Reviews

Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson

azajacks's review

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4.0

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

librarylove4eva's review

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emotional inspiring fast-paced

5.0

In this picture book for older kids, readers are gifted the story of Harlem's Blackbird, Florence Mills. She was a singer and actor during the Harlem Renaissance. There are no audio or visual recordings of her talent, but her contemporaries reactions and praise are known. And her story is shared in this book. Illustrations are paper cuttings. 

safaracathasa's review

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emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

4.5

teonnareads_'s review

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3.0

Florence Mills was the daughter of former slaves with humble beginnings whose voice mesmerized many during the Harlem Renaissance.

wordnerd153's review

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4.0

Inspiring biography of a singer whom, I'm sure, most people haven't heard of. The illustrations elevate the text beautifully.

stephb413's review

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5.0

I am biased towards nonfiction picture books as I believe they can make children better appreciate the genre and history. This story is beautiful in text and illustrations. It brings to light that the Harlem Renaissance was widespread in artists and talents. Also, highlights important lesson of helping and uplifting others. Highly recommended.

maidmarianlib's review

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4.0

Simple biography with good information

voya_k's review

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4.0

Gorgeous cut paper illustrations, cool subject, excellent message. I'm all for it. More from this illustrator and this writer, please!

erine's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

A prime example of how history is never done, never "finished," never "settled." There are always more stories to find, more hidden tales. There are no recordings of Florence Mills, only references to her amazing talent. But she used her voice for so much more than singing: she supported civil rights causes and worked for productions that openly supported and encouraged Black performers. She was very young when she died -- only 31 -- but still incredibly influential.

And Christian Robinson's illustrations only get better the more I see them.

lmurray74's review

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5.0

Renée Watson's words fill me every time I come across her voice in books. I didn't know the story of Florence Mills and this couldn't be a better introduction for me. The visuals are stunning and her story flies.