Picture a storyteller who weaves African American history into poetic tales that captivate young hearts—meet Carole Boston Weatherford! This celebrated children’s author and poet has spent decades unearthing forgotten stories, from the Tulsa Race Massacre to Aretha Franklin’s soulful rise, earning her a treasure trove of awards and a lasting place in children’s literature. With over 80 books, her lyrical prose shines a light on resilience, resistance, and joy.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Weatherford’s journey as a writer began with a spark of creativity that’s still burning bright. Her mission? To mine the past for stories that deserve to be told, ensuring young readers connect with the triumphs and struggles of African American heritage.
The Making of Carole Boston Weatherford
Carole Boston Weatherford was born on February 13, 1956, in a vibrant Baltimore neighborhood. As a child, she dictated poems to her mother, her imagination sparked by jazz records and books like Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat. Her father, a printing teacher, published her early works as typesetting exercises, giving young Carole her first taste of seeing her words in print. She honed her craft at American University (BA), the University of Baltimore (MA), and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (MFA), blending her love for poetry with a deep commitment to African American history. After years working in publishing and education, her first children’s book, Juneteenth Jamboree (1995), marked the start of a prolific career.
Carole Boston Weatherford’s Unforgettable Stories
Weatherford’s books are a masterclass in blending poetry with history, making complex events accessible to young readers. Her 2021 book, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, is a poignant retelling of a tragic event, earning a Coretta Scott King Award and a Caldecott Honor. BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom (2020), illustrated by Michele Wood, uses six-line stanzas to narrate the daring escape of an enslaved man, securing a Newbery Honor. R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul (2020), illustrated by Frank Morrison, celebrates the iconic singer’s life with rhythmic flair, winning a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor.
Her style is vivid yet concise, often rooted in free verse or structured poetry that echoes oral traditions. Weatherford’s themes—resilience, justice, and cultural pride—resonate deeply, as she spotlights lesser-known figures like arctic explorer Matthew Henson and bibliophile Arturo Schomburg. Collaborations with her son, illustrator Jeffery Boston Weatherford, add a personal touch, as seen in You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen. Her ability to distill history into engaging narratives makes her a standout in children’s literature.
Why Carole Boston Weatherford Matters
Weatherford’s impact goes beyond her bookshelf. As a professor at Fayetteville State University, she’s shaped future educators and writers, emphasizing the power of representation in literature. Her books, used in classrooms worldwide, introduce children to African American heroes and histories often overlooked in traditional curricula. Awards like the NAACP Image Award, North Carolina Award for Literature, and induction into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame reflect her influence. By giving voice to the past, Weatherford inspires young readers to embrace justice and celebrate their heritage.
- Born: February 13, 1956, Baltimore, Maryland
- Key Works: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom, R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
- Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honors, NAACP Image Awards
Snag Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre and dive into Carole Boston Weatherford’s poetic world of history and heart!