From Misty Copeland to Rosa Parks to Nina Simone, this picture book companion to Hair Like Obama's, Hands Like Lebron's is a celebration of Black history and excellence from powerhouse author Carole Boston Weatherford With a voice as bold as Beyoncé's, my vocals strike a chord.
With vision as clear as Oprah's, success is my reward.
With arms as open as Michelle's, I'm bringing others along.
With the breath of my ancestors, I'm singing a new song.
Inspired by photographs of Michelle Obama's famously warm hugs, this is a delightful companion book to Hair Like Obama's, Hands Like LeBron's. Carole Boston Weatherford's powerful text--illuminated by Savanna Durr's accessible, jewel-toned art--is an ode to the beauty, strength, resilience, and power that all children have within them. Young readers will learn about 17 inspiring female figures, gaining confidence in their own abilities and cultural legacy as they see themselves in each one. From ballerina Misty Copeland to NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, this is a celebration of Black history and excellence.
Young readers will learn about the inspiring, strong female figures in Black history up to the present day, gaining confidence in their abilities and their cultural legacy as they learn. The back matter includes an author's note and biographies of each of the featured figures: Simone Biles, Misty Copeland, Angela Davis, Kamala Harris, Iman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Edna Lewis, Michelle Obama, Rosa Parks, Faith Ringgold, Nina Simone, Dawn Staley, Harriet Tubman, Kerry Washington, and Oprah Winfrey.
About the Author :
Carole Boston Weatherford writes the diverse books she lacked as a child. She is a New York Times bestselling author, a two-time NAACP Image Award winner, the Young People's Poet Laureate for 2025-2026, and winner of the 2025 Children's Literature Legacy Award honoring an author or illustrator whose books have made a significant and lasting contribution to literature for children. Since her 1995 debut, she has authored 80-plus books, including nine Coretta Scott King Award winners, a Newbery Honor winner, and four Caldecott Honor winners. A retired Fayetteville State University professor, she now lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Savanna Durr is an illustrator and art teacher based in Richmond, Virginia. She primarily illustrates digitally and loves adding textures and vibrant colors to her work. She has spent her life being inspired by animated movies, cartoons, and children's books, and focuses on creating representation within her work in the hope that others can look at her art and see themselves.
Review :
"Filled with vibrant colors, Durr's digital illustrations make clear the connection between the young protagonist and the accomplished subjects...Further examples of Black excellence in action--rousing and inspiring."
--Kirkus Reviews
"The warmth and depth of the poet's words are amplified in the lively digital portrayals of the featured women. Adults reading the book aloud and fielding questions about the public figures mentioned will appreciate the well-organized information...An enjoyable...moving picture book."
--Booklist
