Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens

Nolan's straightforward biography of the "Queen of Gospel" focuses on Jackson's youth, path to stardom, and determination to remain true to herself. Jackson pursues her dream despite economic and familial obstacles (racism is addressed only in an appended timeline). Holyfield's dramatic acrylic portraiture gives the subject reverential treatment; the final spread of Jackson's performance preceding King's "I Have a Dream" speech is an apt ending.

Nolan's straightforward biography of the celebrated "Queen of Gospel" focuses on Jackson's youth, her path to stardom, and her steadfast determination to remain true to herself -- for instance, refusing to sing in nightclubs. Throughout, Jackson pursues her dream of singing despite economic and familial obstacles; the obstacle of racism is addressed only in an appended timeline, though -- an odd choice in a biography of a civil-rights icon. Nevertheless, there are few biographies of Jackson written for children, a gap in need of redress, and this title is usefully accessible to early primary levels. Holyfield's dramatic acrylic portraiture gives reverential treatment to the book's subject, often using an upward-facing perspective as if viewing Jackson upon a stage or podium and showing her with arms outstretched, her mouth open in song. The final spread of Jackson's performance preceding Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is an apt ending for the biography and will leave students with questions about her involvement that, one hopes, will lead them to further inquiry. Pair this with the Pinkneys' Martin and Mahalia for a more rounded account of the woman and her times. Slim back matter includes a handful of resources but no author or illustrator's note. claire e. gross