Oh, we have the MOST interesting and important children's book to share with you today!
Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin, written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Jamiel Law, received the 2025 Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent in illustration at the annual conference of the American Library Association on June 29, 2025, in Philadelphia. This first-ever illustrated biography of James Baldwin for children was also recently selected for the 2025 Best Children’s Books of the Year list by the Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee.
There are many reasons to love this book: the beautifully written story, the poems that resonate, the photos and art that bring history alive, the joy that emanates from the very pages, and the story of finding oneself and finding home.
Whether you and your family are familiar with the life of James Baldwin or just learning, this is a book to be cherished, read and read again, and shared.
Highly, highly recommended!
Michelle Meadows is the author of many acclaimed books for children. Connection, compassion, friendship, and family are common themes in her work. Michelle's books include MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR: One Girl Can Make a Difference, MAXIE WIZ AND HER DRAGON, HOW TO LOVE A PONY, FLYING HIGH: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles, and BRAVE BALLERINA: The Story of Janet Collins. Michelle also contributed research and writing to BLACK BALLERINAS: My Journey to Our Legacy by Misty Copeland. Michelle studied journalism and literature at Syracuse University. She grew up in Washington, D.C. and now lives near the beach in Delaware with her husband.
We caught up with Michelle to ask about her book, inspiration, art, and more. Here's what she had to say...
Please tell us about your book, Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues...
I found it so exciting to research the life of one of America’s greatest writers and intellectuals. James Baldwin authored more than 20 works of fiction, including essays, plays, short stories, poems, and novels. Before he became a legendary writer, James “Jimmy” Baldwin was a young boy from Harlem who loved words and stories. Writing gave him a voice. I wrote this picture book biography to introduce readers to a trailblazer who used his voice fearlessly. Although he is well known for his writing, Baldwin was also interested in art, such as the colors of clothing, nature, and paintings. So, I set out to his life story through the lens of a variety of colors. One example:
Writing is electric blue,
bright, brilliant swirls
of letters and words
flying, flipping,
flowing to the beat.
What led you to write this incredibly important book?
My editor at HarperCollins, Luana Kay Horry, approached me about writing a picture book (PB) about James Baldwin. Luana had read my other picture book biographies: Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins and Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles. She thought a biography about James Baldwin would be a great fit for me.
How can families and educators utilize this book (and other resources) in discussions about the importance of finding a place and purpose in the world, writing, human rights, and history?
I’m happy to share that Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues was a Read Across America book selection, and the National Education Association put together wonderful discussion questions about the book. I think families and educators could use this book to talk with children about the various stages of Baldwin’s life – and how those stages shaped him as a person. It’s interesting to see the choices he made throughout his journey to explore his identity, learn more about himself, and stand up for civil rights.
What do you hope young readers take away from this book?
James Baldwin’s love of reading and writing began when he was a little boy. I want young readers to know that the library was a refuge for him, and libraries can serve as a beautiful place for them too. I hope Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues will inspire children to find joy and power through books and written expression. I also hope readers are inspired by James Baldwin’s courage to live his life in exactly the way he wanted to.
The illustrations are fabulous. Can you please share about your illustrator, and the process of working together?
I agree! Our book team was so excited to learn that Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues was a 2025 Coretta Scott King (CSK) Award Winner! Illustrator Jamiel Law won the CSK John Steptoe Illustrator Award for his debut picture book. Jamiel’s illustrations are stunning. He did considerable research about Baldwin and about the general time (roughly the 1920s to 1980s) to get a sense of place--the textures, clothes, hairstyles, people, and architecture. He used warm colors of browns, tans, and greens. I didn’t communicate with Jamiel during the production of the book. Often with a picture book, writers and illustrators don’t interact. Our editor acts as a liaison, giving expert direction for both the writing and the artwork. The editor shared art with me throughout the process and gave me opportunities to provide feedback. Jamiel and I connected by e-mail after the book came out, and it was wonderful to meet him in person when we attended the CSK Awards Banquet in Philadelphia over the summer.
What's up next for you?
After publishing 22 children’s books, I spent a lot of time thinking about my next steps. I am working on a new project right now that is very different from anything I have ever written. It’s too soon to reveal specifics because it’s in progress, but I am having a lot of fun with it. Send me good vibes!
How can people find your work?
Visit my website: https://www.michellemeadows.com/
I also recently joined Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemeadowsbooks/
You can find the book online everywhere, including at https://bookshop.org/p/books/jimmy-s-rhythm-blues-the-extraordinary-life-of-james-baldwin-michelle-meadows/a39c78cbf3a0fb04
All photos courtesy of the author, illustrator, and Harper Collins, published with permission