Todd, Traci N. Holding Her Own : The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes. Shannon Wright, Illus. Orchard, 01/2023. 48pp. Biography. Trade $21.99. 978-1-338-30590-6. GRADES 2 – 5. OUTSTANDING.
Meet stylish Jackie Ormes, journalist, philanthropist, and creative force, who in 1937 became the first Black woman to publish a nationally syndicated comic strip. Jackie’s work appeared for almost two decades in Black-owned newspapers, with her most notable comic creations,Torchy Brown and Patty-Jo, giving voice to injustice and discrimination in slyly humorous panels. Exemplifying “Jackie joy,” the story’s mixed-media artwork includes collage, comic panels, speech bubbles, and pop art. The lively illustrations and an informative narrative provide a unique window into the life of a notable mid-20th century Black American female artist. Helpful back matter includes author and artist notes, examples of Jackie’s comics, and a selected bibliography.
Jenny Andrus—Independent