This illuminating and defining picture book biography illustrated
by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells the story of little
Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her
bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.
Born Eunice Kathleen
Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child.
She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young
age. With the support of her family and community, she received music
lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who
remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She
loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder,
like her mother’s preaching, and in much the same way as her
career. During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone
her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained
steam, Nina’s voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her
voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and
discrimination.