"I am convinced that the struggle for human rights is not over and never will be, but I also know that love, peace, and justice will always have the last word.” — Coretta Scott King 

Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King written by Coretta Scott King with Reverend Dr. Barbara Reynolds and illustrated by Ekua Holmes stands as a powerful contender for the Caldecott Medal, offering a vibrant and intimate look at King's life through both words and images. The narrative, adapted from King's adult memoir, captures her experiences in the segregated South, her partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and her unwavering devotion as a mother and civil rights leader. This firsthand perspective, rich with King's voice, brings to life her grace, resilience, and determination, inspiring readers of all ages. 

Ekua Holmes’s illustrations, rendered in acrylic with elements of collage incorporating print and photos, saturate the pages with color, immersing the reader in King's world. Holmes masterfully blends vivid acrylics with layers of mixed media to create a dynamic visual narrative that reflects the complexity and depth of King’s journey. The pages are alive with bold, textured imagery and striking compositions, while endpapers adorned with white flowers symbolize purity and strength, threading King’s private and public selves together throughout the book. 

Holmes’s use of color — from the deep, turbulent blues of struggle to the warm, hopeful golds of triumph — adds profound emotional weight to King's story, making her experiences feel immediate and real. The combination of rich, layered illustrations and King’s powerful words offers readers a multifaceted view of her life and legacy. 

Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King is not just a historical account; it is a compelling story of resilience, courage, and an ongoing fight for justice. The book honors King's legacy, encouraging readers to continue her work and instilling a deep sense of optimism for the future. With its unique blend of deeply personal narrative and vividly powerful illustrations, I hope the committee will see the book's exceptional nature.

[Read The Horn Book Magazine review of Coretta]