How Lorraine Hansberry Found Her Voice
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Zando – Hillman Grad Books
(pub.10.22.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Jay Leslie
Illustrator: Loveis Wise
Character: Lorraine Hansberry
Overview:
" As a young girl, playwright Lorraine Hansberry walked everywhere with a notebook, eager to capture the sights, sounds, and stories of the people around her.
First Lorraine watched her parents’ triumph in the Supreme Court case of Hansberry v. Lee. Then she discovered the magic of theater. Next, she unlocked the power of her voice, crafting A Raisin in the Sun. Her play went on to influence generations of artists and the world was never the same."
Tantalizing taste:
"Lorraine climbed onstage as the chanting exploded into applause.
Years ago, people had tried to silence Lorraine's family.
Now their voices rang out in the biggest show on Broadway.
Her father's words came back to her.
Our stories can change the world.
'You're right, Papa,' she whispered."
And something more: Jay Leslie explained in A Note from the Author: "Lorraine Hansberry was an iconic writer who refused to be silenced - her voice rang out across the world. I was drawn to Lorraine's story because Lorraine was proud to be different... Like Lorraine, you can speak out for what you believe in. Your words are powerful, and your voice is strong."
In an interview with TeachingBooks, illustrator Loveis Wise answered the question of 'describe the book in three words': "I would describe this book as a book that speaks to resiliency, that speaks to legacy, that also just speaks to finding empowerment within oneself in such a deep way... I think Lorraine, in even her short life, built so much of a legacy, inspired by her family and what she went through as a youth that really catalyzed her into being this brilliant artist and thinker that inspired generations."
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