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Christian Robinson
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Patricia Hruby Powell
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Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker (Illustrated Biographies by Chronicle Books) Hardcover – Illustrated, January 14, 2014

by Patricia Hruby Powell (Author), Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 322 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
See all formats and editions
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Coretta Scott King Book Award, Illustrator, Honor
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, Honor
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, Nonfiction Honor
Parent's Choice Award
Wall Street Journal's 10 Best Children's Books of the Year List
Bologna Ragazzi Nonfiction Honor 2014

In exuberant verse and stirring pictures, Patricia Hruby Powell and Christian Robinson create an extraordinary portrait for young people of the passionate performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker, the woman who worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages in the world. Meticulously researched by both author and artist, Josephine's powerful story of struggle and triumph is an inspiration and a spectacle, just like the legend herself.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    7 - 10 years
  2. Print length
    104 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    2 - 5
  5. Lexile measure
    790L
  6. Dimensions
    8.35 x 0.75 x 10.35 inches
  7. Publisher
    Chronicle Books
  8. Publication date
    January 14, 2014
  9. ISBN-10
    1452103143
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1452103143
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—This charming biography invites readers to step inside the vibrant and spirited world of performer and civil rights advocate, Josephine Baker. Robinson's paintings are as colorful and rich as Josephine Baker's story, offering page after page of captivating and animated illustrations and rhythmic text, which is written in blank verse. In a few short and well-organized parts, readers learn the story of one of the world's most well known female performers who danced and sang her way from the poor and segregated streets of St. Louis to the dazzling stages of Paris all the way to Carnegie Hall. Text and illustrations work in tandem to accurately document Josephine's extraordinary life and the era in which she lived. Clear and lively descriptions of Josephine's story play out creatively in the text, introducing readers to basic principles of poetic structure in storytelling and offering an accurate portrait of a woman who fought for racial equality and civil rights through her life's passion: performance. Reluctant readers of nonfiction and poetry lovers alike will be drawn to this book's musical, theatrical nature, making for a fun, enriching, and holistic reading experience. This unique and creative work is a first purchase.—Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library

From Booklist

Josephine is a free-verse biographical poem that pulls its inspiration from the life of a fascinating performer and civil rights pioneer. Josephine Baker grew up in the shantytowns of St. Louis, often considered the home of ragtime music. At only 13, she left home to travel with a dance troupe, honing her silly on-stage persona and earning pennies. Through a series of unlikely but fortunate events, her talent was discovered and soon she was dancing the Charleston on a stage in Paris. While most of the milestones of her notorious career and turbulent life are included, Powell focuses on events that carried the most personal weight for Baker, such as almost losing her leg in a childhood accident, her refusal to dance in segregated American dance halls, and her first time on a transatlantic boat trip. Quotes from Baker punctuate the engaging narrative poem and Robinson’s gorgeous, colorful acrylics (with cute Lego-faced characters) honor the colorful exuberance of both the Jazz era and Baker’s life. Well researched and spirited, this features innumerable points of discussion for young readers. Grades 2-4. --Erin Anderson

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books; Illustrated edition (January 14, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1452103143
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1452103143
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 10 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.35 x 0.75 x 10.35 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 322 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Patricia Hruby Powell

    Patricia Hruby Powell

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    Patricia Hruby Powell's previous book, Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, won a Sibert Honor for Nonfiction, a Coretta Scott King Honor, and five starred reviews. She lives in Illinois.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Christian Robinson

    Christian Robinson

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Christian Robinson is a 2016 Caldecott Honoree and also received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for his art in Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (Putnam, 2015); de la Peña himself took home the 2016 Newbery Medal, awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children for the "most distinguished book for children."

    Leo: A Ghost Story, illustrated by Robinson and written by Mac Barnett (Chronicle, 2015), was named a 2015 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year. His Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, written by Patricia Hruby Powell (Chronicle, 2014) received numerous awards and accolades including a Sibert Informational Book Award Honor and a Coretta Scott King Award Illustration Honor from the American Library Association; a Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor; a Parents Choice Gold Medal for Poetry 2014; and a place on the Wall Street Journal's 10 Best Children's Books of the Year List. Robinson, based in San Francisco, is also an animator and has worked with The Sesame Street Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
322 global ratings
Every bit as intriguing, surprising, and colorful as its namesake
5 Stars
Every bit as intriguing, surprising, and colorful as its namesake
A 104-word review in honor of this 104-page (!) picture book biography of the audacious Josephine Baker. “Josephine” by Patricia Hruby Powell and Christian Robinson is a surprisingly fast-paced and fresh tome, every bit as intriguing, surprising, and colorful as its namesake. Recognizing the profound unfairness of the hand she was dealt at an all-too-early age, Josephine decided to play a different game altogether. The book’s creators take us through her eras, setting the context for her “vive la différence” lifetime philosophy of contrast; how they captured her kinetic (and infectious) energy in book form is a wonder.I enjoyed this book very much.
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Top reviews from the United States

Sense and Sensibility
5.0 out of 5 stars A shimmering marvel of a children's book
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for a number of children, but I loved it myself. The illustrations are stylish. The story of Josephine Baker is inspiring. She was a phenomenal woman, who triumphed against severe childhood adversity, and live in style. Children of all backgrounds can admire her, and perhaps see themself in her.
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Toinette
5.0 out of 5 stars Dazzling and dynamic for kids and adults.
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was such a lovely read. It's something I wish I could have read as a kid and something I'll share with any young ones I know. I adored the illustrations and felt like I could dance to the rhythm of the rhyming words throughout.

I was very impressed with how well, and how far, the author and artist were able to go in depicting the racism Baker experienced in her life. And, of course, I enjoyed hearing the telling of her bravery and her contribution to the fight for freedom and equality.

There isn't much more for me to say. I want all kids, but especially any little girls with brown skin, to experience this book.

Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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B K A
5.0 out of 5 stars Daughter loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
Beautifully written and illustrated book! My 9 year old loves this book. She learned about Josephine Baker in school and has been fascinated by her story. Such a great purchase.
One person found this helpful
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R Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 stars A book as dazzling as Josephine Baker
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
Though it took a short while to appreciate the illustrations, as the poetic, almost musical biography proceeded I became fascinated as text and art merged. The facts of Baker's unique life, her triumph over every obstacle, her ultimate bravery and kindness melt hearts. She was a saint. I love this story
One person found this helpful
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Phillip Howard
4.0 out of 5 stars Kid's book
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Good read about an inspiring woman
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Anna Clanton
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
I read this in a teacher’s classroom and knew I wanted to purchase for my niece. Beautifully written and illustrated. Great way to engage kids with biographies.
2 people found this helpful
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Carissa Conley
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book is good. The binding and page quality is 10/10
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Solis
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and inspiring biography
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020
Verified Purchase
The words take the reader into Josephine bakers life. We dance and sing and rebel alongside her. Truly one of the best children's biographies I have read.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Caroline Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars A Goddess
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
I love Josephine Baker and anything to do with her. This book is great. I didn’t realise it was a short illustrated book when I purchased it, however it was such a lovely
Book that I was not disappointed that I brought it. Although, now I wish I had brought a Physical version instead (to truly appreciate the illustrations)
It is a touching tribute to a fascinating woman. Josephine was a goddess and with great heart and mind! The way she lived! carefree, but also a hero, she was amazing! I highly recommend this book, would be great on a coffee table.
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Yove
5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilloso
Reviewed in Spain on December 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
El estilo del ilustrador es genial... me recuerda a los diseños de los años 50. Los colores tan brillantes y el trazo tan suelto pero con tanto detalle... Lo recomiendo totalmente!
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valain
5.0 out of 5 stars une belle découverte
Reviewed in France on March 1, 2015
Verified Purchase
Joséphine Baker et une. Vie incroyable très bien racontée et des illustrations de Christian Robinson exceptionnelles. Pour adultes et enfants....
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Jools
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is a beautifully presented book suitable for adults.
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jane frawley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2016
Verified Purchase
Fab
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