Publishers Weekly
★ 11/11/2024
“The first time James Baldwin read a book, the words clung to him like glitter.” Harris and James home in on the emotional core of the author’s upbringing in this moving work about Baldwin (1924–1987). Beginning pages depict his early life—his doting mother, the abundant siblings under his care, his love of reading, and his preacher stepfather, who displayed fury “toward Jimmy’s books and all the things he saw burning in the world.” Sensate lines illuminate Baldwin’s childhood experience while underscoring what drives him (“In the library, Jimmy could hear the books singing to him, shouting ‘Hallelujah!’ as joyfully as the women banging tambourines at his stepfather’s church”). After experiencing a police assault, Baldwin realizes the healing power of words—and begins writing “to heal his heart.” Thickly stroked oil-on-board illustrations have a dreamlike quality as they emphasize the love of words as a cornerstone of Baldwin’s life. Back matter, which includes biographical information and creators’ notes, discusses Baldwin’s queer identity. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)
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
School Library Journal
★ 09/01/2024
Gr 2–5—In descriptive and poetic language, this book reveals how reading and writing were powerful motivators for young James Baldwin. Growing up in Harlem, he was drawn to the language he heard around him and to the books he found in the library. As he grew up, the impact of reading and writing on his life continued to grow, leading him to a career as a celebrated writer. The illustrations help bring the story to life, showing Baldwin's early years in Harlem and the people and places that influenced his decision to become a writer. These depict children playing on the streets, the police who threatened Baldwin, and his stepfather who discouraged his writing ambitions and his mother who encouraged them. An abundance of words sprinkled around the illustrations show what Baldwin heard and what he saw. When Baldwin left Harlem and moved to France, his writing career emerged and blossomed. VERDICT 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.—Myra Zarnowski
JANUARY 2025 - AudioFile
The warmth of Shamaan Casey's baritone surrounds listeners just as words envelop young James Baldwin in this biography. Quartez Harris's text shifts between a straightforward account and an ecstatic celebration. Casey navigates these tonal transitions with ease, expressing "Jimmy's" fascination with language in occasional meditative recitations of words and phrases. Sorrowful tones underscore Baldwin's conflicts with his stepfather, a preacher, and an encounter with racist police officers. Hushed wonderment indicates his personal liberation through books and writing. Beneath Casey's narration a music track provides aural texture: mostly jazz riffs from a piano, trumpet, and drum combo, with a gospel interlude at a key moment. Young listeners may not know Baldwin before encountering this audiobook, but they'll emerge appreciative of the power of words in shaping him. V.S. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
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)
