A Crown of Stories: The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison - by Carole Boston Weatherford (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Toni Morrison was, and remains, a true titan of the arts. The lasting impact of her work, both as an editor and author, simply cannot be overstated. But before she was the Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winning author that we all know and love, she was a little girl in Ohio, the only Black child in her first-grade classroom and the only student who was able to read. This is the true story of how that young girl left her impact on a world that she loved the world of literature"--

Book Synopsis

From award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford comes a captivating picture book biography about the incredible life of esteemed author, editor, and activist Toni Morrison, featuring gorgeous illustrations by debut artist Khalif Tahir Thompson.

How do you tell a story?

Before Toni Morrison was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize-winning author, she was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, a little girl in Ohio who was both the only Black child in her first-grade classroom and the only student who was able to read.

This is the true story of how that young girl learned from her upbringing, surrounded herself with stories, and made a tremendous impact on the world. Toni Morrison's pen was her sword, and she grew to be a titan of the arts. Her legacy is one that still touches readers to this day.

Expertly and evocatively told by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, with beautiful painted illustrations by Khalif Tahir Thompson, this is a must-have picture book biography for any collection. It celebrates Toni Morrison's legacy while inspiring readers to create art, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness.

Review Quotes

"Thoughtful. Attending closely observed second-person text that puts the reader in Morrison's shoes, debut artist Tahir Johnson combines media, including paint and collage, lending textured depth to portraits of a creator whose stories 'get under our skin, next to our hearts, and inside our souls.'" -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Weatherford skillfully weaves together the various aspects of the writer's life in a lyrical account that flows and reveals her rich contributions. Weatherford emphasizes the role of listening, grounding Morrison in her family and community. Making wonderful use of collage, Thompson's evocative paintings enhance the text, beginning with a striking cover image. Transcendent and deeply resonant." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Both the reverent art and the text provide an intimate glimpse into Morrison's remarkable life story." -- Horn Book (starred review)

"This combination of vibrant images with compelling text gives readers a visceral experience. In addition to being a useful mentor text on the second-person voice, this is an excellent addition to biography collections and displays highlighting Black and Women's History months." -- School Library Journal

"An excellent book to read to younger children. Weatherford's narrative and Thompson's works also importantly put Morrison's life and work in context of her times. Public and school libraries will want to have this work in their collections." -- Booklist

"A solid entry point into the how and why of Morrison's storytelling, a fitting crown that encourages readers to seek out more of Morrison's uplifting complexity." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books