2024 Pearls

I’m starting my year remembering a few Pearls, ancestor gems from the past who transitioned in 2024, and Rubies, precious descendant stones set for the future with books that debut in 2025. Daphne A. Brooks would call this work among the rubies and pearls ‘vernacular stewardship’, the way people in the margins care for their own stuff.

A few remarkable Pearls trasitioned last year. I hope this post leads you to read and explore some of their work that has innovated storytelling, marked historical moments, and given voice to whispers. Spending time learning of their legacies poises us to face 2025 and beyond with integrity, purpose, and a sense of belong, regardless the current politics.

It’s been hard to gather the Rubies, the 2024 BIPOC debut authors of middle grade and young adult literature; that post is coming soon. There used to be communities on Twitter just for debut authors but, I’ve not seen them form on Bluesky, Instagram, or Facebook. I think this speaks more to our use of technology than of the support needed for debut authors in general, for BIPOC debut authors in particular. I think their numbers are decreasing, I think their contracts are more limited, and I think the opportunities for them to promote their work are fewer. So, I’m doing this one small thing, gathering a few newbies here. Please!! Send me the names of all that I’ve missed! Let’s continue to be good stewards.

In the meantime, here are some of the BIPOC Pearls who have contributed to youth literature and have gone on to the ancestors. Many were prominent in other fields, but they felt the need to create for our children.

Hinako Ashihara January 25, 1974 – January 29, 2024
The Japanese manga artist, Ritsuko Matsumoto, was known by the pseudonym Hinako Ashihara (芦原 妃名子) She wrote and illustrated various manga series, including, Homemade Home, Forbidden Dance, Sand Chronicles, Piece: Kanojo no Kioku, Tennen Bitter Chocolate, SOS, and Chouchou Kumo. Ashihara won the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award for her manga series Sand Chronicles, as well as the 58th Shogakukan Manga Award for Piece: Kanojo no Kioku. Her work has shaped manga and will continue to impress and inspire.

Maryse Condé 11 February 1934 – 2 April 2024
A French novelist, critic, and playwright from Guadeloupe. Condé’s work connected the histories and cultures of the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe, blending the past to shape the future. Her works for young people include Hugo le terrible (2016); Rêves amers (2001) and a la courbe du Joliba (2006). Teens would also enjoy Windward Heights (1999), I Tituba Black Witch of Salem (1994),and Tales from the Heart: True Stories from My Childhood (2001).

Michaela DePrince January 6, 1995 – September 10, 2024
Born Mabinty Bangura, Michaela DePrince was a Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer. With humble beginnings in an orphanage in war torn Sierra Leone, she ultimately danced with the Boston Ballet, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Dutch National Ballet. DePrince rose to fame as one of four stars of the 2011 documentary, First Position. In her short career, DePrince opened many doors for ballerinas of African descent. “DePrince championed disadvantaged young people, with whom she shared her message of hard work, perseverance, and hope, to encourage them to strive for their dream. In 2016, DePrince was named an ambassador for WAR CHILD HOLLAND.” [source]

She worked with her mother to co-author her young adult memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina (2014). She also wrote Ballerina Dreams and Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer (Step Into Reading, Step 4). Her artistry will inspire generations.

Nikki Giovanni June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr. A writer, commentator, activist, and educator, Giovanni was one of the United States’ best known poets. Giovanni received numerous awards and holds 27 honorary degrees from various colleges and universities. The honors and accomplishments for Giovanni are too numerous to mention. Suffice to say: she was love. She touched the future through her teaching, geniune compassion for others, and her written words. Her children’s books include the follow, as listed on Wikipedia.

Spin a Soft Black Song, 1971
Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People, 1973
Vacation Time: Poems for Children, 1980
Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People Revised Edition, 1993
The Genie in The Ja,r 1996
The Sun Is So Quiet, 1996
The Girls in the Circle (Just for You!,) 2004
Rosa, 2005
Poetry Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat, 2005 (editor)
Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship, 2008
Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry with a Beat, 2008
The Grasshopper’s Song: An Aesop’s Fable, 2008
I Am Loved, 2018
A Library, 2022

Faith Ringgold October 8, 1930 – April 13, 2024
Born Faith Willi Jones, she became the original artivist. Ringgold was a quilter, muralist, activist, writer, and illustrator who has influenced and who will influence generations. The Faith Ringgold School K–8 in Hayward, California was named after her in 2007. Her children’s books include the following. She worked to promote the work of other Black artists and to resist oppression.

Tar Beach, 1991
Aunt Harriets Underground Railroad in the Sky, 1992
Dinner at Aunt Connie’s House, 1993
My Dream of Martin Luther King, 1995
Bonjour Lonnie, 1996
Talking to Faith Ringgold, 1996
6 Invisible Princess, 1998
Counting to Tar Beach, 1999
Cassie’s Colorful Day, 1999
If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks, 1999
Cassie’s Word Quilt, 2002
O Holy Night, 2004
A View From the Studio  2004
The Three Witches, 2006
Bronzeville Boys and Girls, 2007
Henry Ossowa Tanner: His Boyhood Dream Comes True, 2011
Harlem Renaissance Party, 2015
We Came to America, 2017

Antonio Skármeta November 7, 1940 – October 15, 2024
Esteban Antonio Skármeta Vranicic was a Chilean writer, screenwriter, activist, and director. Skármeta understood the political role of artists to contextualize, provide hope, and give reason. His stories document Chilean lives under a repressive, dictatorial regime. Among his dozens of novels and short story collections lies La composición / The Composition (2004), a picture book that provokes young reader’s thoughts about freedom, choice, and personal responsibility.  

Akira Toriyama (鳥山明,) April 5, 1955 – March 1, 2024
As the creator of Dragon Ball, Toriyama become known as one of the most influential manga authors ever. Inspired by Astro Boy, he went on to create first Dr. Slump and then Dragon Ball. The immense impression that Toriyama had on creators was marked by numerous artists, animators, and musicians whose works were informed by this legend. No doubt, he has a profound legacy.

Shay Youngblood October 16, 1959 – June 11, 2024
Playwright, author, artist, and educator Shay Youngblood wrote two children’s books, Mama’s House and A Family Prayer. Youngblood formed community with Valerie Boyd and Tina McElroy Ansa to provide space for other Black women storytellers. She taught students how to navigate careers as professional creatives. Youngblood created a legacy that inspires others to continue to create, to keep pushing through.

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