Traci N. Todd – författare

“A brilliant introduction to a powerful Black female politician and voting rights activist. Todd and Freeman bring this to life in their creative biography of Georgia-based politician Abrams.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred reviews)"Freeman’s airbrush-style digital art leans into portraiture while visually bridging the astral divide, evoking yearning, frustration, and sisterly pride in their ongoing mission of purpose." —Publishers WeeklyStacey Abrams, politician and Nobel peace prize nominee, is brought to life in this poetic picture book biography that follows Abrams’s fight for voters’ rights. Narrated by Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Septima Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer, this powerful story tells how Abrams’s work was inspired by those luminaries before her.“Sometimes she would light the way. Sometimes her way would be lit by others…”Stacey Abrams was always destined for big things, because she always imagined more. Now she protects the least powerful, works toward making voting fair and easy, and demands better for Georgia and every other state in this nation. Stacey Abrams’s determination, perseverance, and courage will inspire younger generations to make meaningful change in the world.Traci Todd’s lyrical text is coupled with stunning artwork from Laura Freeman, Coretta Scott King Honoree for Hidden Figures. Use this book to encourage conversation at home and the classroom about Black women and voting. This book is perfect for Black History Month and to be shared alongside such powerful titles as Kamala Harris: Rooted In Justice by Nikki Grimes and I Dissent by Debbie Levy.

A celebration of hope and the promise of new babyhood by Sibert Honoree Traci N. Todd and Coretta Scott King Honoree Loveis WiseAn inspirational love letter from caregiver to a child, Hello, Beautiful is an intimate and uplifting depiction of love and courage. With its warmth and promise for a bold and confident future, it lyrically reminds children that they should take up space, follow their own unique paths, and find humanity in everyone around them and, most importantly, in themselves—because that is beautiful.

A stunning exploration of the history of Black Americans by award-winning picture book team Traci N. Todd and Vashti Harrison.The world is forever changed because you are here.At once honest and empowering, That You Are Here Is No Small Thing is a story about resilience. In these stunning pages, young descendants of enslaved Africans are guided through the history that led them to exist and thrive today. Through their eyes, we see how Black Americans have relied on one another to fight against oppression and the ways in which the strength of their ancestors is always with them.Sibert Honor winner Traci N. Todd and Caldecott Medalist Vashti Harrison have created an unforgettable exploration of culture and history that records the important survival story Black children carry and celebrates their hope for a radiant future.

Once upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins.Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed “The First Lady of Children’s Music.” For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Sound, Ella’s life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right off the page.Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Chicago, Ella grew up loving music of all kinds—the call-and-response of Cab Calloway, the exciting rhythms of Moroccan and Indian records spun in a local record shop, the bluesy notes her uncle teased from his harmonica. She listened to music from around the world, and no matter what language it was in, she could feel what it meant—the bridge in understanding and feeling that music offers from one heart to another.When she began working with children, she knew just what to do. She knew music would offer children a kinetic learning experience that engaged them physically, verbally, and empathetically, creating community out of song. Soon, she was recording her own albums and became an international star.In these beautifully illustrated pages, Ella’s journey—from the gritty streets of Chicago to the classrooms where she found her calling to an opportunity to raise her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., to the spotlight of the world’s stage—is rhythmically, joyfully, brilliantly illuminated. For readers familiar with Ella Jenkins or new to her work, this nonfiction picture book offers a treasury of inspiration that touches on American history, civil rights, cultural awareness, and the incredible power of music.

A beautiful, bold and moving collection of 100 poems by Black poets for the whole family to treasure.Discover classic favourites and new stars in a book that belongs on every child's bookshelf. This gorgeously-illustrated children's anthology makes the perfect introduction to poets such as Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Zephaniah, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Caleb Femi and Joseph Coelho. It also features brand new work from celebrated writers such as Nikki Grimes and Carole Boston Weatherford.Compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches a wide range of themes - hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is perfectly paired with vibrant, heartfelt illustrations from Jade Orlando. This is a gift book to cherish - a brilliant tribute to the rich literary history and bright future of Black writing.

A BIG ISSUE BOOK OF THE YEARThis illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award-winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone — and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation.With passion and unparalleled skill, Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson bring this iconic singer’s story to young readers and their families. Meet young Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano stool she shared with her father in her childhood home, to the bars and concert halls where she became the one and only Nina Simone.Learn about how Nina’s voice started out rich and sweet but grew to a thunderous roar as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam. Witness this artist in all her brilliance, singing in protest against racial inequality and discrimination. With rhythmic prose and masterful images, Nina perfectly demonstrates the relationship between art and activism. An essential addition to every young reader’s library.

A BIG ISSUE BOOK OF THE YEARLonglisted for the UKLA Book AwardsThis illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award-winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone — and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation.With passion and unparalleled skill, Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson bring this iconic singer’s story to young readers and their families. Meet young Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano stool she shared with her father in her childhood home, to the bars and concert halls where she became the one and only Nina Simone.Learn about how Nina’s voice started out rich and sweet but grew to a thunderous roar as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam. Witness this artist in all her brilliance, singing in protest against racial inequality and discrimination. With rhythmic prose and masterful images, Nina perfectly demonstrates the relationship between art and activism. An essential addition to every young reader’s library.