More than half a century after her family moved North to find a better life, African American artist Michele Wood returned to the South to see and feel the land where her ancestors lived. In her first book for children, Going Back Home, Wood presents her paintings inspired by this personal journey. Michele Wood collaborated with author Toyomi Igus to interpret her visual images and family stories. Igus' moving text draws on African American history to reveal the experiences of Wood's turn-of-the-century sharecropping family. Through her complex and richly-patterned art, Michele Wood places herself back in history -- in the time of her ancestors -- imagining their struggles to overcome hardship through family love and strong community. Going Back Home marks Michele Wood's memorable return to her home and heritage.

 

This book was published 1997 by Children's Book Press, U. S. .

TOYOMI IGUS is the author and editor of several multicultural books for children, including the popular Two Mrs. Gibsons about her own biracial, bicultural heritage, and Going Back Home, for which she won the American Book Award. Formerly the publications editor for UCLA's Center for African American Studies, Toyomi is currently a marketing communications consultant who lives and works in Los Angeles, California. Toyomi has been honored for her work in promoting literacy among children. Minister MICHELE WOOD is known for her mastery of painting, color theory, and design aesthetics. Her books have been sold in multiple countries, and her numerous accolades include the American Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. In 2016, she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for the book Chasing Freedom. Michele uses her Master of Divinity degree to incorporate theology into her picture books, creating powerful illustrations with Christian symbolism that captivate readers young and old. Visit her website at www. michelewood. com.