No One is Better Than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother's Words

by Monique McLay Shore

Edith Renfrow Smith was born in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1914 to one of the few Black families in the area. The fifth of six children raised by Lee and Eva Pearl Renfrow, her mother was the driving force in the lives of the children and helped each believe they could overcome adversity. Despite poverty and racial obstacles, all would attend college and have successful careers. In 1937, Edith became the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. After college she moved to Chicago where she raised her family, taught, volunteered and continued to inspire everyone she met. In 2023, at the age of 109, her bright spirit and belief in the good in all people, along with her adage that “No one is better than you” continues to inspire everyone she meets.
Author Monique McLay Shore reveals Edith’s resilience, her determination to succeed, and the inspiration she gives to other people. Beautiful historically accurate illustrations by Erica L. Butler bring Edith to life both as a child with her family and later in the community. Extensive back matter and historic photos fill in the Renfrow family story.

The book is available for purchase through the Pioneer Bookstore in Grinnell, Iowa.

62 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[April Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

No One Is Better Than You tells the story of Edith Renfrow Smith, who is currently 109 yrs old (1/2024). I personally know Edith and have heard her tell of her life. The author does a wonderful job telling Edith's story and some of the struggles she faced as a black child/woman in a white society. I highly recommend this to all!

[Valerie Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful true story of a local legend! Her spirit and zest for life in all she did shines through! Glad to have a local hero in Edith Renfrow Smith !

[Karna Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

No One Is Better than You is the heartwarming and inspiring story of Edith Renfrow Smith, who, at 109, is the oldest living graduate of Grinnell High School and Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. This book is well-researched, well-written, and beautifully illustrated. It is written by debut author Monique McLay Shore and illustrated by an outstanding illustrator, Erica Lauren Butler. This is a children's book but is written for all ages. All of my grandchildren are getting a copy of this book because Edith Renfrow's message, which Monique and Erica carefully document, is an important one for all of us.

[Caroline Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on Edith Renfrow Smith’s first-hand accounts, this wonderful picture book biography by Monique McLay Shore, is a window on the life of a Black family in a small Iowa town in the first half of the 20th century. Edith comes alive on the page through Monique’s words and Erica Butler’s detailed illustrations. Although written for children, this book is for all ages, and not just for people in Iowa and Chicago, where Edith has spent her adult years, but everywhere. And the theme is universal: No one is better than you. I highly recommend this book!

[K J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The engaging text and illustrations tell the powerful story of Edith Renfrow Smith. I loved learning about Edith. As an Early Childhood Educator, the message conveyed by Monique of Edith's perseverance, kindness, humility, and generosity affirms each child's identity and self-esteem. These concepts are foundational to effective education and life-long learning. I recommend this book for people of all ages.

[Melinda Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to honor the legacy of the first woman of color to graduate Grinnell College. Very well written and a great message for all, “No One Is Better Than You”.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama always told them,
“No one is better than you.

They may have more money.
They may be more beautiful.

But no one is any better
than YOU.”

Edith Renfrow Smith has lived by these words all of her 109 years. She is the granddaughter of slaves, and grew up in Grinnell, Iowa, a small college town. Her family was strong, working together to make ends meet and participate in the community. She worked hard to be able to afford to attend Grinnell College, and is the first Black woman to graduate.

This book is a wonderful story of her life. I love the vocabulary that is used by the author to introduce Edith, “Edith Renfrow Smith was TENACIOUS and RESOLUTE.” The book shows how true these words are through describing important episodes of Edith’s life. She faced challenges, but she was able to persevere and overcome, always keeping in mind her mother’s words.

As a teacher I would encourage you to share this story with the children in your life. It tells the story of an incredible woman who touched lives, but is not famous, except in Grinnell. It is so important for children to know that “normal” people can “MAKE A DIFFERENCE and make the world a better place.”

The older reader is also gifted with 13 pages of back matter telling more about the Renfrow family, sharing photos of Edith’s life, and telling the story of how this book came to be. That in itself is a wonderful story. Copies of this book can be purchased from the Grinnell College bookstore. If you are a parent, a teacher, or a librarian, I highly recommend getting a copy and sharing it with the children in your life! (Now also available online from Barnes and Noble or Amazon.)