Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer

by Quartez Harris Narrated by Shamaan Casey

Overview

Discover the story of young James Baldwin in this ode to the legendary writer and the power of the written word-with exquisite prose from acclaimed poet Quartez Harris.

The first time Jimmy read a book the words clung to him like glitter...

Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life.

This book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language. Additional biographical information and personal notes from the author round out this stunning celebration of Baldwin's life and work.

¿ Lyrical, accessible true story of an American icon, with bonus information at the back of the book
¿ Celebrates the power of reading, hard work, and following your dreams

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

With striking prose, mixed with poetic lyricism, and buoyant similes that drum through the pages like a heartbeat, Quartez Harris offers the story of a determined, young James Baldwin. Go Tell It will inspire readers as deeply as ‘words clung like glitter’ to one of America's most prolific icons.” —Alicia D. Williams, Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree
 

“In a clear, dramatic narrative, Harris describes Baldwin’s struggle to move beyond police brutality and his stepfather’s ferocious preaching to develop his own healing message … James’s lush paintings, thick with color, beautifully capture Baldwin’s passage from fear to triumph.”—The Washington Post

“Incredible writing, gorgeous art, and a book worthy of its subject.” —Betsy Bird / A Fuse 8 Production

* “Exceptional, a master class of a picture book biography overflowing with energy-infused words and pictures… an inspiring look at one of America’s most important writers.” —BookPage, starred review

* "In descriptive and poetic language, this book reveals how reading and writing were powerful motivators for young James Baldwin. … This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives." —School Library Journal, starred review

* "The narrative prose of this picture book biography is absolutely gorgeous, with cinematic imagery that showcases the beauty of Baldwin’s passion for writing…. The illustrations, rendered in oil paints, are similarly radiant." —BCCB, (starred review)

* “Moving…. [the] illustrations have a dreamlike quality as they emphasize the love of words as a cornerstone of Baldwin’s life.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “Descriptive and poetic …especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives.” —Kirkus, starred review
 

“A beautiful tribute to Baldwin and the book that ignited his career.” —Horn Book

"This picture biography brilliantly captures the fitful unfolding of a literary life.… this homage to James Baldwin is a triumph in its own right.” —Common Sense Media

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2024-10-12
A brilliant Black boy in Harlem falls in love with words and becomes one of America’s most important literary voices.

Young James Baldwin had to clear many obstacles to become the famous writer whose words would help a nation look itself in the mirror. While his mother cleaned other people’s homes, James took care of his siblings and read voraciously. His stepfather, a preacher consumed with anger at the world, discouraged James’ love of books other than the Bible, but his mother nurtured his passion. As a teenager, James preached at his stepfather’s church and later worked several service jobs before escaping the confines of Harlem. In France, James made a new home in the mountains and shook loose the stories he held inside. This dynamic portrait of one of America’s most celebrated literary heroes ends with the publication of his bookGo Tell It on the Mountain; backmatter touches on his novelGiovanni’s Room and his identity as a queer man. With his lyrical prose, Harris shows off a writer’s delight in words, trusting his young readers to make sense of even seemingly complex turns of phrase. Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator James’ painterly art is a brilliant ode to Baldwin, to Harlem, and to books, featuring expressive strokes, composition, and perspective to create unique sensations in each immersive scene.

A superb introduction to a master of the craft and a work of art in and of itself. (more about James Baldwin, author’s and illustrator’s notes, select sources)(Picture-book biography. 5-9)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192499733
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	01/07/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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