Maisha Oso – författare

"Oso’s metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer’s beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled...A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"An outstanding collaboration has created a title that will be shared by all. Filled with extraordinary art, this picture book is a necessary addition to shelves on culture, image-positivity, and SEL, in a wonderful ode to the beauty of Black hair." —School Library Journal (starred review)Celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of Black hair in this poetic picture book that journeys through time, from stunning debut author Maisha Oso and NAACP Image Award nominee artist London Ladd of Black Gold.My hair is a book.Watch me open it,part it,take a look.Black hair has been telling stories for generations, from ponytails of ancient tribes and Nubian vibes to cornrows that mapped paths to freedom for enslaved Africans. There have been stories about dance with styles that twist and swoop and the sweetest stories of Cinna-buns and Afro puffs made perfect in the hottest kitchens. In each of these stories, one notion rings true: Black hair is everything—rich with history, a thesaurus, an atlas, and more, telling of truth, trials, and undeniable beauty.Maisha Oso’s powerful and uplifting text and London Ladd’s soul-stirring illustrations capture the remarkable nature of Black hair and remind us that whether it be curly, kinky, coarse, or straight, Black hair is beautiful.A New York Public Library Best Book of 2024!

Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebrationof the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa priorto the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious textand evocative illustrations, that culminate into the strength andresilience of modern-day Black people.For so many of us, the first introduction to Black history beginswith lessons about slavery. While slavery is a crucial part ofAfrican-American history, it is not the beginning. In fact, thereis a rich history tied to the continent of Africa that deservesto be told and to be marveled at - which is exactly what MaishaOso does in Before the Ships.With sparse yet moving text, Maisha takes us back in time to beforethe advent of the Transatlantic slave trade. We see the grandnessof African royalty, the bravery of warriors like the Queenof Kush, and stories being told in song with griots and drums.Candice Bradley's gorgeous and reflective illustrations illuminatethe strength of Black history and Black joy, reminding readersabout the power within us all.