Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
This illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone — and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation.
With passion and unparalleled skill, Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson bring this iconic singer’s story to young readers and their families. Meet young Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano stool she shared with her father in her childhood home, to the bars and concert halls where she became the one and only Nina Simone.
Learn about how Nina’s voice started out rich and sweet but grew to a thunderous roar as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam. Witness this artist in all her brilliance, singing in protest against racial inequality and discrimination. With rhythmic prose and masterful images, Nina perfectly demonstrates the relationship between art and activism. An essential addition to every young reader’s library.
—
Ages 3–7, Ages 5–10 | 267mm × 216mm | 48pp | CMYK | Spot UV on cover
Author: Traci N. Todd
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
AUD$27.99 | £12.99 (Hardback)
AU Edition (Hardback) | $27.99
Publication Date: 2 Nov 2021
ISBN: 9781922585257
UK Edition (Hardback) | £12.99 | Pre-order now at Bookshop.org
Publication Date: 30 October 2021
ISBN: 9781922585257
★ ‘Nina Simone's beauty and talent is given prominent expression by multiaward-winning Robinson in this picture-book biography . . . while Todd's prose eloquently tells her story from childhood to fame . . . A worthy biography for all collections and especially for those that serve music-loving children.’
—Booklist, starred review
★’Todd’s telling shines in this skillfully paced portrait of Eunice Kathleen Waymon (1933-2003)—more widely known by her stage name of Nina Simone—which traces her journey from a piano-playing child in North Carolina to later years as a performer, protest song pioneer, and civil rights activist. . . An engaging, affecting, and powerful biography that aptly situates Simone’s enduring legacy in musical and social history.’
—Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
★ ‘Todd’s musical prose allows readers into Nina’s perspective, and Robinson’s scenes and portraits absolutely sing with energy, keeping pace perfectly with the text. . . Do not miss this complex story of an American legend.’
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
‘Enlightening …Robinson’s pictures paint vivid images that undertone the harsh reality of life for black people in America ... this biography should be a fundamental piece of every young reader’s book collection.’
—Fiona Buckley, Irish Examiner
When Chicago native Traci N. Todd was born, her father decided her initials should stand for dynamite, just like his. He raised her on Ray Charles and Nina Simone, and her mother read her every good book. Traci grew up to become a children’s book editor and currently lives in Jackson Heights, Queens, where she writes, edits, and listens to Ray Charles and Nina Simone, while her partner draws comic books.
Website