What I Must Tell the World - by Jay Leslie (Hardcover)

About the Book

As a young girl, playwright Lorraine Hansberry walked everywhere with a notebook, eager to capture the sights, sounds, and stories of the people around her. First Lorraine watched her parents triumph in the Supreme Court case of Hansberry v. Lee. Then she discovered the magic of theater. Next, she unlocked the power of her voice, crafting A Raisin in the Sun. Her play went on to influence generations of artists and the world was never the same

Book Synopsis

"Lorraine Hansberry has had a direct influence on who we are, the stories we tell, and how we move in the world today. We are beyond delighted to share Jay's beautiful words and Loveis's stunning work, bringing this iconic visionary to life for the next generation of dreamers." --Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, and Naomi Funabashi, Hillman Grad Books

Our stories can change the world.

As a young girl, playwright Lorraine Hansberry walked everywhere with a notebook, eager to capture the sights, sounds, and stories of the people around her.

First Lorraine watched her parents' triumph in the Supreme Court case of Hansberry v. Lee. Then she discovered the magic of theater. Next, she unlocked the power of her voice, crafting A Raisin in the Sun. Her play went on to influence generations of artists and the world was never the same.

Lyrical, vibrant, and empowering, What I Must Tell the World is a celebration of Lorraine Hansberry's life and legacy, and a love letter to the power of theater and storytelling.

Review Quotes

"This soaring salute to the author of A Raisin in the Sun--the first Broadway play written by a Black woman--casts Hansberry as a vibrant young person searching for ways to convey the lives and experiences of her world . . . as the story takes her through struggles to finish her great play and ends with its triumphant opening, her courage, intelligence, and forceful personality shine out." --Booklist, starred review

"The illustrations are a rich, vibrant testimony to a trailblazing writer and activist. Boldly colored spreads highlight Hansberry and the people and relationships in her life and draw viewers into the scenes. Readers will find here a seminal message from the writer's experience: embrace who you are and live your truth; your story matters." --Hornbook

"This well-written and well-illustrated book introduces young readers to an important writer and is an excellent choice for discussing the significance of writers finding their own voices." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Jay Leslie has always loved to write. Everywhere she goes, she carries a notebook just in case she gets a new idea--most of all, she loves to write the books that she wishes she'd had as a child. Jay grew up in the United States, but now lives in Berlin, Germany, where she spends her time writing novels, learning new languages, and backpacking through the Schwarzwald. Jay's picture books include Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Revolutionized the World, and Game, Set, Sisters! The Story of Venus and Serena Williams.

Loveis Wise is a multidisciplinary artist and Capricorn drawing reimagined futures and playfulness in Los Angeles. They are best known for illustrating picture book titles such as Magnolia Flower by Zora Neale Hurston and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, Becoming Charley by Kelly DiPucchio, and notably the Coretta Scott King Award honoree, The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi.