Anyone who has read my reviews of CYBILS nonfiction books in the past knows I am a particular fan of Elizabeth Zunon. Her work on The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind makes it one of my all time favorites. She does not disappoint with her work in The Legendary Miss Lena Horne. As I’ve been getting started reading nonfiction books for this year’s CYBILS panel, I’ve been focusing on reading books with my children whenever I can to get their perspective. My son gravitates to animal books and demands I read all of them to him, preferably books that feature multiple animals. With my daughter, I’ve been reading any and all of the books about strong female figures and Girls Who Code. She has been loving learning about these women through history and modern time along with me. So, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne was one that we read together.
The book opens with a quote from Lena Horne that can apply to anyone: “You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.” Lena Horne refused, with the support and backing of the NAACP to play roles that she viewed as being beneath her or portraying black women as second class citizens.
Included are an author’s note, bibliography, and sources for further reading, listening, and viewing.
Count Basie gave Lena advice that she seized later in her career, “They don’t give us a chance very often, and when they do, we have to take it.”
Take all the chances and risks life throws at you.
Title: The Legendary Miss Lena Horne
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Published 2017 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-1-4814-6824-4
This book was borrowed from the public library for review purposes.
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