What do you think?
Rate this book
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes
An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in America!
Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature "Jackie joy" while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?
Rising stars Traci N. Todd, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, and Shannon Wright, co-creator of the bestselling graphic novel Twins, have crafted a gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Jackie Ormes, whose life and work still influences illustrators and cartoonists today.
Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature "Jackie joy" while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?
Rising stars Traci N. Todd, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, and Shannon Wright, co-creator of the bestselling graphic novel Twins, have crafted a gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Jackie Ormes, whose life and work still influences illustrators and cartoonists today.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2023
3 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 6, 2023
A good introduction to an interesting person, the first Black woman to be a nationally syndicated cartoonist.
This book for children is by nature frustratingly vague and doesn't feature many of her actual comic strips, so I'm going to try Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist by Nancy Goldstein. That book is supposed to have over a hundred of her strips. It's a shame that there do not seem to be any collections of her strips in print. I also plan to read Liz Montague's recent picture book: Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist.
In indexing this book, I see that I previously noted that Ormes' Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger characters have cameos in R. Sikoryak's odd tribute to classic comic strips and government documents, Constitution Illustrated. So this wasn't my first glimpse of Ormes after all.
This book for children is by nature frustratingly vague and doesn't feature many of her actual comic strips, so I'm going to try Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist by Nancy Goldstein. That book is supposed to have over a hundred of her strips. It's a shame that there do not seem to be any collections of her strips in print. I also plan to read Liz Montague's recent picture book: Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist.
In indexing this book, I see that I previously noted that Ormes' Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger characters have cameos in R. Sikoryak's odd tribute to classic comic strips and government documents, Constitution Illustrated. So this wasn't my first glimpse of Ormes after all.
March 3, 2023
Learned so much about this comics and civil rights legend!
November 10, 2023
Another person I never learned about due to the skewed white male education of America.
"Because they cannot imagine an America big and broad enough to truly welcome everyone."
She became a columnist for the Pittsburgh Courier while still in high school. She created a comic called Torchy Brown - the first Black woman to star in a newspaper comic. Jackie was the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist. After WWII Jackie created Patty-Jo to comment on the unfairness of life for Blacks and fight for social justice. She used her fame to support better housing and schools for blacks and caught the FBI's attention. Over 10 years they had a file of 287 pages.
"It would be interestin' to discover WHICH committee decided it was un-American to be COLORED!"
"Because they cannot imagine an America big and broad enough to truly welcome everyone."
She became a columnist for the Pittsburgh Courier while still in high school. She created a comic called Torchy Brown - the first Black woman to star in a newspaper comic. Jackie was the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist. After WWII Jackie created Patty-Jo to comment on the unfairness of life for Blacks and fight for social justice. She used her fame to support better housing and schools for blacks and caught the FBI's attention. Over 10 years they had a file of 287 pages.
"It would be interestin' to discover WHICH committee decided it was un-American to be COLORED!"
November 4, 2022
I loved everything about this fascinating book but wanted a bit more about Ormes' later life as the book ended a bit abruptly. Still, the overall story and Golden Age comic style of the illustrations was terrific!
I am sad to admit that I knew nothing about Jackie Ormes and her ground-breaking accomplishments and want to find more about her. Back matter includes photographs and additional information.
Read in galley.
I am sad to admit that I knew nothing about Jackie Ormes and her ground-breaking accomplishments and want to find more about her. Back matter includes photographs and additional information.
Read in galley.
November 12, 2022
The fascinating story of the first Black woman to become a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her activism in civil rights and other social justice causes made her a target of FBI investigation for "un-American" activities. An author's note offers deeper insight into her life.
January 23, 2023
I love how this spotlights not only what Ormes was able to achieve in her own lifetime, but how she paved the way for Black women cartoonists today.
February 2, 2026
3.25 rounded up here bc I think it’s important that more books like this get written so I want the rating to stay high in support of that, but overall I think this one could’ve done more narratively to be engaging.
It felt a bit flat and info-dumpy to me.
Including extra info as far as societal progression outside of her life as an aside or as an addendum would’ve worked for me, but shoehorning it into the narrative didn’t engage me as a reader.
It wasn’t a direct connection based on the narrative the story had already laid out and I either needed more background earlier on leading the way or an addendum after the fact.
It felt a bit flat and info-dumpy to me.
Including extra info as far as societal progression outside of her life as an aside or as an addendum would’ve worked for me, but shoehorning it into the narrative didn’t engage me as a reader.
It wasn’t a direct connection based on the narrative the story had already laid out and I either needed more background earlier on leading the way or an addendum after the fact.
December 1, 2024
“Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes” written by Traci N. Todd and illustrated by Shannon Wright is a nonfiction picture book and biography of Jackie Ormes. Ormes is a Black woman who started her career as a journalist but also became a fashionista, comic book writer, and civil rights activist throughout her life. She lived through both World Wars and was part of the fight for equal rights for women and African Americans. This book is a Coretta Scott King Honor Book for its illustrations, which are very powerful, colorful, and bright images. The text is often also placed in the illustrations, such as being written as newspaper articles, protest signs, and comic strips. Learn about Jackie Ormes and all that she did for the world with this book!
August 7, 2024
This picture book biography highlights the life and career of Jackie Ormes who became the first African American woman syndicated cartoonist. It begins with a wonderful spread that introduces the reader to her as a child. It then moves to her young adult years when she was working for an African American paper in Pittsburgh chasing stories and writing pieces that appeared mainly on the "women's pages" in the paper. Her change to cartooning allowed her to create her own characters like Torchy Brown and Patty-Jo and send them to syndication where they were picked up by African American papers across the country. The story ends with her later life as she returned to painting and other art and created a doll based on Patty-Jo.
This review is based upon an ARC given to our library association, so the material and art seem to be in its next to final status. The snappy text and lush artwork will appeal to young readers. I especially loved how the art style changed from section to section. There are spreads that look like child artwork, early comic book style, and the glamour of post WWII style. I would recommend this book for K-4th reading. It would make a great read aloud for classes and groups as the material is so interesting and the images are large and perfect for group reading.
I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public libraries.
This ARC was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This review is based upon an ARC given to our library association, so the material and art seem to be in its next to final status. The snappy text and lush artwork will appeal to young readers. I especially loved how the art style changed from section to section. There are spreads that look like child artwork, early comic book style, and the glamour of post WWII style. I would recommend this book for K-4th reading. It would make a great read aloud for classes and groups as the material is so interesting and the images are large and perfect for group reading.
I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public libraries.
This ARC was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 23, 2023
This biography left me wanting to know more about Zelda “Jackie” Ormes and her career writing columns, illustrating and writing comics and striving to change the world for Black people. Author Traci Todd covers the basics of Jackie’s life in the focal pages and that will be plenty to satisfy many elementary readers. Back matter broadens that coverage and does fill in some blanks left by the primary text and that will be enough for most of the other young readers. But this adult (and probably a number youth readers) wants to know more about the contents of her comics and especially the FBI’s investigation into her supposedly subversive civil rights activism! When a book sparks a desire for more information, it’s got to be a winner, right? Terrific biography for grades 2-5. Digitally produced illustrations include cartoons created by Ormes and an assortment of “Easter eggs” that the careful reader may notice that gives additional insight into the life of Jackie Ormes and the time period. Backmatter includes photographs of Jackie as an adult. Surprisingly, there is no timeline which seems like a “must-have” for most biographies, especially those for the elementary level. Excellent choice for elementary library collections, especially those who are striving to better represent the contributions of BIPOC leaders.
Thanks for sending me a finished copy, Scholastic!
Thanks for sending me a finished copy, Scholastic!
March 17, 2024
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes written by Traci N. Todd, Pictures by Shannon Wright 2024 King Illustrator Honor book. Holding Her Own tells the less known story of Jackie Ormes, the first African American woman to have a syndicated cartoon series. This biography gives readers just enough information between the text and illustrations to understand not only Jackie, but also the time period she worked in. Racism and sexism occur throughout along with the classy responses she provided. Most young readers will be in awe of Jackie’s accomplishments and those understanding American history will be inspired. The Photoshop created illustrations run the gamut of cartoon to collage, all in appropriate colors and emotion for that page’s text. A detailed note from the author includes photos and some of Jackie’s actual cartoons. Overall, an inspiring story for all readers grade 3+
March 28, 2024
While I immensely enjoyed this book, there were things missing. As it is a picture book, the author won't go into great detail, but I was hoping to see more personal information as well as the impact and cultural influence her work had. I would have liked to see also more representation of her actual work within the story itself. The illustrations are enjoyable, but sometimes felt a bit too cartoonish. However, my favorite part is we are focusing on a person we would not normally see in a collection of influential people, or in a picture book.
February 23, 2025
Ormes has the honor of being the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the U.S.
This overview of Ormes' life begins with her interest in making art being encouraged by her parents - her other who created things with needles and thread and her father, who was a painter. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she expressed an interest in storytelling, so went to work for the Pittsburgh Courier, a powerful Black newspaper. She found joy in writing a weekly column, but really wanted to draw and write a comic strips. After writing one about a woman named Torchy Brow, she married and moved to Chicago where she started writing another one about social justice and a character named Patty-Jo.
Todd's writing of is full of action and zing. It is the kind of writing that inspires young readers. Backmatter includes a 3-page Author's Note about Ormes complete with 2 B&W period photos and 2 line drawings and Ormes' quotes; a note from the artist, and a selected bibliography of sources used to write the book
It is the digital artwork by Shannon Wright that will get people really moving. With a secret cover of Jackie looking at the reader, the title page is full of doodles of clothes for paper dolls, sketches of clothing patterns, and doodles of odds and ends that might be used in a cartoon. The first 2-page spread is of Jackie as a child, creating art; this one is surprising, as it almost appears to be a digital collage. The rest of the book is full of bright colors and shapes, full of action and emotion, clever layouts, and use of text for emphasis. There is even a cartoon-inspired 2 page spread that traces the path she took to research, write, and finish articles for the newspaper.
Useful during Black History Month, Women's History Month, a unit on artists, careers, and cartooning. Recommended for grades 2-6.
This overview of Ormes' life begins with her interest in making art being encouraged by her parents - her other who created things with needles and thread and her father, who was a painter. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she expressed an interest in storytelling, so went to work for the Pittsburgh Courier, a powerful Black newspaper. She found joy in writing a weekly column, but really wanted to draw and write a comic strips. After writing one about a woman named Torchy Brow, she married and moved to Chicago where she started writing another one about social justice and a character named Patty-Jo.
Todd's writing of is full of action and zing. It is the kind of writing that inspires young readers. Backmatter includes a 3-page Author's Note about Ormes complete with 2 B&W period photos and 2 line drawings and Ormes' quotes; a note from the artist, and a selected bibliography of sources used to write the book
It is the digital artwork by Shannon Wright that will get people really moving. With a secret cover of Jackie looking at the reader, the title page is full of doodles of clothes for paper dolls, sketches of clothing patterns, and doodles of odds and ends that might be used in a cartoon. The first 2-page spread is of Jackie as a child, creating art; this one is surprising, as it almost appears to be a digital collage. The rest of the book is full of bright colors and shapes, full of action and emotion, clever layouts, and use of text for emphasis. There is even a cartoon-inspired 2 page spread that traces the path she took to research, write, and finish articles for the newspaper.
Useful during Black History Month, Women's History Month, a unit on artists, careers, and cartooning. Recommended for grades 2-6.
November 17, 2025
Grades 1-5. Jackie Ormes, originally Zelda, is the first Black woman cartoonist to become a national syndicate. This fame came at a time in the 1950s post World War II when African Americans did not have the civil rights they have today. She grew up in a creative home that translated her quick wits into storytelling through art. She was ambitious and started her career by chance by pitching herself to the editor of the Pittsburgh Courier, a Black newspaper with national syndication. Patty-Jo is her famous character - a Black precocious child who tells it like it is. Patty-Jo is seen around town asking and pushing her Mama to explain why it makes sense that Black people have less freedoms. Her risky talk of counter culture earns her more than one million Black American readers who enjoy her simple witty comic truths from Patty-Jo. So much interest is taken in Jackie’s work that the FBI starts following her to ensure she is not part of a terrorist group. Far from terrorism, Jackie wanted to fight for everyday freedoms and community. She was an independent, fashionable woman who stood up to men trying to place her in a career box. Her talent spoke for itself and she refused to work with a team of cartoonists even if this was what the men had decided. Always independent and a force to be reckoned with, Jackie Ormes provided the laughing strength needed for the persistence of the civil rights movement. Wright honors Ormes with gorgeous cutting cartoons that show the many aspects of such a great woman.
July 1, 2024
Born Zelda Jackson, Jackie Ormes grew up in a household that encouraged artistic expression and creativity. She developed skills in drawing and storytelling that delighted her high school classmates. Growing up near Pittsburgh, it was Jackie's dream to work for the Pittsburgh Courier and she was given the chance to do so while she was still in high school. At the Courier, Jackie produced a column every week, but they were hidden on the women's activities page. Undeterred, Jackie decided to pivot from writing to drawing and created a comic strip about Torchy Brown, an African American woman moving from Mississippi to Harlem. Published in all fourteen editions of the Courier, this became the first nationally syndicated comic strip produced by an African American woman. Jackie's next comic creation, Patty-Jo, gave Jackie an outlet to comment on the social ills of her time. As a pioneering Black cartoonist, Jackie was an inspiration to many.
The story in this book is great, as are the illustrations, but the two seem to be at odds with each other. The pages are cluttered and, in trying to work the text "naturally" into the illustrations, it becomes difficult to read (trying to figure out what is illustrative text and what is content text).
The story in this book is great, as are the illustrations, but the two seem to be at odds with each other. The pages are cluttered and, in trying to work the text "naturally" into the illustrations, it becomes difficult to read (trying to figure out what is illustrative text and what is content text).
September 24, 2024
Another great learning experience. This biography is about Zelda "Jackie" Ormes. She was a cartoonist back during WWII and beyond. She broke barriers and gave herself a future.
We see Zelda as a child always drawing. She was in the yearbook group. She got a job at a paper and she even started her own comic strip. It was Torchy Brown. Later she moved to Chicago and got a job on the paper there. Her husband manages a hotel which becomes the hub for black celebs and Jackie is in the middle of everything. She raises money for causes and is somewhat famous.
After WWII, there are no jobs for black people and Jackie tries to raise awareness. She comes up with the strip Patty-Jo. It has a little bit of joy and she discusses issues going on in it.
An incredible person. I knew nothing about this person or some of what was happening in Chicago at this time. A children's book memoir can be the seed needed for anything to find a new interest in history.
The art is lovely. Some of Jackies comics are in here and it's neat how Shannon Wright sometimes made them look 3D. A great book.
We see Zelda as a child always drawing. She was in the yearbook group. She got a job at a paper and she even started her own comic strip. It was Torchy Brown. Later she moved to Chicago and got a job on the paper there. Her husband manages a hotel which becomes the hub for black celebs and Jackie is in the middle of everything. She raises money for causes and is somewhat famous.
After WWII, there are no jobs for black people and Jackie tries to raise awareness. She comes up with the strip Patty-Jo. It has a little bit of joy and she discusses issues going on in it.
An incredible person. I knew nothing about this person or some of what was happening in Chicago at this time. A children's book memoir can be the seed needed for anything to find a new interest in history.
The art is lovely. Some of Jackies comics are in here and it's neat how Shannon Wright sometimes made them look 3D. A great book.
November 27, 2024
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes is a picture book written by Traci N. Todd is a 2024 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. I found this book through the Sibert Medal & Honor book list and obtained a copy through my public library.
This picture book is all about the life and accomplishments of Jackie Ormes, who is the first African American woman cartoonist. This story is very inspiring as as reader because I got to learn how she used her art to challenge stereotypes and inspire others. The book dives into her career and her work in comics. The illustrations in the book brings the story to life and I love how the art style changes throughout the book for specific scenes.
This is a great picture book to include in an elementary (3-5) classroom so students can learn about different historical figures. This is a great book for a teacher to have as young girls can see themselves in careers that they might not think is possible for them. It sends a great message of empowerment.
This picture book is all about the life and accomplishments of Jackie Ormes, who is the first African American woman cartoonist. This story is very inspiring as as reader because I got to learn how she used her art to challenge stereotypes and inspire others. The book dives into her career and her work in comics. The illustrations in the book brings the story to life and I love how the art style changes throughout the book for specific scenes.
This is a great picture book to include in an elementary (3-5) classroom so students can learn about different historical figures. This is a great book for a teacher to have as young girls can see themselves in careers that they might not think is possible for them. It sends a great message of empowerment.
May 2, 2024
I'm always interested in learning about a new person, and Jackie Ormes is an impressive pioneer.
I learned a lot about her--her work as a journalist, a comic strip artist, a doll designer, a civil rights advocate (although she wasn't "much for marching...so she finds another way.") She seemed ahead of her time in many ways. I had not heard of comic strip character Torchy Brown in Dixie to Harlem; nor the Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger dolls and comic strip which she used to "comment on Black life, the war and its aftermath, and the fight for social justice." It was disturbing and revealing to read about the "threat" that she posed to the FBI and their investigation of her. What a strong woman! The Note from the Author was kind of a rehash of what was in the book, rather than adding much more; but I enjoyed the Note from the Artist who shared about what an inspiration Jackie has been for her.
I learned a lot about her--her work as a journalist, a comic strip artist, a doll designer, a civil rights advocate (although she wasn't "much for marching...so she finds another way.") She seemed ahead of her time in many ways. I had not heard of comic strip character Torchy Brown in Dixie to Harlem; nor the Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger dolls and comic strip which she used to "comment on Black life, the war and its aftermath, and the fight for social justice." It was disturbing and revealing to read about the "threat" that she posed to the FBI and their investigation of her. What a strong woman! The Note from the Author was kind of a rehash of what was in the book, rather than adding much more; but I enjoyed the Note from the Artist who shared about what an inspiration Jackie has been for her.
January 6, 2023
Jackie Ormes had a way with words. She was a storyteller and poet. She got a job with a Chicago newspaper, and they had her covering boxing, but because she was a woman, her stories were in the women's section, rather than on the sports page. But what she really wanted to do was draw. She wrote a comic strip - inspired by the stories she'd read in the paper about Black people fleeing the South, her character Torchy Brown was living that dream.
Jackie became the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist in the United States. A fascinating story - Ormes was also a civil rights activist . Includes an author's note with photographs of Jackie and some of her original cartoons - including why she was investigated by the FBI (never skip the author's notes - I'm serious!). Jackie Ormes is Black
Crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Jackie became the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist in the United States. A fascinating story - Ormes was also a civil rights activist . Includes an author's note with photographs of Jackie and some of her original cartoons - including why she was investigated by the FBI (never skip the author's notes - I'm serious!). Jackie Ormes is Black
Crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
February 14, 2024
3 stars (I liked it)
It's that time of year where all the ALA Youth Media winners and honors I put on hold came in at the library...
This one was an honor/winner for two awards (Siebert and Coretta Scott King).
I find it interesting that I had never heard of Jackie Ormes until I read another picture book of her within the past year (Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist). Just interesting that the two books would come out so close to one another.
The beginning of this book really hooked me but then it became too text heavy for a picture book. I still think Ormes story is interesting though!
It's that time of year where all the ALA Youth Media winners and honors I put on hold came in at the library...
This one was an honor/winner for two awards (Siebert and Coretta Scott King).
I find it interesting that I had never heard of Jackie Ormes until I read another picture book of her within the past year (Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist). Just interesting that the two books would come out so close to one another.
The beginning of this book really hooked me but then it became too text heavy for a picture book. I still think Ormes story is interesting though!
March 3, 2025
I am sad to say that I have never heard of Jackie Ormes before reading this story. She certainly was a multi-talented person! This story specifically highlights how she used the power of her art to speak about the Black people who were experiencing injustices and being denied their civil rights. Jackie Ormes paved the way for many Black women, as she was the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist. I loved to hear her many accomplishments!
What really stands out to me was the illustrations in this book. I liked how it incorporates comic strips into the illustrations, which really draws their attention. I also think that the ending illustration was very impactful as Jackie Ormes puts down her paint brush, the page goes empty.
I know that this story will be very important to have in classrooms. I know that I would have loved to hear this story earlier in life!
What really stands out to me was the illustrations in this book. I liked how it incorporates comic strips into the illustrations, which really draws their attention. I also think that the ending illustration was very impactful as Jackie Ormes puts down her paint brush, the page goes empty.
I know that this story will be very important to have in classrooms. I know that I would have loved to hear this story earlier in life!
July 8, 2023
4.5
The story of a black female comic artist in the twentieth century. Zelda "Jackie" Jackson Ormes was born in 1911 (Just like Jovita Valdovinos, and began her career as a reporter before breaking into comics. Her comics commented on the racial tensions of the day, especially post-World War II when Black veterans came home and were faced with discouraging and persistent racism after having put their lives on the line for world democracy. Another fantastic biography of a person worth knowing.
Includes a robust selection of backmatter, additional resources, and photographs.
The story of a black female comic artist in the twentieth century. Zelda "Jackie" Jackson Ormes was born in 1911 (Just like Jovita Valdovinos, and began her career as a reporter before breaking into comics. Her comics commented on the racial tensions of the day, especially post-World War II when Black veterans came home and were faced with discouraging and persistent racism after having put their lives on the line for world democracy. Another fantastic biography of a person worth knowing.
Includes a robust selection of backmatter, additional resources, and photographs.
April 3, 2024
I was so inspired by this story of Jackie Ormes, the creator of the first syndicated comic starring a black woman, the first syndicated black woman cartoonist, designer of the black baby doll Patty Jo, intrepid reporter, fashion maven, philanthropist, art activist, and just generally one of the most cool, stylish, interesting figures I've read about recently! I first got acquainted with Jackie Ormes via a google doodle in September of 2020, and have been really pleased to see her come back into the public conscious these past few years. Glad to see this wonderful artist get her accolades. NOW CAN A PUBLISHER PLEASE GET ME THE OMNIBUS OF TORCHY BROWN AND PATTY JO? I NEEDED THOSE LIKE, YESTERDAY
February 25, 2023
Bold art by Shannon Wright perfectly complements the text describing life of Jackie Orme, who was "the first" on many accounts: the first black female cartoonist to world famed Black female cartoon characters Torchy (whose subtle messages escaped political witch-hunting) spunky Patty Jo and Ginger; creator of the first Black woman to star in a newspaper comic; the first female journalist reporting on boxing in Philadelphia; designer of the first nationally-famed Black doll for children, the Patty Jo doll. Filled will kid-appealing cartoon art and plenty of onomatopoeia punches, this biography picture book is a must for any elementary school library.
July 21, 2024
I loved the layers to this multi-media type art style, and this book was very informative. I'd heard a little about Jackie Ormes and wanted to know more as a Black woman with a love for comics and cartoons. It was wonderful hearing about some PA Black history, and I didn't know about Ormes' activism, that she made a doll based on her comic, or that she was high-profile enough to be monitored by the FBI. Unfortunately I couldn't see myself successfully reading this book with someone of the target age demographic. There are long paragraphs on each page, and some of the words and metaphors seemed complex for the intended audience.
February 3, 2025
Ohio Digital Library Copy
This picture book biography employs a lot of comic strip style art (think the pop art dots in the background) and is a good overview of Ormes' life and career. I liked it a little better than Miller's Leaders Like Us: Jackie Ormes since it is a little longer. There is more information about her Civil Rights activism. I also liked the note from the author and the photograph of Ormes. The Miller book has a time line, which this one does not, although there are replicas of Ormes' comic strips. Even though I have the Miller title, I might need to buy this Siebert honor book as well.
This picture book biography employs a lot of comic strip style art (think the pop art dots in the background) and is a good overview of Ormes' life and career. I liked it a little better than Miller's Leaders Like Us: Jackie Ormes since it is a little longer. There is more information about her Civil Rights activism. I also liked the note from the author and the photograph of Ormes. The Miller book has a time line, which this one does not, although there are replicas of Ormes' comic strips. Even though I have the Miller title, I might need to buy this Siebert honor book as well.
February 11, 2023
Jackie Ormes was a groundbreaking comic artist in her day. Not only that, but she was a fashionista, philanthropist, and activist. She used her illustrative skills to discuss and promote the Civil Rights movement in a highly public and normalizing way. The illustrations in this book as well serve to highlight her history working with newspapers and comics, making this to be a visually interesting book! This picture book biography has me longing to know more about Zelda "Jackie" Ormes.
In the back there are references, photos, and some more information for future resources.
In the back there are references, photos, and some more information for future resources.
April 3, 2023
Meet Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated.
Author Traci N. Todd and illustrator Shannon Wright team up to bring this amazing woman to life. Jackie Ormes worked as a journalist, activist, philanthropist, and treadsetter. She drew and drew, both before and after WWII.
Explore the world Ormes lived in, her career, and the barriers she broke through.
As I read this one, I wanted to know more. Thanks to the selected bibliography, you too can read more about her life.
Thanks to Scholastic Books http://scholastic.com for a copy to read and review.
Author Traci N. Todd and illustrator Shannon Wright team up to bring this amazing woman to life. Jackie Ormes worked as a journalist, activist, philanthropist, and treadsetter. She drew and drew, both before and after WWII.
Explore the world Ormes lived in, her career, and the barriers she broke through.
As I read this one, I wanted to know more. Thanks to the selected bibliography, you too can read more about her life.
Thanks to Scholastic Books http://scholastic.com for a copy to read and review.
January 24, 2024
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes,” illustrated by Shannon Wright, written by Traci N. Todd was selected as a 2024 King Author Honor Book and a 2024 Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book Award for a distinguished informational book for children. This book has spot on illustrations. The text is engaging as it tells about Jackie Ormes, the first Black Roman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. The author and illustrator show Jackie’s talent, charisma, perseverance, and desire to spread joy during times of unrest.
January 29, 2024
It's worth the hype and accolades. I didn't know anything about Zelda er Jackie and now I do and I'm happy that I do. An iconic Black woman who trailblazed and made a name for herself in the characters she drew and the work she did (plus the fashion never hurt!)
She pushed boundaries and became an exceptional artist who provided witty commentary on the Black experience in her writing and in her comics.
The approach for the illustrations of this picture book add another layer of depth. They compliment each other so well. It's a feast for the eyes!
She pushed boundaries and became an exceptional artist who provided witty commentary on the Black experience in her writing and in her comics.
The approach for the illustrations of this picture book add another layer of depth. They compliment each other so well. It's a feast for the eyes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews