Coretta Scott

Multiple starred reviews greeted this amazing collaboration between Ntozake Shange and Kadir Nelson. As Booklist put it: “Poet and painter have joined forces to offer an indelible, emotional expression of the strength, beauty, and joy of one woman’s character.”

Celebrated poet and playwright Ntozake Shange captures the spirit of Civil Rights pioneer Coretta Scott King in this picture book biography gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott Medal artist Kadir Nelson. 

Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. 

Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she helped lead change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.

Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south.

A yearning for equality began to grow.

Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.

This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott.

“Poetic language paired with powerful images make this biography/history of the Civil Rights Movement a moving, provacative read–aloud. Every library will want copies of this lyrical tribute to an elegant woman and the era she represents.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Nelson’s jacket portrait, monumental and tender at the same time, sets the tone for this intimate picture biography. Shange’s rhythmic lines and formal syntax roll like waves carrying readers on a soul–stirring ride through Coretta’s coming of age in the Civil Rights Movement.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Poet and painter have joined forces to offer an indelible, emotional expression of the strength, beauty, and joy of one woman’s character.” - Booklist (starred review)