The School at Columbia University, 2023
“Hosting author Laura Obuobi was a wonderful experience for both the students and teachers. Laura’s warm and honest demeanor, along with her professionalism and transparency about her process as a published children’s author, made a positive impact on both the children and teachers involved. Listening to Laura read Black Gold in her own voice was magical for the students. The interaction between Laura and the students during the Zoom session, where she answered questions and provided advice on the poems they were working on, was both educational and engaging.”
Praise For Black Gold…
“In a perfect weave of lyrical, empowering words and stunning, inspiring illustrations, Black Gold is a celebration of children and the attributes that make them unique. This book reads like an affirmation of the miracle each individual is.” — Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?
School Library Journal
“Lyrical text tells of the Universe as she creates a Black child out of the earth, lovingly shaping each feature, swaddling the child in gold, crowning the child with roses, breathing her divine power into the new life. The Sun and the Moon share their light and wisdom and the Universe her love. The fully formed child is advised to take pride in sharing these exalted origins with the world. The mixed media art uses rich, saturated colors and striking imagery to embody the depth of an infinite cosmos, bringing the text to life. Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth. VERDICT Stunning illustrations elevate this empowering creation myth.”
Booklist Review
“Poetically written and wondrously illustrated, Obuobi and Ladd’s picture book offers Black children a cosmic origin story filled with beauty and strength. The illustrations can only be described as magical, blending elements of fantasy with nature and starscapes. Ladd creates unique layered effects through his combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, and the deep purples and blues sparkle with flecks of gold-shining light. While geared toward Black children, this book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world, and its empowering message will strike a chord with any child who feels different from other kids or is grappling with self-esteem.”
