Skip content
Give audiobooks, support local bookstores! Start gifting
Coming soon
Go Tell It by Quartez Harris
  Pre-order as gift   Add to Wish List

Almost ready!

In order to save audiobooks to your Wish List you must be signed in to your account.

      Log in       Create account
Illustration of person sitting

Shop small, give big!

With credit bundles, you choose the number of credits and your recipient picks their audiobooks—all in support of local bookstores.

Start gifting
Phone showing make the switch message

Limited-time offer

Get two free audiobooks!

Now’s a great time to shop indie. When you start a new one credit per month membership supporting local bookstores with promo code SWITCH, we’ll give you two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.

Sign up today

Go Tell It

How James Baldwin Became a Writer

$5.24

Available for pre-order
January 07, 2025

Narrator Shamaan Casey

This audiobook uses AI narration.

We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.

Learn more
Length TBA
Language English
  Pre-order as gift   Add to Wish List

Almost ready!

In order to save audiobooks to your Wish List you must be signed in to your account.

      Log in       Create account

Discover the story of young James Baldwin in this ode to the legendary writer and the power of the written word—with exquisite prose from acclaimed poet Quartez Harris, and breathtaking illustrations from New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James.

The first time Jimmy read a book the words clung to him like glitter...

Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life.

This picture book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language. Additional biographical information and personal notes from the author and illustrator round out this stunning celebration of Baldwin's life and work. 
 
★ Lyrical, accessible true story of an American icon, with bonus information at the back of the book 
★ Beautiful, vibrant art from Gordon C. James, two-time winner of the Kirkus Prize, a Caldecott honoree, and Coretta Scott King honoree, and Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist! 
★ Celebrates the power of reading, hard work, and following your dreams 

Quartez Harris is a poet, teacher, and author. He was a Baldwin House fellow and named Ohio Poet of the Year for his book We Made It to School Alive, and his poetry has garnered numerous accolades. He spent many years as a second grade teacher in the Cleveland public school system, and currently spends his time writing and teaching poetry workshops. He lives in Ohio with his wife and son.   Gordon C. James is an award-winning fine artist specializing in figurative drawing and a bestselling, award-winning illustrator. He illustrated Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, which received Caldecott, Newbery, and Coretta Scott King Illustrator honors, and I Am Every Good Thing, which won the Kirkus Prize, among others. He has worked for Hallmark as an illustrator and artist and taught at the University of North Carolina. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Illustration of person sitting

Shop small, give big!

With credit bundles, you choose the number of credits and your recipient picks their audiobooks—all in support of local bookstores.

Start gifting
Phone showing make the switch message

Limited-time offer

Get two free audiobooks!

Now’s a great time to shop indie. When you start a new one credit per month membership supporting local bookstores with promo code SWITCH, we’ll give you two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.

Sign up today

Reviews

* "In descriptive and poetic language, this book reveals how reading and writing were powerful motivators for young James Baldwin. … This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives." School Library Journal, starred review Expand reviews
Give audiobooks, support local bookstores! Start gifting