My 11-year-old daughter brought me Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, by Patricia Hruby Powell, illustrated by Christian Robinson. She read it, then told me she wanted us to read it as a group for school.

This kid in particular has a pretty good track record of bringing me books that will supplement our school curriculum.

Josephine Baker was a dancer and entertainer born in St. Louis, Missouri, and her star power, strong personality, and perseverance led her to a colorful life that took her all over the world and led to a number of fascinating jobs.

The book is broken into six sections based on time periods in Josephine’s life. Textural color and text is interspersed with artwork. The author uses selective caps and poetic language to tell the story of Josephine’s life. Josephine’s story is placed in the historical and cultural context of her time, describing the discrimination she experienced throughout her life and the ways she processed her resulting frustration and pain.

Josephine is a fascinating story of possibility and how an incredibly strong woman used her zest for life to soar.

“I wore my heart on my toes and my soul on my lips.”

Posts with other Black History titles:

What We’re Reading for Black History Month: 2018 2019 2020

A Chapter Book for Kids (about a Black female journalist and activist)

Another picture book (one person really can make a difference)

Adult Historical Fiction (about Sojourner Truth)