What do you think?
Rate this book
Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker
Learn about the civil rights activist Ella Baker in this picture book biography.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” asked Ella Baker’s granddaddy when she was still a child.
Her mother provided the answer: “Lift as you climb.”
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” asked Ella Baker’s granddaddy when she was still a child.
Her mother provided the answer: “Lift as you climb.”
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published June 9, 2020
About the author
Patricia Hruby Powell
11 books71 followersPatricia Hruby Powell is the author of Josephine: the Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker (Chronicle 2014), illustrated by Christian Robinson, (Sibert, CSK, Boston Globe Horn Book, Ragazzi International Honoree; Parent's Choice Gold, etc.) and Loving vs. Virginia (Chronicle 2017) illustrated by Shadra Strickland; Struttin' With Some Barbecue: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz (Charlesbridge 2018) winner of SMA Nonfiction for Youth. Forthcoming is: Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker (Simon & Schuster 2020); untitled Woman's Suffrage Project (Chronicle 2021)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 30, 2020
Fabulous writing, important history, perfect pacing of this inspiring woman’s story. Ella Baker was instrumental in NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Council and SNCC. I especially appreciate the way Powell emphasizes Baker listened to people, working from the ground up to lead. Share this grades 4-10. Will be adding this in my high school library for sure.
Read
July 2, 2020An inspiring story about a civil rights activist, Ella Baker, who was instrumental in recruiting for the NAACP and registering Black voters, but who is little known because she preferred to stay out of the spotlight. In catchy, bouncy free verse, Powell writes about Ella Baker's life and the question she continually asked herself and others: What do you hope to accomplish? Hearing from her mother that everyone should "lift as you climb", Baker worked hard to elevate others as she advocated for her own rights, and she strongly felt that the civil rights movement needed to include people from all walks of life and all socioeconomic classes. Don't miss this one!
March 17, 2021
Young biography of Ella Baker a behind the scenes civil rights activist and mentor.
"What do you want to accomplish?" quote attributed to her preacher Granddaddy.
"Lift as you climb." attributed to her Mama.
Pushed for the NAACP to be open to all, not just the Negro elite. Pushed for grass roots organization versus the top down model that was preferred by the men and preachers.
Author's Note mentions how she was part of what "Du Bois called the "Talented Tenth" -the highly educated black population that would lead the black race in progress." Mentions how Miss Baker fought the sexism that was so prevalent at the time. How she kept her personal life to herself and did not take her husband's name. How she worked alongside big names, but behind the scenes. How she mentored others who are better known. How she didn't believe in following a charismatic leader or being followed herself. Organization information, timeline of Miss Baker's life and bibliography also included.
"What do you want to accomplish?" quote attributed to her preacher Granddaddy.
"Lift as you climb." attributed to her Mama.
Pushed for the NAACP to be open to all, not just the Negro elite. Pushed for grass roots organization versus the top down model that was preferred by the men and preachers.
Author's Note mentions how she was part of what "Du Bois called the "Talented Tenth" -the highly educated black population that would lead the black race in progress." Mentions how Miss Baker fought the sexism that was so prevalent at the time. How she kept her personal life to herself and did not take her husband's name. How she worked alongside big names, but behind the scenes. How she mentored others who are better known. How she didn't believe in following a charismatic leader or being followed herself. Organization information, timeline of Miss Baker's life and bibliography also included.
February 2, 2021
Interesting story - inspirational for many reasons. Ella Baker is a little known figure who worked behind the scenes with more vocal, famous people from the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. Not only was she an advocate for free and equal rights, she believed in free and equal rights for all humans, regardless of sex or skin color.
March 20, 2021
Beautifully illustrated story about Ella Baker, a female Black leader throughout the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Lift as you climb and always keep this in mind: What do you hope to accomplish?
Read
March 13, 2021“Lift as you climb” and always ask “What do you hope to accomplish?”
March 30, 2021
Another read for my picture book biographies of women project, this one is a solid look at a woman who worked primarily behind the scenes but was nonetheless an influential presence in the Civil Rights Movement.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” her granddaddy asked. “Lift as you climb,” her mama taught her.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” her granddaddy asked. “Lift as you climb,” her mama taught her.
June 14, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Lift As You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker, written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, a powerful biography of the passionate civil rights icon.
Growing up in segregation-era North Carolina, Ella Josephine Baker was raised by the words and stories of her grandparents. Her preacher grandfather spoke of freedom, cooperation, and community, imploring his congregation to consider: “What do you hope to accomplish?”. Her grandmother spoke of life under slavery, and her defiance of marrying for love rather than at the command of her slave master – who also happened to be her father. Drawing inspiration from the pride and community of her home, Ella established her own personal creed, “Lift as you climb.” With this tenet firmly in mind, Ella set out on a life’s mission to improve the lives and rights of her fellow African Americans, through her work with the NAACP, the SCLC, the Freedom Riders, and in the living rooms and churches of anyone who gathered, listening to her words and her simple query – what do you hope to accomplish?
Moving. The life story of a somewhat lesser-known figure of the civil rights movement is beautifully related through rich, expressive yet educational text and beautiful African American folk art-inspired illustrations. While not inappropriate for the intended age-range, the text is refreshingly frank about the black experience during the Civil Rights movement, describing the fire-bombing of buses, police brutality, and even the sexism against women within the movement itself. The repetition of key phrases and concepts tell a story of perseverance and leadership, one that will inspire any reader, young or old. The length is best for slighter old bookworms, but JJ was fascinated by the steady rhythm of the text and the beautiful artwork. A fantastic biography of a oft-unsung hero, and we loved it; Baby Bookworm approved!
(A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
October 12, 2023
This picture book tracks the life of Ella Baker, who was a grassroots activist in the Civil Rights Movement. An important figure in history, Ella Baker had a calm yet commanding demeanor that influenced many civil rights leaders. She rubbed elbows with some of the most influential actors in the movement, yet she always worked from the ground up, as opposed to top down. The book's title is continually revisited to emphasize her vision of the struggle for equality; especially the need to lift people up by fulfilling their needs, and by emphasizing the need for education. Her influence was expressed through non-violence and sit-ins, where young black Americans demanded their literal "seat at the table."
The story is told with a sort of poetic cadence, and it moves from vignette to vignette very smoothly. Alongside the text are really vibrant, unique, and captivating images which sort of tell the story by themselves. I think the art pulls the reader into the story, and provides so many faces that help connect us to this important figure and to the movement.
The story is told with a sort of poetic cadence, and it moves from vignette to vignette very smoothly. Alongside the text are really vibrant, unique, and captivating images which sort of tell the story by themselves. I think the art pulls the reader into the story, and provides so many faces that help connect us to this important figure and to the movement.
June 18, 2020
This is a book tailor-made for storytime. The deliberate phrasing, the poetry of the story, and the repeated query: What do you hope to accomplish? When we ask better questions we get better answers. Don't ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, ask what problems they want to solve. A Civil Rights Movement biography of Ella Baker, with a call to action for the activists of any era.
September 8, 2020
Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker is a children's picture book written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. It chronicles activist Ella Baker's life for young readers.
Ella Josephine Baker was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades.
Powell's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Powell’s verse biography chronicles the professional life of civil rights leader Ella Josephine Baker. Backmatter includes an author’s note with further information about Baker’s personal life, a glossary of the initialisms, a timeline, and a bibliography. Christie's illustrations are in the style of African American folk art, a harmonious choice for the subject matter.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Ella Baker played a pivotal role in educating African Americans of all backgrounds about freedom, voting, and their rights. The book cites Baker’s working relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as well as her work with the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
All in all, Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker is a beautiful illustrated book of Baker's life and her contribution, albeit in the background, for the African-American civil rights movement.
Ella Josephine Baker was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades.
Powell's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Powell’s verse biography chronicles the professional life of civil rights leader Ella Josephine Baker. Backmatter includes an author’s note with further information about Baker’s personal life, a glossary of the initialisms, a timeline, and a bibliography. Christie's illustrations are in the style of African American folk art, a harmonious choice for the subject matter.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Ella Baker played a pivotal role in educating African Americans of all backgrounds about freedom, voting, and their rights. The book cites Baker’s working relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as well as her work with the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
All in all, Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker is a beautiful illustrated book of Baker's life and her contribution, albeit in the background, for the African-American civil rights movement.
December 9, 2020
The very first thing I loved about this book was the title--what a great message to teach young children. This is the story of civil rights activist Ella Josephine Baker. This book is very comprehensive in that it begins with her early childhood and the lessons she learned from her family at an early age. Lessons about hard work, helping others, the importance of education, and working toward your dreams. As the years pass, she begins her active involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, her work with the NAACP, lobbying for equal pay for colored people, encouraging people to vote to change their representatives, and working with Dr. Martin Luther King.
All throughout the book there is a question that keeps popping up -- “What do you hope to accomplish?” Sometimes this question is directed to Baker and other times she is asking this of other people. Her mission in life was really to get people to think about what they want and to work toward that goal--to create a better life for themselves and their families.
The illustrations are provided by Caldecott Honor Winner R. Gregory Christie and they make this story really come to life. I found this to be especially important in the expressions on the faces in the story. There is a look of determination and perseverance seen in these people that are fighting for equal rights--all captured beautifully by Christie.
All throughout the book there is a question that keeps popping up -- “What do you hope to accomplish?” Sometimes this question is directed to Baker and other times she is asking this of other people. Her mission in life was really to get people to think about what they want and to work toward that goal--to create a better life for themselves and their families.
The illustrations are provided by Caldecott Honor Winner R. Gregory Christie and they make this story really come to life. I found this to be especially important in the expressions on the faces in the story. There is a look of determination and perseverance seen in these people that are fighting for equal rights--all captured beautifully by Christie.
December 30, 2020
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
Caldecott Honor winner R. Gregory Christie's powerful pictures pair with Patricia Hruby Powell's poignant words to paint a vivid portrait of the fight for the freedom of the human spirit.
Subject: Civil rights workers -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
African American women civil rights workers -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Civil rights workers -- Juvenile literature.
African Americans -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Women -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Caldecott Honor winner R. Gregory Christie's powerful pictures pair with Patricia Hruby Powell's poignant words to paint a vivid portrait of the fight for the freedom of the human spirit.
Subject: Civil rights workers -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
African American women civil rights workers -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Civil rights workers -- Juvenile literature.
African Americans -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Women -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Read
August 18, 2020What do you hope to accomplish?" asked Ella Baker's granddaddy when she was still a child.
Her mother provided the answer: "Lift as you climb."
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
Caldecott Honor winner R. Gregory Christie's powerful pictures pair with Patricia Hruby Powell's poignant words to paint a vivid portrait of the fight for the freedom of the human spirit.
Her mother provided the answer: "Lift as you climb."
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
Caldecott Honor winner R. Gregory Christie's powerful pictures pair with Patricia Hruby Powell's poignant words to paint a vivid portrait of the fight for the freedom of the human spirit.
November 4, 2020
Learn about the civil rights activist Ella Baker in this picture book biography.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” asked Ella Baker’s granddaddy when she was still a child.
Her mother provided the answer: “Lift as you climb.”
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” asked Ella Baker’s granddaddy when she was still a child.
Her mother provided the answer: “Lift as you climb.”
Long before the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, Ella Baker worked to lift others up by fighting racial injustice and empowering poor African Americans to stand up for their rights. Her dedication and grassroots work in many communities made her a valuable ally for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and she has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s she worked to register voters and organize sit-ins, and she became a teacher and mentor to many young activists.
October 3, 2022
As a parent, I value books that introduce my children to ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things -- but whose names are not widely known. Ella Baker is a perfect example. Powell guides the reader through Baker's life with a dual refrain of "Lift as you climb" and "What do you hope to accomplish" -- an inspiring question that culminates in a provocative ending. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh racial realities of America and highlights the role (some) women played during that era -- while still fighting for better treatment of their own gender. Powell's masterful writing in verse is filled with a lilting beat that keeps the reader going through decades of Baker's fascinating life.
October 3, 2020
I wanted to like this book so badly. I love picture books that feature amazing historical features that are not super well known. I did learn some about Ella Baker but overall I didn’t really like this book. I think the writing was very clunky. There were some passes I had to read three times in order to understand what the author was writing about. Way too long of a book for the intended picture book audience and way too much text on each page. I like that the author tried to do the technique where certain important phrases are repeated but it just didn’t have the impact that it does in other books that use this technique. I did really enjoy the illustrations though.
April 21, 2023
this presents the life of the great Ella Baker to young readers in the best of ways. they point out the key points of her activism. she made sure to involve black women in activist convos they were rarely seen, she championed to move away from the MLK/elite approach and championed for more local activism. she joined the rally cries of students and those in poverty. Ella Baker never stopped fighting for freedom, and this children's book doesn't hide any of that at all. what a great read.
the illustrations are just as moving and brilliant as the writing. the coloring and the scenes depicting will leave an impression on you.
5/5 ofc. read it, you have to.
the illustrations are just as moving and brilliant as the writing. the coloring and the scenes depicting will leave an impression on you.
5/5 ofc. read it, you have to.
August 24, 2020
Lift as You Climb is an luminary picture book biography of Ella Baker. Patricia Hruby Powell (Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker) creates a well-rounded look at a civil rights leader who should receive greater recognition. R. Gregory Christie (Freedom in Congo Square) depicts the urgency of the period (and today) with a fluid style and unique compositions. Extensive back matter includes author's note, a glossary of civil rights organizations, timeline, and bibliography. A folded and gathered (F&G) pre-publication edition was reviewed.
October 21, 2020
I had recently read about Fannie Lou Hamer and Mahalia Jackson, but I knew little to nothing about Ella Baker before opening this book. It's not surprising that she had to fight sexism within the civil rights movement. I love the concept of "lifting as you climb," that social justice work involves bringing other people along with you as you rise. This is a powerful message of grassroots leadership that we still need today. R. Gregory Christie, as always, comes through with spot-on illustrations.
November 8, 2020
Well-told story of Ella Baker, a non-violent activist, colleague and advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and advocate for Black voting rights. Her motto, “Lift as You Climb,” mirrored Ella’s desire to lift the poor and disadvantaged, giving them a voice. A fascinating portrait of a woman who, influenced by her faith, worked for equality in a non-confrontative and prudent manner, bringing about change and fostering respect in the black population. Simple enough for elementary school children to understand and be inspired!
January 15, 2021
Ella Baker was in the NAACP, the Leader of the SCLC and SNCC yet is not a household name. While many civil rights organizations focused on the middle class and elite blacks to lift up the race, Ms. Baker focused on listening to the poorest blacks. Instead of just listening to the preachers, she listened to the congregants. She focused on getting ALL Blacks registered to vote. I want to know more about Ms. Baker!!
September 6, 2020
The repeated refrains of “life as you climb” and “what do you hope to accomplish?” reveal the intense focus and passion of Ella Josephine Baker. She didn’t just fight for “her” rights, she fought to lift everyone. And she fought with thoughtful purpose. Powell has a beautifully poetic voice that she brings to her biographies: they are a delight to read.
February 6, 2021
Ella Baker worked as an activist and human rights advocate. As a community organizer she asked, "What do you hope to accomplish?" and taught people to "lift as you climb."
Why I started this book: Awesome title on our Black History month display.
Why I finished it: Inspiring and a timely reminder to ask the deep questions when seeking change.
Why I started this book: Awesome title on our Black History month display.
Why I finished it: Inspiring and a timely reminder to ask the deep questions when seeking change.
October 20, 2020
I really appreciated this introduction to the life and work of Ella Baker and loved the prevailing message in the book about working with intentionality and vision. I think it is definitely for a slightly older audience (older elementary/middle school).
December 26, 2020
Children's book about Ella Baker. This has colorful pages with dynamic illustrations, a recurring refrain of "What do you hope to accompish?" and a straightforward retelling of the story of Ella Baker who was a huge influence on the civil rights movement.
January 10, 2021
What a great personal motto/principle -- "Lift as you climb".
This is the story of Miss Ella Baker who worked tirelessly in the background for civil rights. She focused on listening to each community and what they wanted and then helped them organize to achieve their goal.
This is the story of Miss Ella Baker who worked tirelessly in the background for civil rights. She focused on listening to each community and what they wanted and then helped them organize to achieve their goal.
February 7, 2021
An outstanding picture biography introducing young readers to the ex6traordinary life and work of the civil rights educator and organizer. Powell's informative verse text and beautifully complemented with Greg Christie's emotionally visceral illustrations.
February 16, 2021
I had never heard of Ella Baker (why that is is partly addressed in the book); a major contributor, advocate, and leader during the civil rights movement. The reality of the injustice she fights is infuriating; her steadfastness and resolve throughout it all is inspiring.
February 12, 2022
An important, but little-known, figure in the Civil Rights movement. "Lift as you Climb" was a family motto that Ella Baker lived by her entire life. A reminder of so many who made personal sacrifices to better the world for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews