 Music in her soul, fight in her heart. Eunice Kathleen Waymon was born in 1933 in a small town in North Carolina. In a house filled with music, little Eunice quickly discovered her own beat. She sang before she could talk and found rhythm before she could walk; music was in her soul. Sitting on her father’s lap, her fingers danced across the piano keys and with the help of a generous community she took professional lessons that introduced her to the greats of classical music. Like her mama’s preaching, she loved the way the music started gently then reached a thundering crescendo. When Nina played and sang with a voice rich and sweet, she wowed. And when the civil rights movement needed a voice it was Nina that Black people turned to. With a thunderous roar, Nina wouldn’t let her people down. Leading the fight for racial equality in the only way she knew how, through music and song… Following a young girl with music in her blood from playing the family piano whilst sitting on her father’s knee to becoming a performer, protest song writer and leading the charge for racial equality and a mission to rectify social injustice, this is a superb picture-book biography that introduces children to the life of Nina Simone and the influence she had in the music industry and the lives of Black people.
Lyrical text, that Nina would be proud of, and vibrant, striking artwork pay a stunning homage to the life and work of an incredibly talented and strong woman. Nina’s life and story is a complex one that presents difficult topics but these are explored and explained brilliantly within the narrative. The roots of her genius are unpicked alongside some of the events that angered her, hurt her and disappointed her, leaving her feeling confused and beat-up by the world. Rather than be defeated, to let society win, to be oppressed and to tread the same path as those that had walked before her, Nina remarkably and bravely was inspired by the world around her and the issues that presented themselves. A brave and fearless warrior, she spoke when others were afraid to do so and used her suffering to enrich humanity and left a lasting legacy that no words can do justice. To label her a goddess is still a massive understatement. Exploring discrimination, the arts and social justice, the story of an immense and once-in-a-generation talent, who would not be kept down or silenced, is compelling. The girl who, after a failed audition for a prestigious music school, questioned that, ‘whether being Black meant an end to all her dreams,’ and even turned her back on music would come back stronger than ever as the music deep inside her wouldn’t stay silent. Despite daily struggles and massive injustices she found the strength, courage and boldness to stand tall, to stand up for what was right and to be there for a generation of Black people in their time of great need.
Whilst much has changed in the lives of Black people, there is still much to do and Nina’s story is a renewed reason for optimism and hope and to encourage future generations to raise their voices, to be heard and to demand better #BlackLivesMatter
As captivating, illuminating and exquisite as one of Nina’s performances, this is a must-have for the classroom and library. It will leave children feeling inspired, optimistic and ready to take on the world. It will tempt many to go and check out some of her spine-tingling performances and music and that is time very well spent. I would start with these; Young, Gifted and Black, Mississippi Goddam, I Put a Spell on You, Feeling Good A perfectly composed children’s biography! Recommended for 7+.
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