"Obuobi pens an origin story that's at once earthly and impressively cosmic, an ethereal children's debut that centers a Black child's beginnings." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is." -Yamile Saied Mendez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?

This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe's unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth-rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.

Laura Obuobi's empowering, whimsical text and London Ladd's lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.

A Bank Street College of Education's Children's Book Committee's Best Children's Books of the Year (2023)

A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 5-9 in Family/School/Community Fiction and noted for outstanding merit (2023)

About the Author
Laura Obuobi (Oh-bow-be) is the acclaimed author of Black Gold, an NAACP Image Award nominee and Bank Street Best Book with multiple starred reviews. Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Laura was a preschool teacher for eight years, setting the stage for her transition into writing for children. She is a graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts in writing for children and young adults. Visit her at lauraobuobi.com. London Ladd graduated with a BFA and MFA in illustration. He is the illustrator of Lend a Hand, Frederick's Journey, and March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World. He uses a unique mixed-media approach to bring his diverse subjects to life. Each image is steeped in intensity and emotion, a reflection of the artist himself. London lives in Syracuse, New York. Visit him at londonladd.com.

Reviews
"In a perfect weave of lyrical, empowering words and stunning, inspiring illustrations, Black Gold is a celebration of children and the attributes that make them unique. This book reads like an affirmation of the miracle each individual is." - Yamile Saied Mendez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be? "Poetically written and wondrously illustrated, Obuobi and Ladd's picture book offers Black children a cosmic origin story filled with beauty and strength. This book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world, and its empowering message will strike a chord." - Booklist "Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth." - School Library Journal "Obuobi pens an origin story that's at once earthly and impressively cosmic, an ethereal children's debut that centers a Black child's beginnings." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)


Awards
Winner of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year (United States).



Book Information
ISBN 9780063015760
Author Laura Obuobi
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Weight(grams) 445g