On this eleventh day, we’re pleased to present picture book author Angela Joy!
The Journey: My Path to Publishing
About 12 years ago I was scouring our local library stacks with my then 7-year-old daughter. She was at that challenging academic stage when chapter books felt too mature and picture books felt “too young.” Finding a story in the sweet spot/in-between spot was proving to be a challenge. In addition, we really wanted a narrative that featured an African American female protagonist. The pickings were slim. When our solo search failed, we turned to our librarian who, sadly, suggested we use our imaginations. Underestimating the challenges of the publishing world and perhaps overestimating my writing abilities, I decided then and there to write books for kids of color. Seven years later, my first book Black Is a Rainbow Color was published.
How I Got “The Deal”
My first career was in music. I spent a lifetime studying, interpreting, and performing stories set to melodies. So, the love for words was there. But I had to learn to shape these words into something palatable for young people. Part of that process included attending critique sessions with other people who shared similar goals. At one such circle, I met my agent who saw, in the middle of a muddled mash of ideas, a spark. With guidance from her and my subsequent editor, we clarified a vision and crafted an anthem of Black history, Black culture, and Black love.
The Inspiration
I am inspired by poets like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Authors Toni Morrison and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are food for my soul. Jazz, Joni Mitchell and Prince Rogers Nelson make my heart swoon. All of these influences find their way into my writing. I’m also really inspired by African American history—legends, inventions, little known facts, and everyday living inspire in me a tremendous pride and excitement! Whenever I learn something new, I’m eager to share—and there is still so much to learn.
The Process
Writing is messy business—at least for me—and it is so, so hard. In short, I brainstorm, research, struggle to eke out a first draft, criticize said first draft, consider giving up, try again, and repeat until I get something that sounds and feels right. For me, writing is much more about the sound and rhythm of the words than the rules of grammar and punctuation. Like music, I want my writing to sing.
THE BUZZ
Black Is a Rainbow Color
A National Council of Social Studies & Children’s Book Council 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book
An Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Book
A 2020 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honoree
An NCTE 2021 Notable Poetry Book
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2020
A Washington Post Best Book of 2020
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Lasting Connections Selection
A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2020
A San Francisco Chronicle Book to Help Raise Awareness
A Woman’s Day Book Every Family Should Own
Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
Caldecott Honor
Horn Book – Boston Globe Honor
Cybils Award Winner
Coretta Scott King Award
Flora Stieglitz Straus Award
Jane Addams Peace Award Winner
Orbis Pictus Honor
Sibert Honor
Walter Award Winner
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Newest release: Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City that Grew Prince Rogers Nelson
“This poetic picture-book biography is a sensitively expressed tribute… Through its compelling poetry, this poignant perspective on Prince’s boyhood illuminates the moments that led an ordinary boy to become a musician of extraordinary accomplishments.” —Booklist
“The rhythm of Joy’s poetic text matches the rhythm of Prince’s early life… [this] telling of Prince’s childhood will resonate with young people who use art to find meaning in difficult days.” —Horn Book
[A] lyrical tribute to the groundbreaking Black musician.” —Kirkus
“Via emotional verse and lavender-tinged spreads, Joy and Alcántra capture the life and artistry of Prince Rogers Nelson (1958–2016) in this evocative picture book.”
—Publishers Weekly
“In this visually gorgeous, poetic homage to Prince, readers are introduced to a brilliant musician who often drew on his painful early childhood as inspiration for his work… [T]his is a noteworthy, introductory look at a truly astonishing musician.” —BCCB
“This is a bold biography, finding inspiration from the subject and universalizing Prince’s creativity through a gentle approach. It’s perfect for elementary schools, especially as applied to music and art.” —School Library Journal