Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales - by Virginia Hamilton (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the tradition of Hamilton's The People Could Fly and In the Beginning, a dramatic new collection of 25 compelling tales from the female African American storytelling tradition. Each story focuses on the role of women--both real and fantastic--and their particular strengths, joys and sorrows. Full-color illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Gracefully told by Newbery Medalist Virginia Hamilton, this collection of 19 stories focuses on the magical lore and wondrous imaginings of Black women.

Vibrant paintings by Caldecott Medallists Leo and Diane Dillon glow with the drama and mystery of each tale while reflecting the warmth and beauty of the people who first told them.

Review Quotes

"The storytelling is dramatic and direct in this collection of 19 tales... The Dillons' glowingly detailed acrylic illustrations extend the horror, comedy, rhythm, and spirit of the tales." -- Booklist, starred review

"...these are tales to be read over and over again." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"It's hard to envision the shelf -- children's or adult -- on which this volume doesn't belong." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Virginia Hamilton and the Dillons have produced yet another superb offering... The book is a gallery of beautiful women of color. Entrancing and important, this notable collaboration deserves a wide success." -- School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Virginia Hamilton (1936-2002) changed children's literature for generations of readers, winning every major award in her field across the globe. Her awards and honors include the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, a MacArthur Fellowship, and four honorary doctorates. Virginia was married to Arnold Adoff, and they have two children and one grandchild.
Leo & Diane Dillon are two of the most acclaimed illustrators of our time. They collaborated for more than five decades. Their long list of awards includes two Caldecott Medals, the NAACP Image Award, five Coretta Scott King Awards and Honors, four Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, and induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. Leo and Diane created award-winning picture books, book covers, magazines, and other art until Leo's death in 2012. Love and the Rocking Chair is their final collaboration. Diane Dillon lives in Brooklyn, New York.