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You So Black

Illustrated by London Ladd

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About The Book

Based on Theresa Wilson’s (a.k.a. Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.’s) beautiful, viral spoken word poem of the same name, You So Black is a picture book celebration of the richness, the nuance, and the joy of Blackness.

Black is everywhere, and in everything, and in everyone—in the night sky and the fertile soil below. It’s in familial connections and invention, in hands lifted in praise and voices lifted in protest, and in hearts wide open and filled with love. Black is good.

Accompanied by powerful yet tender illustrations by award-winning illustrator London Ladd, Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has adapted her poem, full of gorgeous lyricism and imagery, to show readers the love, joy, resilience, and universality in the beauty of Blackness.

About The Author

Photograph by Derrick Dean Photography

Theresa Wilson a.k.a. Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is a musical, lyrical and theatrical alchemist, sprinkling magic like hot sauce. She is best known for her appearance on the 2019 Trumpet Awards on Bounce TV, and the now viral recitation of “You So Black.” Theresa is from the south suburbs of Chicago but calls Atlanta home. She holds a degree in commercial music from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

About The Illustrator

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with an MFA in illustration. He uses a unique mixed media approach, combining cut paper textured with acrylic paint, tissue paper and colored pencil to bring his diverse subjects to life. London’s artwork is steeped in intensity and emotion, a reflection of the artist himself. His hope is that You So Black will be passed down through generations, reaffirming African Americans’ strength, beauty, power and love. His goal is to open a visual arts community center where lower-income families can create their own art. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (January 10, 2023)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665900348
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD490L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"It’s a potently messaged poem thoughtfully rendered."

-Publishers Weekly, 03/06/2023

"An intriguing blend of spoken-word and picture-book artistry."

-Kirkus Reviews, 02/01/2023

Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title
  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images