Black Is a Rainbow Color

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.

Red is a rainbow color.
Green sits next to blue.
Yellow, orange, violet, indigo,
They are rainbow colors, too, but

My color is black . . .
And there's no BLACK in rainbows.

From the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall's back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and thrive.

Stunningly illustrated by Caldecott Honoree and Coretta Scott King Award winner Ekua Holmes, Black Is a Rainbow Color is a sweeping celebration told through debut author Angela Joy's rhythmically captivating and unforgettable words.

An ALSC Notable Children's Book 2021
An NCTE 2021 Notable Poetry Book
A 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book of the NCSS/CBC
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2020
A Washington Post Best Book of 2020
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of the Year
A 2020 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honoree

Author: Angela Joy
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 01/14/2020
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.02lbs
Size: 9.80h x 10.00w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781626726314
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2019 pg. 192
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2020 pg. 72
Shelf Awareness 01/24/2020
Booklist 03/15/2020 pg. 68
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2020 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author

Angela Joy was born and raised in Minneapolis. Before graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota, Angela attended New York University and Spelman College. Angela then traveled as a background vocalist, also working in television and movie soundtracks. She lives in southern California with her family. Black Is a Rainbow Color is her first book.

Ekua Holmes is a native of Roxbury, MA, a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and a recipient of the 2013 NAACP Image Award, a Brother Thomas Fellowship, and a 5-year appointment to the Boston Art Commission. Her picture books include the Caldecott Honor book Voice of Freedom and the Coretta Scott King Award winners Out of Wonder and The Stuff of Stars. Holmes serves as Assistant Director of MassArt's Center for Art and Community Partnerships, and manages sparc! the ArtMobile, the institution's vehicle for community outreach.