Black Trailblazers: 30 Courageous Visionaries Who Broke Boundaries, Made a Difference, and Paved the Way

by Bijan Bayne, Joelle Avelino (Illustrator)

Overview

A gorgeously illustrated compendium of 30 black luminaries who changed the world.

Thirty bite-sized biographies of black thinkers, activists, and innovators with beautiful full-color illustrations throughout. Black Trailblazers is an illustrated inspiration for children that gives these important figures their due, highlighting their work to make our world a brighter, better place. An appealing blend of history, quotes from the figures themselves, and gorgeous visuals, this book will educate, entertain, and inspire.

Including luminaries such as:

• Madam C. J. Walker
• James Baldwin
• Shirley Chisolm
• Dick Gregory
• Nina Simone
• Thurgood Marshall
• Misty Copeland
• ...and many more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524881719
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	27 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	10 - 15 Years

About the Author

Bijan Bayne is an award-winning columnist and critic based out of Washington, D.C. He is the author of Sky Kings: Black Pioneers of Professional Basketball, and his work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Boston Herald, SLAM, and other publications.

Editorial Reviews

The Children’s Book Counsel: Notable Social Studies List
Black Trailblazers included in the 2023 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.
This is “an annual reading list of exceptional books for use in social studies classrooms, selected by social studies educators.”
  (CBC, The Children’s Book Counsel)

From the Publisher

2022-08-31
Bessie Coleman, Toni Morrison, and Barack Obama are among the individuals covered in this collection of Black biographies.

People in a variety of fields, among them activism, politics, arts, culture, and business, demonstrated perseverance and vision. The subjects range from Phillis Wheatley, who published her first poem before the United States existed as a country, to Vice President Kamala Harris and Misty Copeland, who dances with the American Ballet Theatre, where she made history as its first Black female principal dancer. Some names will likely be more well known, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while others will be less so—for instance, Diane Nash, who organized and participated in many pivotal events in the civil rights movement. Singer Mahalia Jackson and actor Sidney Poitier are recognized for both their contributions to their fields and their commitment to social change. Also profiled is Dick Gregory, who wove politics, racism, and other issues into his comedy act. Among the athletes covered are boxing champion Muhammad Ali and Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, whose blend of glamour and speed expanded the idea of what a sports personality could be. Entries are enhanced with colorful illustrations, quotes from the subjects, and sidebars with additional information. This lively and pertinent narrative makes familiar stories feel fresh while also highlighting potentially lesser-known individuals.

Shines a light on Black pioneers who not only made a difference, but broke boundaries for those who followed. (Collective biography. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews