Reviews
An NPR Best Book of 2022 A New York Public Library Best Book of 2022 "A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of literature. This must-read biography belongs on every library shelf and will redefine the way readers engage with biographical texts."-- SLJ, starred review "A biography that's as unique in form and content as the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy author herself.... Informational and inspirational, this innovative work will draw committed Butler fans and entice those unfamiliar with her work to seek it out."-- Horn Book, starred review "Zoboi has created a necessary addition to school and public library collections through this memorable look at how writers incorporate their lives into their work."-- Booklist, starred review "A radiant biography spotlights the life of science fiction great Octavia Butler through a compilation of poetry, prose, quotes and photos."--Shelf Awareness, starred review "An inspiring look at the formative years and work of a literary giant that's sure to capture young readers' attention."-- Kirkus , starred review "This title truly has something for every reader."-- SLC , starred review "Here's a true statement for you: If you live a good life and are true to yourself and persevere, you might, you MIGHT, be lucky enough to get someone like Ibi Zoboi to write your biography for kids."--Betsy Bird, Fuse #8 "Zoboi movingly highlights the importance of empathy in Butler's work and her role as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless other Black creatives."-- BookPage "A fittingly expansive tribute to Butler's visionary mind and the childhood that sowed it."-- Publishers Weekly "Zoboi pairs elegantly crafted poems with direct, informative prose to create an emotionally charged look at a Black woman who changed the literary landscape, writing in a genre dominated by white authors and white characters. [T]his is a compelling blend of artistry and nonfiction that will likely send readers directly to Butler's books."-- BCCB, "A fittingly expansive tribute to Butler's visionary mind and the childhood that sowed it."-- Publishers Weekly, An NPR Best Book of 2022 A New York Public Library Best Book of 2022 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022 A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2022 A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022 "A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of literature. This must-read biography belongs on every library shelf and will redefine the way readers engage with biographical texts."-- SLJ, starred review "A biography that's as unique in form and content as the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy author herself.... Informational and inspirational, this innovative work will draw committed Butler fans and entice those unfamiliar with her work to seek it out."-- Horn Book, starred review "Zoboi has created a necessary addition to school and public library collections through this memorable look at how writers incorporate their lives into their work."-- Booklist, starred review "A radiant biography spotlights the life of science fiction great Octavia Butler through a compilation of poetry, prose, quotes and photos."--Shelf Awareness, starred review "An inspiring look at the formative years and work of a literary giant that's sure to capture young readers' attention."-- Kirkus , starred review "This title truly has something for every reader."-- SLC , starred review "Here's a true statement for you: If you live a good life and are true to yourself and persevere, you might, you MIGHT, be lucky enough to get someone like Ibi Zoboi to write your biography for kids."--Betsy Bird, Fuse #8 "Zoboi movingly highlights the importance of empathy in Butler's work and her role as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless other Black creatives."-- BookPage "A fittingly expansive tribute to Butler's visionary mind and the childhood that sowed it."-- Publishers Weekly "Zoboi pairs elegantly crafted poems with direct, informative prose to create an emotionally charged look at a Black woman who changed the literary landscape, writing in a genre dominated by white authors and white characters. [T]his is a compelling blend of artistry and nonfiction that will likely send readers directly to Butler's books."-- BCCB, An NPR Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year "A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of literature. This must-read biography belongs on every library shelf and will redefine the way readers engage with biographical texts."-- SLJ, starred review "A biography that's as unique in form and content as the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy author herself.... Informational and inspirational, this innovative work will draw committed Butler fans and entice those unfamiliar with her work to seek it out."-- Horn Book, starred review "Zoboi has created a necessary addition to school and public library collections through this memorable look at how writers incorporate their lives into their work."-- Booklist, starred review "A radiant biography spotlights the life of science fiction great Octavia Butler through a compilation of poetry, prose, quotes and photos."--Shelf Awareness, starred review "An inspiring look at the formative years and work of a literary giant that's sure to capture young readers' attention."-- Kirkus , starred review "This title truly has something for every reader."-- SLC , starred review "Here's a true statement for you: If you live a good life and are true to yourself and persevere, you might, you MIGHT, be lucky enough to get someone like Ibi Zoboi to write your biography for kids."--Betsy Bird, Fuse #8 "Zoboi movingly highlights the importance of empathy in Butler's work and her role as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless other Black creatives."-- BookPage "A fittingly expansive tribute to Butler's visionary mind and the childhood that sowed it."-- Publishers Weekly "Zoboi pairs elegantly crafted poems with direct, informative prose to create an emotionally charged look at a Black woman who changed the literary landscape, writing in a genre dominated by white authors and white characters. [T]his is a compelling blend of artistry and nonfiction that will likely send readers directly to Butler's books."-- BCCB, A We Need Diverse Books Walter Dean Myers Honor Book An NPR Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year "A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of literature. This must-read biography belongs on every library shelf and will redefine the way readers engage with biographical texts."-- SLJ, starred review "A biography that's as unique in form and content as the groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy author herself.... Informational and inspirational, this innovative work will draw committed Butler fans and entice those unfamiliar with her work to seek it out."-- Horn Book, starred review "Zoboi has created a necessary addition to school and public library collections through this memorable look at how writers incorporate their lives into their work."-- Booklist, starred review "A radiant biography spotlights the life of science fiction great Octavia Butler through a compilation of poetry, prose, quotes and photos."--Shelf Awareness, starred review "An inspiring look at the formative years and work of a literary giant that's sure to capture young readers' attention."-- Kirkus , starred review "This title truly has something for every reader."-- SLC , starred review "Here's a true statement for you: If you live a good life and are true to yourself and persevere, you might, you MIGHT, be lucky enough to get someone like Ibi Zoboi to write your biography for kids."--Betsy Bird, Fuse #8 "Zoboi movingly highlights the importance of empathy in Butler's work and her role as a mentor and source of inspiration for countless other Black creatives."-- BookPage "A fittingly expansive tribute to Butler's visionary mind and the childhood that sowed it."-- Publishers Weekly "Zoboi pairs elegantly crafted poems with direct, informative prose to create an emotionally charged look at a Black woman who changed the literary landscape, writing in a genre dominated by white authors and white characters. [T]his is a compelling blend of artistry and nonfiction that will likely send readers directly to Butler's books."-- BCCB