The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin
Written by Michelle Meadows, Illustrated by Jamiel Law
This is a nonfiction picture book about the life of James Baldwin. It goes through his life growing up in Harlem during the Great Depression. The book focuses on his affinity for writing, his struggles with racism, his gay lifestyle, and his fight for equal rights in the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the words in this book are really poetic. But it seemed like the title is a little misleading, as there’s not much about rhythm and blues, but more about his writing in general and his life. The illustrations are really pretty!
Reviewed by Becky Burr, Media Clerk, Academy Park Elementary
Review shared in February 2024
Rating: ★★★½✩ (3.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-5
Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: the Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin
Written by Michelle Meadows, Illustrated by Jamiel Law
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
48 pages
Release Date: January 30, 2024
ISBN: 9780063273474
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
