  | And she was loved : Toni Morrison's life in stories Author: Pinkney, Andrea Davis | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Stunning poetry and illustrations introduce a new generation to the beloved literary icon Toni Morrison.
| Illustrator: | Minter, Daniel |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.70 Points: .5 Quiz: 556908 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/01/25)
School Library Journal (+) (00/11/24)
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
The Hornbook (+) (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 11/11/2024 Reiteratively employing the refrain "And she was loved...," this telling traces the life and work of Toni Morrison (1931-2019), from sidewalk chalk drawings made during her Lorain, Ohio, childhood to a legacy borne of "griot grit." While managing single motherhood and nurturing Black writers’ dreams as a book editor, "you manage a scribbled story about a Black girl wishing for sapphire eyes, " leading to further works, and eventually to awards including "Pulitzer./ Nobel./ Presidential Medal." Reverent lines from Davis Pinkney use the language of "planting and tilling" throughout. Background washes by Minter, a study in radiant paintwork, overflow with white-outlined flowers that represent "Chloe Ardelia," Morrison’s given name, which means "blooming floret." More glowing tribute than straight biography, it’s a soulful paean to a beloved creator. Back matter includes creators’ notes, biographical details, and a timeline. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2024
Booklist - 11/01/2024 *Starred Review* There is a line in Toni Morrison’s novel Song of Solomon in which a character exclaims “And she was loved” in an expression of resistance against the anti-Blackness she experiences. In this poetic paean to the late author, Pinkney employs the same line as a motif to express deep reverence and affection for Morrison’s life and work. The text addresses Morrison directly in second person, which creates an intimacy between reader and subject. The narrative arc is straightforward, tracing a path from the subject's childhood to death, noting high and low points, accomplishments, victories, and personal and professional joy and pain, the refrain serving as both a reminder to readers and an homage to Morrison. Pinkney's sumptuous writing is paired perfectly with multilayered illustrations by Minter, who embeds washes of watercolor with white linework and acrylic overlays to convey the sheer vibrancy of Morrison. Minter addresses Morrison in the artist’s note so that, from start to finish, And She Was Loved brims with the love felt by its creators. The text ends with a call to readers to spread their creative wings and chart their own course knowing they, too, are loved. Creative teachers will find many ways to use this lush book as a mentor text for creative writers. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
