Reviews

Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song by Gary Golio, Charlotte Riley-Webb

erin_oriordan_is_reading_again's review against another edition

5.0

Gorgeous oil-painting illustrations and thorough historical research make this picture book both educational and enjoyable for young readers. Although the topic is a serious one, the writing is age-appropriate. Since the lessons it teaches are very much relevant in 2020, caregivers and educators of young children should consider adding this to their libraries.

draper_claire's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

queerbooklover03's review

4.0

A well told story with beautiful and moving illustrations that perfectly capture the emotions of each scene.

sydward's review

dark emotional informative slow-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death, Death of parent, Hate crime, and Racism

librarianryan's review

4.0

I have read a few children’s books about Billie Holiday. This one, while glossing over much of her life, focuses on one particular day and one special song. This was Billie’s fight song. The one that let people know she was going to stand as a proud black woman and not let anyone knock her down. It’s an approachable book for any age, and puts the past in the hands of today’s young, so they can see the history repeating itself, and maybe, just maybe, push for a stop. To really see a world where all are equal.