Cicely Tyson

by Renée Watson (Author) Sherry Shine (Illustrator)

Cicely Tyson
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Renée Watson and quilt artist Sherry Shine comes a biography for children chronicling the life of an iconic and trailblazing actress who left an indelible mark on the world through her roles onscreen, from The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman to Sounder, Roots, and more.

Cicely Tyson was born in New York City to parents originally from the Islands. No matter where she was, Cicely always carried light within her, a light that she let shine. After many years of discovering herself, Cicely finally found where her light could shine the brightest and touch others: in film.

Spinning gorgeous verse, and weaving in the history of Black America, Watson beautifully introduces children to Cicely's world--the world that shaped a woman who went on to bring unparalleled grace to the stage and screen. Young readers will be inspired by Cicely Tyson's life and adult fans will marvel at this stunning keepsake.

Perfect for Women's History Month and Black History Month like favorites such as Nina, Ablaze with Color, and A Voice Named Aretha.

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99
This title will be released on Nov. 5, 2024, midnight

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Together, the creators commemorate the life of actor Cicely Tyson (1924-2021), from her New York City childhood to her lengthy career in contemporary cinema. After a stranger predicts early on that she'll make her mother proud, multitalented Tyson, who had roots in the West Indies, meanders through a series of successful vocations, always in search of "more," until a chance encounter leads her to acting. In that capacity, Tyson finds her purpose, and in 2016 is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Incorporating lyrics from hymns and spirituals amid quotes from Tyson herself, Watson uses clarion prose to neatly interweave an homage to the acclaimed actor with information about all that influenced her. Shine uses quilting and embellishments to render this immaculate tribute, visually hinting at the fashion-forward figure's lifelong passion for creating art across mediums. A timeline and author's note conclude. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

A lyrical salute to the long-lived performer, fashion plate, and human rights activist. Further brightens a light who was already shining.

Renée Watson

Renée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include Love is a Revolution, Ways to Make Sunshine, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, co-written with Ilyasah Shabazz, and Watch Us Rise, co-written with Ellen Hagan, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlem's Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée grew up in Portland, Oregon, and splits her time between Portland and New York City.

www.reneewatson.net
@harlemportland (Instagram)
@reneewauthor (Twitter)

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780063219991
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Amistad Books for Young Readers
Publication date
November 05, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF018010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JNF007060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Performing Arts
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
Library of Congress categories
-

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