Exquisite: The Poetry & Life of Gwendolyn Brooks (Hardcover)
by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

A 2021 Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Honor Book
A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book
A 2021 Association of Library Service to Children Notable Children`s Book

This is a picture-book biography of celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000), the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize.

Brooks is known for her poems about “real life.” She wrote about love, loneliness, family, and poverty – showing readers how just about anything could become a beautiful poem. 

Exquisite follows Gwendolyn from early girlhood into her adult life, showcasing her desire to write poetry from a very young age. It explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression – all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject.

Gwendolyn Brooks received the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1950. In 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois. A bold artist who from a very young age dared to dream, Brooks will inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives.

In the opening scene of the Met Opera production of The Hours, Clarissa (played by Renée Fleming) mentions two poets she says Richard will reminisce about at the party she is throwing for him – Allen Ginsburg and Gwendolyn Brooks.

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Illustrated edition (April 7, 2020)
• Ages: 6-9 years
• Dimensions: 8.85” W x 10.85” H

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