A Crown of Stories: The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison: A Captivating Biography About How a Young Reader Became an Icon for Kids

by Carole Boston Weatherford, Khalif Thompson (Illustrator)

From award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford comes a captivating picture book biography about the incredible life of esteemed author, editor, and activist Toni Morrison, featuring gorgeous illustrations by debut artist Khalif Tahir Thompson. How do you tell a story? Before Toni Morrison was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize–winning author, she was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, a little girl in Ohio who was both the only Black child in her first-grade classroom  and  the only student who was able to read. This is the true story of how that young girl learned from her upbringing, surrounded herself with stories, and made a tremendous impact on the world. Toni Morrison’s pen was her sword, and she grew to be a titan of the arts. Her legacy is one that still touches readers to this day. Expertly and evocatively told by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, with beautiful painted illustrations by Khalif Tahir Thompson, this is a must-have picture book biography for any collection. It celebrates Toni Morrison’s legacy while inspiring readers to create art, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness. 

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Poetry, Biography Memoir, Books About Books

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who mines the past for family stories, traditions, and struggles. A number of CAROLE's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. CAROLE's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honour for “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom”.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so beautiful...

From the artwork to the storytelling. I'm so happy that younger generations are getting to experience the life and greatness that is Toni Morrison.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring!

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ode of a biography, A Crown of Stories covers Toni Morrison's life from childhood through old age, celebrating her many many achievements.

Themes: Books and Literature, Writers, Blackness, Black is Beautiful, Social Justice
Age range: Elementary

[Jennifer Eckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this biography of Toni Morrison because it teaches that in order to tell a story, you must first be a listener of stories. The art is gorgeous.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weatherford uses the second-person voice in this picture book biography of Toni Morrison; the narrator explains what “you” do to be like Morrison; remember, listen, love, read, tell, and more.

The choice seems to suit Morrison’s life, and is meant to be read aloud, like Weatherford’s previous dozens of children’s biographies.

The scenes emphasize love and beauty in Morrison’s upbringing, the tactile experience of her surroundings, and her accomplishments and hardships, while also including descriptions of racism and responses to it, including Morrison’s impact as senior editor, author, and honored elder.

The acrylic, oil paint, and collage illustrations by Thompson in warmly vibrant colors with rich brown tones, are bold and naive, while also being accurate in portraiture.

Although mostly recounting biographical facts, Weatherford also attributes feelings and thoughts to the “you” that is Morrison; “Amid the stacks (of a library job), you are in heaven…” “You’re tired of hearing your name mispronounced anyhow…” “You heed the call to conscience in your own way, vowing to write about and *for* Black people.”
[None of the statements, which are directed at "you" and intended to reflect Morrison's own thoughts and feelings, are specifically attributed or sourced by the author, which I find irresponsible; usually biographers cite sources when they are characterizing the person's inner thoughts. To confirm the authenticity of any of them, one would have to be or become a Morrison scholar, or at least carefully read or listen to the items in the bibliography. As a full-time children's librarian, I am unable to do that for this review, and would have appreciated if the author or publisher had noted the pages of text that were derived from each of the sources.]

The bibliography lists eight magazine articles and recorded interviews plus one entry from Biography.com, but no books about Morrison.

Libraries that own Jerdine Nolen’s picture book biography, On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison (2022, S&S) may nevertheless find space for this unique perspective.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book Review….A Crown of Stories. The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison By: Carole Boston Weatherford. Paintings By: Khalif Tahir Thompson

A Crown of Stories is our Picture book of the month with Kris @wildpeachesbooks for #GrownUpsPictureBookClub and once again Kris picked out a powerful biography about Toni Morrison. First I want to comment on the beautiful paintings throughout the book. They are just stunning. I love the vivid colors and collage feel to the paintings.

Secondly the story is amazing because Toni Morrison’s life was filled with major accomplishments. Every step she took she advanced forward and with grace. This was my first time reading this picture book and I sure wish I had this book back in my early years of teaching.

My favorite part of the book is seeing all the books in the illustrations that surround Toni in her daily life. It shows how influential books can be to a child.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Toni Morrison with beautiful artwork by Khalif Tahir Thompson. The story of Morrison's life focuses on her love of stories and storytelling passed on to her from her parents. As a biography, Carole Boston Weatherford writes in the second person - follows all of Morrison's accomplishments and struggles growing up in Ohio; eventually going to Howard University where she saw the ugliness of racial discrimination for the firs time; turning to drama and then teaching and writing, rising to editor in publishing - and of course finding that voice and becoming a writer. Not only is this a fine introduction to her life and craft, but it serves as a guideline and inspiration for young writers as well. The artwork - a mixture of oil painting and collage, compliment to story perfectly.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Pulitzer and Nobel winning author. How Morrison was the sole black student in her first grade class and the only one that could read. Gathering coal along the train tracks to help heat the house. First in her family to go to college and sees her first Whites Only signs in the nation's capital. Becomes a professor, marries, has two sons, divorces and accepts an editorial job. Becomes the first Black person to be a senior editor in the entire publishing business. Tells of Morrison's championing of Black voices and starts to writer her own stories and compiles The Black Book. She appears on the covers of Time and Newsweek. Holding a Princeton University post for 17 years. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and dined at the White House with the Obamas.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Crown of Stories with words by Carole Boston Weatherford and paintings by Khalif Tahir Thompson is about the life and language of Beloved writer Toni Morrison.

Weatherford’s biography is a synopsis of this important writer’s life. Thompson’s painting is the artwork a young child and detracts from the power of Morrison’s life. A robust timeline and bibliography are included.

I recommend the book as an optional purchase.

It is probably most appropriate for third or fourth grade readers, but I suspect they prefer chapter books. I can imagine a first or second grade teacher reading it to a class, but the paintings fail to add to the power of the words. I can imagine reading to ninth graders as an enticement to read one of her novels.

C.S.
Ret. H.S. English Teacher

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean. This gorgeous picture book biography from the immaculate Carole Boston Weatherford weaves together the life of Toni Morrison in a way that is so evocative and so compelling. Looking at her early struggles before becoming a Pulitzer and Nobel prize-winner, the story of a writer who shared stories that had been kept private is emotional and powerful and invites the reader to step into the story. The illustrations make for a sophisticated match to the text, full of acrylic, oil paint, collage, handmade paper, and stencils. This is a beautiful book to celebrate an important figure.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for reading and using Black History Month units. The book is written in a familiar, conversational way that pulls the reader closer and explains everything. The illustrations are outstanding and expressive. A reader will feel like they know a lot more about this legendary author when they finish reading. There is a special Author's Note and Timeline at the end of the book that you should not miss. Students can use this one for reports or recreational reading. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars (It was okay)

While I think this is a powerful and uplifting book and I can see why others love it, it wasn't for me.
First, I absolutely hated the second person writing. I get that it can make readers connect to the subject but for me, it just ends up throwing me off.
I also found this book to be so so wordy for a picture book (this is a common complaint I have). Finally, the ending seemed abrupt.

Beautiful illustrations though!

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The art is absolutely extraordinary and captivating. Although this is a children's picture book, I would say this is definitely appropriate for upper level children and adults. In fact, in my opinion, it is better for upper classmen than lower elementary. I say this because of the writing style of CBW, it is not simplistic and is written in a literary style that you have to stay with the storyline to comprehend it. Still excellent writing. I enjoyed it.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/1/2025 ~ Stunningly illustrated picture book biography of Toni Morrison.

The point of view of this book is fascinating; the author, Weatherford, is talking to Morrison, and the reader gets to know Morrison from this narration of her life. I also appreciated the poetic form and the relatively brief text. There is just enough here to inform younger readers/listeners and whet their interest for more.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice first biography of Toni Morrison. A great way to introduce children to this iconic artist and activist. Toni Morrison never let anyone tell her who she 'should' be; she kept following her passion and never looked back. She is a wonderful example for children to follow, showing how learning is a process that you must never abandon.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long admired and loved Toni Morrison and her writing so I was thrilled to find a new biographical picture book about her! This is a beautiful book with rich illustrations and great writing. I loved getting to know her background and understanding more about her writing. Great introduction to this writer for the younger generation.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully detailed biography about the author and how she began the person she was.
The illustrations gorgeous, words easy to follow and detailed time line to review what was written.
Depending on the age of the reader I would go for middle school age.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely biography of Toni Morrison for young readers. The writing is poetic, and the illustrations are terrific.

[Isabel Bryan [the Bookmark Hoarder] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great picture book overview of Toni Morrison's life. I loved the collage style painted illustrations.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular picture book biography of Toni Morrison.

[Leslie Tapscott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Line: “You have given us stories that get under our skin, next to our hearts, and inside our souls.”

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bio

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic. The art and the story were well paired with each other.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I have read two recently published picture book biographies of Toni Morrison and I feel this is the better of the two. I didn’t know much about Toni Morrison’s life prior to this, but felt I had a good overview when I finished. Everything from the Great Migration, to her education, her work in publishing, and most interestingly how Chloe became Toni.
This is a debut picture book for Khalid Tahir Thompson and WOW bold deep color illustrations made with acrylic, oil paint, collage, handmade paper, and stencils on canvas board. This man has a huge career ahead of him.
Also thanks to the publisher for choosing to place an adult illustration of Toni on the cover, so many times the person depicted in a picture book biography never seems to become an adult.
Want to see this title on lots of lists of recommended children’s titles.