Lorraine Hansberry is a fascinating person to read about and I'm personally a huge fan of A Raisin In the Sun (I've read nearly a hundred plays, and it's easily one of my favourite mid-twentieth century plays), so I was excited to get an eARC from netgalley to give it a go. I've never read anything from author Jay Leslie before, but I've read a number of things illustrated by Loveis Wise, and their work always impresses.

This is a fantastic picture book biography. With vivid art and engaging use of language, it tells the story of Hansberry's childhood in Bronzeville, her family's efforts to desegregate a white Chicago neighbourhood, her desire to use her voice to make a difference by using her voice like her parents, her discovering her identity as a lesbian despite being married to a man and their amicable divorce, and her path to writing and sharing her most iconic work A Raisin in the Sun. It covers a lot of ground and moves from life stage to life stage beautifully. It centres her work amongst that of other incredible Black writers of her day and in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. This is exactly what I want when I pick up a picture book biography, and I think the language and images will engage children. The only improvement I could even imagine is ending with a timeline of her life.

Highly recommend this one!

What I Must Tell the World is a beautiful children's book. My boys really enjoyed this one as much as I did. What a great story!

Oh, y'all, I don't even know why I'm crying. No, actually, I suspect I do: I am shamed, and for once not in a bad way, and challenged by the courage it took for playwright Lorraine Hansberry to follow her dreams and live honestly in an era potentially even more hostile to her than the one I live in now is to me. Every life is different ofc but her valor stands out through time, reminding me -- and potentially many other readers -- that courage takes work, and that even just using your voice to champion the oppressed is already an important step in reshaping the world to be a better, more just place for everyone in it. It's definitely continuing a personal trend that I recently discussed in my weekly newsletter, where I was <a href="https://dvaleris.substack.com/p/writing-about-writing">Writing About Writing</a>. Who do we write for, I asked, and why is it important, even when the days seem darkest? If you too need further reason to keep making art, this amazing children's book will likely help shore you up immeasurably.

Ms Hansberry grew up the daughter of a family that decided to challenge segregation by moving from their Black Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville to the white neighborhood of Woodlawn. Despite enduring horrifying racism, the Hansberrys persisted in proving that they belonged, even going to court to defend their right to live there. In 1940, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor in the landmark case Hansberry v Lee. As her father Carl Hansberry told all his children:

<blockquote>They want to push us out. They want to take away our voice--because that's our most powerful weapon. Because even if they hurt our bodies, our words live on forever. Our stories can change the world.</blockquote>

So young Lorraine grew up dreaming of how she, too, would impact the world using her voice. In 1950, she moved to New York City to write for Paul Robeson at Freedom, a revolutionary Black magazine. But the work consumed so much of her time. She believed in it, but what she really wanted to do was write plays that would showcase Black voices and families and issues.

Marriage, perhaps surprisingly, gave her the free time to pursue her ambitions as a playwright, largely because she married a man who encouraged her to follow her dreams. Alas that she didn't really feel the way she knew that she was supposed to for her husband Bobby, or for any man. It was women who set her heart racing, a truth she was only able to acknowledge to Bobby as she struggled with setting down the last act of what would be her debut play, A Raisin In The Sun. Endlessly supportive, he encouraged her to live the way she wanted the world to be, as she finished writing her play and set about having it performed on stage for the very first time.

Readers, I was out and out bawling by the end of this book. As if Jay Lewis' exquisite prose wasn't enough to convey -- in all-ages-friendly fashion -- the pathos and courage of Ms Hansberry's life, Lena Waithe's closing words absolutely crushed any attempt I might have had at sustaining a stiff upper lip. I'm not usually a fan of celebrities inserting themselves into the books they're promoting, but I shouldn't have been surprised that an Emmy-winning writer like Ms Waithe would have the perfect coda for this extraordinary book:

<blockquote>Lorraine's legacy touched people she never even got to meet--and, as you read these words, we hope her legacy will leave an impression on you. It is up to each of us to live as truthfully and honestly as we can. If we're lucky, we'll inspire others to do the same.
<br>
Whatever your dreams are, they are important. Look after them. You never know how far your legacy will go, and who you will inspire.</blockquote>

This children's book debut from Ms Waithe's Hillman Grad Press is absolutely astonishing, from the superlative writing to Loveis Wise's incredible art. The cover might actually be the least impressive of their works here, as the illustrations throughout perfectly depict Ms Hansberry's life and emotions and dreams. This is such a phenomenal book, and I really super need to make a point of reading the other Hillman Grad books on my to-be-read pile. If they're anything like this masterpiece, Ms Waithe has started possibly the best celebrity imprint in years.

What I Must Tell The World by Jay Leslie & Loveis Wise was published October 22 2024 by Hillman Grad Books and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9781638930693">Bookshop!</a>

Love, love, loved this one! It went straight on the purchase list for both my library and my home. I've long been a fan of Lorraine Hansberry's work, but surprisingly didn't know much about her as a person. This was a great introduction and has launched me on a deep dive of her life, so thank you!

Well done and thoughtful biography for upper middle-grade and older readers about playwright Lorraine Hansberry, the groundbreaking Black female playwright.

What I Must Tell the World: How Lorraine Hansberry Found Her Voice, words by Jay Leslie and pictures by Loveis Wise is a well-done and thoughtful introduction for upper middle-grade and older readers to the life of renowned playwright Lorraine Hansberry. The evocatively illustrated text presents the highlights of the first Black woman to have a show produced on Broadway (A Raisin in the Sun).

Starting with her surprising childhood as the daughter of a man who had to go to the Supreme Court of the land (and won!) to establish his right to purchase a home in the white Woodlawn area of Chicago and her preparation and journey in pursuing her dream of crafting a play representing the Black experience in America. There is a short, forthright discussion of her gradual awareness of her true sexual orientation, offering parents an opportunity to discuss and answer questions with their young readers. While this little book examines her life, it naturally brings up many important social issues that can also offer additional topics of one-on-one or group discussions with readers. Hansberry experienced the gamut of discrimination in her short life: for being Black, for being a woman in a traditionally male profession, and for being attracted to another woman rather than a man.

I recommend WHAT I MUST TELL THE WORLD: HOW LORRAINE HANSBERRY FOUND HER VOICE to young readers who want a look into the life of this fascinating woman.

Despite the book's choppy narrative style, I believe it has the potential to inspire young readers to learn more about Lorraine Hansbury's life. From the story, I took that Hansbury was an exceptional figure in her time, shrouded by the negative notion of women trying to work and make a name for themselves.

One thing I disagreed with in the book was bringing up Hansbury's sexuality. It was like a puzzle piece that didn't fit. It made sense with the transitions into talking about A Raisin in the Sun, but it still felt like a fact thrown in as a 'wow' factor.

<i> "Our stories can change the world"<i/>
I had heard of Lorraine Hansberry, because her groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun" was the first show on Broadway to be written by a Black woman. But I didn't know anything else about the author. I hadn't realized that the story was semiautobiographical. The show tells the story of a family that wants to move into a white neighborhood despite the prejudice and pressure to stay away. Hansberry's own parents did exactly that and won a case in the supreme court for the right to live wherever they could afford. This book describes her early life and the people who influences her. Her father had told her that "Our stories can change the world", and she hared her story to audiences around the world. Parents who get this book to learn about a famous black author will want to be aware that it also discusses Hansberry coming to terms with the fact that she was "a woman who loves women". The topic is handled in a matter of fact manner. Hansberry lived by one of her father's quotes, "Your voice is your most powerful weapon." and she raised her voice to tell her truth. This book is entertaining and educational and the fantastic realistic illustrations by Loveis Wise help tell the story. It will provide a basis for family or classroom discussions and encourage readers to use their voices to share their own stories.

I received an electronic advanced copy of this book from the publishers, but the review is entirely voluntary. Although this picture book is recommended for 4-8 year old youngsters, I can honestly recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn more about the playwright.

What I Must Tell the World is an amazing telling that touches on pivotal moments in American history. Sharing this read with my young girls prompted conversations about what life might have been like for families that look different from them and what things we take for granted. It opened dialogue on bravery and doing the right thing. Most importantly it showed how impactful words can be and how a legacy can remain after brave people stand up and speak out.

I received an electronic ARC from Zando through NetGalley.
Leslie captures Hansberry's spirit and passion along with her struggles and fears. Readers see her life from childhood through the Broadway debut of A Raisin in the Sun. The author brings her world to life so elementary level readers can step in and be part of it. The artwork pulls the characters off the page and lets readers be part of her life story too. I appreciate the brief bios of the men who inspired her included at the end.

Brilliant. I loved how the book traces Hansberry's play to her family's experience moving to a white neighborhood and the court case that ensued; and how the book matter-of-factly depicted Hansberry's complicated romantic relationships.

This is an eye opening read. To have the courage to speak up for yourself and others is one of the hardest things to do. I think this book should be introduced as an assigned reader for 5th - 6th graders nationwide.

This was such an inspiring read. What I Must Tell the World is a picture book biography about Lorraine Hansberry. Although I have heard of A Raisin in the Sun which is one of Hansberry's best-known work, I never really knew much about the author. I enjoyed learning about Lorraine's life and how she came to write A Raisin in the Sun. I also enjoyed learning more about writers and artists in her era.

Lorraine Hansberry grew up in a family of movers and shakers who openly challenged the right to live wherever they could afford, and they fought all the way to the Supreme Court of the US. And won. Oppressed segments of any population are subjected to very similar abuses and segregation, but their family was African American. She grew up in Chicago, graduated from the University of Wisconsin, set herself to bring her stories to the public, and became the first African American female author to have a play on Broadway. This is a fine telling of the story of her life and achievements.
The composite illustrations by Loveis Wise are an important part of this telling of her life.
Perfectly suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to families, but especially to a school, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary digital advance review copy on Adobe Digital Editions from Zando | Hillman Grad Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Oct 22, 2024

This is a must read for parents and their children! The illustrations and text are well done and it's an easy read-along about important social issues like segregation, discrimination, and making your voice heard, all done in an artistic manner. While it is considered a younger child's book, I believe it is an excellent book for any age, child or adult, and a great book to read along with your child so you can discuss the many issues that are included.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this review copy. I have been given the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“What I Must Tell the World” tells the story of Lorraine Hansberry’s life in picture book form, making it accessible to younger children. It serves as a great introduction to an important figure in the American literary landscape and into African American literature in general.

The story excels in giving historical context and important information without getting bogged down in it. Lorraine Hansberry’s story is inspiring and so is this book. The illustrations are stunning and really enhance the story.

"Our stories can change the world" "Your voice is your most powerful weapon." Such amazing quotes from an amazing story. I think that it is important for all children no matter what to be able to see themselves in the pages of books. To see their own stories, or their family's stories. All families are special and unique, and so hopefully this story, and the historical aspect, helps others. Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and everyone involved with providing this book for a review. I was very drawn to this book first because of the cover and then the premise. It started out very promising to me but started to lag a little and if this is meant to be a children's book I don't see why Hansberry's sexuality (she was a lesbian I believe) was a factor to be shared. That is just my personal opinion but I did enjoy reading about how she stood up for equal rights for Blacks and her Broadway play "A Raisin in the Sun" which I had heard of but now am going to look into reading.

I never learned about Lorraine Hansbury until this book. A excellent story to present to children to teach them about the lives of amazing, talented Black figures in history

I will say, the aspect of Lorraine loving women seemed to be thrown into the story with much resolution. It felt like a representation for the LGBTQ+ community without offering any details about what that meant for her and whether or not she found love, even secretly..

Raisin in the Sun is such a beautiful play so I think it's so wonderful that there is an illustrated book coming out about the writer of it. Nonfiction books are hard to make inviting due to how wordy they can be, but I felt like the illustratons ere nicely placed and helped that along.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

A beautiful story beautifully told. The typeface and illustrations are gorgeous, and the narrative is interesting and absorbing. I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of age.