Strange Fruit: Billy Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 11, 2017

Review

This title highlights parts of Billie Holiday's life, its emphasis is on her singing "Strange Fruit". In her time this song could have gotten her arrested and beat on the street. Holiday felt a strong need to sing about the life situations which Black Americans endured and willingly used her voice to protest. The story is told in limited text and lavishly painted illustrations. Movement is felt across pages and a deep sense of community bounces off the pages. The deep tones used help to express the tenseness of the times.

Add this title where picture book biographies are collected. Share with art and music instructors.

Overall Book Score: good