The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Philomel
(pub. 9.24.2024)
40 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Nadia Salomon
Illustrator: London Ladd
Character: Myrlie Evers-Williams
Overview :
" Myrlie Evers-Williams’ voice is gentle yet strong, soft yet powerful. It is a soaring song of hope.
Myrlie’s voice didn’t start out that way. She was born into the segregated South and the beautiful brown color of her skin made her a target for hate. It meant she didn’t have the same opportunities as white children, and that meant her dream of playing music onstage one day would be harder to achieve. But this didn’t stop Myrlie.
As she grew, she marched for equal rights alongside her husband and activist, Medgar Evers. She fought against Jim Crow laws and for voting rights. She became the chair of the NAACP, and finally she realized her dream of performing at Carnegie Hall. After that, as a voice for hope and change, Myrlie spoke at President Obama’s second inauguration, inspiring a nation."
Tantalizing taste:
"Throughout her life, Myrlie had pushed against racism. She gave much of herself to impact change – and she never forgot her grandmother's words.
On that chilly January day, on the steps of the Capitol, Myrlie reminded the world that even a quiet voice can grow powerful.
Her voice rang out like a symphony –
Strong. Soft. Soaring.
And her words echoed hope."
And something more: The author, Nadia Salomon, shared in the Author's Note: "I interviewed Myrlie Evers–Williams one day before the anniversary of her late husband Medgar Ever's death…She graciously granted the interview because I was the only journalist in the room to ask about the significance of the photos on the poster board. She spoke about her life and explained why she chose those eight specific photos. Curiosity landed me a very heartfelt conversation with Ms. Evers-Williams. I learned a lot about her, her hurt, and her life's purpose. For that, I am grateful. I made a promise to one day do something special with the interview. I share it here in picture back book format for little hands and hearts to learn about her, her family's sacrifice, and her legacy."
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