“Tate’s sentences are often short, underscoring Still’s effort and drive; when they occasionally lengthen, they land with a punch… His paintings often likewise play out in vignettes that capture action over time then linger lovingly on the expressive faces of his characters. Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“[A] clear, comprehensive narrative….Graceful free verse… Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text… An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Gentle and straightforward prose… The text recounts the oppression and dehumanization of slavery but is not too graphic for the target age demographic…. Tate’s expressive, colorful illustrations work well with the text to convey this important part of American history…. This inspirational true story combines fact with a very readable narrative, spotlighting a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. A book that deserves a place on school and public library shelves.”—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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“The digital illustrations portray [Still] effectively from infancy to old age…. In this concisely written, informative picture-book biography, Tate introduces a man who deserves to be more widely known.” —Booklist

“Tate’s short sentences and accessible language convey the urgency of Still’s work, and his illustrations sensitively communicate the danger and terror faced by enslaved people….There’s plenty of hope here, too.” —BookPage

“[A] thorough and informative picture-book biography…. Tate’s writing style is generally engaging and accessible. Rich acrylic illustrations are perfectly matched with a poetic narrative that celebrates the subject and conveys the realities of the times.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“Striking illustrations with approachable text… The legacy of an American hero is told here using accessible, factual text; lifelike illustrations rendered digitally; and informative backmatter… An alluring picture book.” —Shelf Awareness

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Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book —Chicago Public Library, 2020

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association, 2020

Best of Picture Books —Kirkus Reviews, 2020

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Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022

Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) —Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2021

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5)— Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2021-2022

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Don Tate is the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. In 2013, he earned an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award for his first picture book text, It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw. You can visit  his website here.

“Hopkinson skillfully shapes Carter’s childhood, family history and formative experiences into a cohesive story.…the inclusion of notable figures from black history reinforces the theme (a key is in the backmatter). An important and inspiring tale well told.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers will be caught up in his story…. Quotes are seamlessly woven into the narrative, and a time line, list of sources, and bibliography add research appeal. Of special note are the illustrations, which include more than 40 portraits of black leaders… Their images and one-line biographies will pique further interest, making this a valuable resource for school and public libraries.” ―Booklist

“Thorough back matter… A charmingly illustrated picture book biography for elementary schoolers.” —School Library Journal

“Conversational… Delicately textured mixed-media illustrations…offer spare, stylized images…” —Publishers Weekly

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“Fascinating… Expressive artwork…” —Foreword Reviews

“This will be a go-to title for Black History Month, but a more meaningful tribute to the celebration’s founder will be a catalyst for further African-American studies throughout the year.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Exemplary… This inspiring picture book combines a rich but focused text with clear, expressive mixed-media illustrations. It sheds light on an important, inspiring, but little-known subject, and the supplemental back matter gives weight to the exceedingly important takeaways that history must include all people, and that anyone can change history.” —Shelf Awareness

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Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Honor Book, Elementary)―National Council for the Social Studies, 2020

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2019

Social Justice Literature Award ―Literacy and Social Justice Special Interest Group, International Literacy Association, 2020

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2019

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―NCSS/CBC, 2020

Notable Children’s Books―ALSC, 2020

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Northern Lights Book Award (Biography) ―Northern Dawn Awards, 2019

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Chicago Public Library, 2019

Top 10 Books for Kids ―New York Public Library, 2019

Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature (Finalist) ―Literary Arts, 2020

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2020

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2020-2021

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2020-2021

Great Kids Can Read Award  (Nominee) ―Greater Kansas City Assoc of School Librarians, 2021-2022

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2021-2022

Oregon Spirit Book Award  (Honor, Nonfiction) ―Oregon Council of Teachers of English, 2019

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades K-3) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2021-2022

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2020

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Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning author of numerous critically acclaimed picture and chapter books, including Keep On!; Sweet Land of Liberty; Under the Quilt of Night; and Shutting Out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York 1880-1924. She lives in Oregon. You can visit her website here.

Don Tate is the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. In 2013, he earned an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award for his first picture book text, It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw. You can visit  his website here.

“[Tate’s] decision to illuminate this remarkable man’s life offers a new perspective with remarkable clarity.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A lovely introduction to an inspirational American poet.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Tate’s mixed-media illustrations glow with bright greens and yellows, radiating a warmth, hope, and promise that echo this stirring biography’s closing message…” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

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“Moving…” ―Booklist

“A compelling story for any age.” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“A moving biography of a slave who taught himself to read” ―The Boston Globe

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Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award ―Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, 2016

Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Elementary) ―National Council for the Social Studies, 2016

Christopher Award (Books for Young People) ―Christophers, 2016

Notable Children’s Books ―Association for Library Service to Children, 2016

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Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―Children’s Literature Assembly, National Council of Teachers of English, 2016

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016

CCBC Choices (Biography and Autobiography) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2016

Crystal Kite Member Choice Award (Texas/Oklahoma region) ―Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2016

Best Books of 2015: Best of Children’s List ―Kirkus Reviews, 2015

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens ―Capitol Choices, 2016

H-E-B / Jean Flynn Award for Best Children’s Book ―Texas Institute of Letters, 2016

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2016

Sequoyah Book Awards (Children’s Masterlist) ―Oklahoma Library Association, 2018

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2017-2018

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2017

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2017

Summer Reading List ―We’re the People, 2016

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Don Tate is the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. In 2013, he earned an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award for his first picture book text, It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw. You can visit  his website here.