djlanatron's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the story, but the illustrations were truly breath-taking!
nerfherder86's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful art, a mix of collage and painting, illustrates this picture book about Lena Horne. Nice text, lyrical, free verse. Has a bibliography but no timeline, and three quotes from Horne that are not attributed. Timeline would have helped because I only figured out the year Horne died from an article title listed in the bibliography, while other significant years in the singer's life are mentioned in the story. I also think it could have used a glossary or more contextual clues, because there are lots of historical terms and slang used (Lena's dad was a "street hustler, he lived high on the hog") that will challenge young readers. Clearly and simply explains racial inequalities she suffered, and how she sidelined her career to work for civil rights. Great positive message and a good role model.
agudenburr's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing story of Lena Horne and her struggles to become an African American actress.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this bio was really well done and I also enjoyed the illustrations very much!
wordnerd153's review against another edition
3.0
Wonderful illustrations and tons of interesting information about an inspirational woman. Definitely for older readers, since a lot of key words are not defined. Some knowledge of segregation and civil rights would be helpful for a deeper understanding of Lena's story.
sweetpealsd's review against another edition
4.0
Provides a very good biography for Lena Horne that ks can understand.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
5.0
A very good biography of Lena Horne, fit for young children.
csd17's review against another edition
Nicely done. Although I think she made a small mistake and that Horne sang on The Muppet Show, not Sesame Street. But I could be wrong.
jmshirtz's review against another edition
5.0
Picture book biographies are hit and miss for me. I have certain expectations and when they aren't met I can be disappointed (or surprised depending on which way it goes). I look for books that don't have too much text, are formatted like a picture book (rather than nonfiction), and that TELL A STORY. I'm also picky about back matter.
This book checks all my boxes. Bonus: I was so interested in the story that I finished it without my kid. Ha! As someone who had never heard of Lena Horne before that is pretty high praise.
This book checks all my boxes. Bonus: I was so interested in the story that I finished it without my kid. Ha! As someone who had never heard of Lena Horne before that is pretty high praise.