Be the Light - by Daria Peoples (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The life of civil rights icon Angela Davis is illuminated in an extraordinary picture book biography. Booklist praised this profound exploration of American history, activism, the civil rights movement, and the power of the people as a one that "should be part of all social studies curricula." For fans of Maya's Song, Nina, and There Was a Party for Langston.

Before she was an iconic civil rights activist, before she was one of the FBI's Most Wanted, before she was a teacher, Angela Davis was a young girl in Birmingham, Alabama. A girl whose parents taught her that freedom lives anywhere and everywhere it pleases. A girl who believed it when her mother told her, "It won't always be this way." And a girl who grew up to fight for the world and the future that she imagined could exist--for all people.

In this resonant and timely picture book biography of Angela Davis, acclaimed author-artist Daria Peoples invites young readers to join the fight. Her striking paintings and powerful text pay tribute to Angela Davis's evolution as an abolitionist, and dare readers of all ages to light the way to the future. An inspiring choice for fans of books by Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson, Christian Robinson, and Carole Boston Weatherford. Features extensive back matter, including a timeline of Angela Davis's life, a visual glossary, and an author's note.

Review Quotes

"Readers will come to know Davis as an ordinary girl who grew up to be an extraordinary woman. Vibrant watercolor illustrations highlight the role of community, ancestors, persistence, and hope in Davis' journey. This biography demonstrates how identity is shaped by environment and should be part of all social studies curricula." - Booklist

"Peoples's reverent narrative and evocative digitally rendered gouache-like illustrations vibrantly convey the essence of Davis's unwavering activism and resolute optimism for a new world." - Horn Book Magazine

"A picture book biography that expertly combines traditional and digital art forms to detail the life of political activist Angela Davis. . . . This volume introduces readers to tough topics. . . but does so in a way that is accessible. . . . It also provides an opportunity to discuss these topics while remembering Davis's sentiment, that there is freedom in the future ahead and it will not always be this way.. . . Essential." - School Library Journal

"A moving picture-book biography that reveals a complex personality who followed a unique path." - Kirkus Reviews

"Peoples fuses lyrical text with stark realism, transitioning from a bucolic reflection that personifies Davis' childhood emotions to a more firm directness, capitalizing fully her various roles. The art strikes a similar balance between conceptual and groundedness. . . . The dual messages here--that current inequities are terrible and brutal but can be fixed--make a timely reminder." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A forthright account of the life of activist Angela Davis." - Publishers Weekly