Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist

by Liz Montague

A stirring picture-book biography about Jackie Ormes, the first Black female cartoonist in America, whose remarkable life and work inspire countless artists today.

Zelda Jackson—or Jackie—was born in Pittsburgh on August 1, 1911, and discovered early on that she could draw any adventure. A field she could run through as far as her hand could draw. An ocean she could color as blue as she liked. As she grew, Jackie put her artistic talents to use, doodling and chronicling daily life for her high school yearbook. But she was already dreaming of bigger things.

Jackie would go on to create bold and witty cartoon characters—Torchy Brown, Candy, Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger—who entertained readers of African American newspapers like the Pittsburgh Courier and the Chicago Defender . She tackled racism, pollution, and social justice—and made the world listen. Jackie was the first Black female American cartoonist, but she would not be the last.

Author Liz Montague, one of the first Black cartoonists at the New Yorker, carries Jackie's indelible legacy forward in vibrant text and evocative cartoons.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Art, Childrens, Comics

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fine introduction to Jackie Ormes, my third this year.

See also: Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes and Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist.

None of these feel like the definitive statement on Ormes, but it's exciting to see so much interest in a person who deserves more attention.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography about a Black cartoonist who was ahead of her time is a 3.5 for me. Jackie Ormes seems to have expressed herself best through her drawings, imagining the world as she saw it, and creating caricatures of teachers and students during her high school days. She boldly sent an employment inquiry to the publisher of a Black newspaper in Pittsburg, a tactic that worked and resulted in her covering a boxing match and eventually leaving her small Pennsylvania town behind for Pittsburg and then later, Chicago. Eventually, she created several cartoon strips featuring Black characters dealing with racism and social justice, and used that platform to express her own concerns about these topics. Initially a self-taught artist, Jackie took art classes late in life, and even though her fellow classmates intimidated her with their knowledge of art, she persisted, a great example for young readers with ambitions or those intent on making their mark in the world against all odds. The illustrations, created with Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Procreate, have that unique cartoon-like appearance that makes them and this story an homage to Jackie Ormes, who let her characters do the talking for her. Readers won't want to miss the back matter, which provides additional details about this artist who has only recently been given the recognition she deserves and the Author's Note, which describes how she copes with insecurity and doubt, drawing inspiration from the example of Jackie Ormes. This book is a good addition for any collection of biographies focused on artists.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even as a child, Jackie Ormes loved to draw, as high school yearbook editor, her edition was full of cartoon characters based on her teachers and classmates. After high school, she moved to Pittsburgh where her character Torchy Brown was published in the Courier. After a long break which included classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, she created her now famous "Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger cartoon.

Montague's illustrations were sometimes in the style of comic panels, which I did not find appealing and it wasn't consistent. Sometimes the text was just in a box and read more like a description of the illustration. The story is all over the place, jumping from her professional experiences to her personal life, and back again. The author's note included a photograph of Ormes and an example of her work. Includes source material.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. If you are looking for a good book about Jackie Ormes, this one may leave you wanting more. This particular book (to me) had a very gap-ridden flow. It seemed to jump around to different ages and leave a little bit of a gap where the reader just gets lost. The illustrations were digitally created and are very dull in color. I'm just not sure that it will catch the attention and then keep the attention of a young reader.

There is another book by Traci Todd (Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes) that give a little more detail with some very vivid/colorful illustrations--go give that one a try if you aren't in love with this one.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another amazing picture book biography that introduces the reading to a person we should know about but don't. Montague tells the life story of Jackie Ormes who is often identified as one of the first Black cartoonists. Jackie's life begins in rural Pennsylvania where the reader learns of her talent for drawing. Then we see her ambition as she heads to the big city to become a Jounalist in Pittsburgh before heading to Chicago. The reader learns of her starts and stops before she lands on her most famous cartoon character Patty-Jo. The book has an additional summary about Jackie Ormes, an author's note and a list of resources in the end pages.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is a frustrating book, a biography of a comic strip creator w/only a couple samples of her art. she created four comic strips and produced the first upscale Black doll, i really want to see her art!. at least comparisons to other artists and writers so we could get an idea of their look and flavor.
i enjoyed Montague's writing and art and look forward to more books by her.

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I applaud the artist for publishing this book; however, I read another version by Traci N. Todd earlier in 2023 that I enjoyed much better. Nonetheless, the back matter was interesting and I value both texts as the topic of cartoonist, Jackie Ormes, is very worthy of attention.

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the text of the book, especially because I didn't know anything about Jackie Ormes. However, it seems like it ended right when it was going to get going, which was a big disappointment to me.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about artist Jackie Ormes and her historic career. I felt the story ended abruptly and I was left wishing for more information. While the back matter filled in a few holes, it felt unfinished. Nevertheless, I think it is great that Ormes' story is told.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

I did not know about Jackie Ormes or Patti Jo before reading this book. This was informative and I'm glad I got to learn about such a pioneer. However, I found the text to be dry and a bit unorganized.

[Rachel Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had so much potential! This book ends so abruptly, mid career of Jackie's, that it overshadows everything else. The author's note at the end was every bit as wonderful and heartfelt as the story/text was. I wanted the rest of the story, though!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrations are good, and I love the connection the author has to Ormes. Some of the metaphors and grammar are a little confusing, but the chronology is clear. It also does a good job of explaining Ormes' trailblazing work. The ending is WAY too abrupt for me, though.

3.5 stars

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously you pair it with Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully done picture book biography of a ground-breaking cartoonist.

[Wendy Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The abrupt ending was very odd.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl from Monongahela Pennsylvania follows her dream and uses her talent to become a pioneer in comics.

[Kathie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gorgeous book! Cartoonist, author/illustrator Liz Montague creates a riveting portrait of a pioneering Black woman journalist, artist and cartoonist. The cover and full-bleed, super colorful pages tell the inspirational story in picture book fashion but the font and layout suggest a giant graphic novel. The storytelling balances Ormes's personal life as well as details about her impressive career. Highly recommended, would make a great class read aloud for a) any art class, b) library class, c) women's or Black history month. Ages 8+.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading comics for a very long time; I try to go deeper into the history than the average reader. I had never heard of Jackie Ormes until I saw this book at the library and checked it out. She was truly a trailblazer in the world of comics; someone who should be much better known and appreciated. Will definitely look for more books on her!