Dover Street to Dixie, introducing jazz to white audiences and mesmerizing crowds. Robinson's big-eyed portrayal of Florence and her work is terrific: jazzy, geometric and lively. The city scenes, stage moments and glimpses of Florence on- and offstage are sweetly retro; 20 blackbirds on stylized, blooming branches on both front and back endpapers add charm to the work overall. Mills' generous personality comes through clearly, and Watson aptly uses lyrics from Mills' songs to help emphasize the story. Watson describes Florence's decision to turn down a part in the Ziegfield Follies for chances to perform with other black actors and singers and to continue to "use her voice for more than entertainment"--to sing for equal rights. Young readers and listeners will feel the thrill of her success here and in London and the sadness of Florence's death at age 31. Her brief life is well worth celebrating, and here it is done well. (Picture book/biography. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews