With captivating illustrations that bring Jackie Ormes's story to life, learn about this leader's amazing career as the first African American female cartoonist, who used her artistic talents to challenge stereotypes about black people and culture.

In this biography, you'll meet an important leader in comics—Jackie Ormes. Jackie wanted to change the world with her art. As the first African American female cartoonist, she used her comic strips to challenge stereotypes about Black people, especially women. The comics she made and the dolls she designed took America by storm. With simple, easy-to-read pages and full-color illustrations that bring the story to life, you'll learn about Ormes's passion and dedication as she set out to change the world by challenging and breaking harmful stereotypes.

History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in their communities and in our world. Each 24-page book in this illustrated biography series tells the story of an important leader in science, the arts, government, sports, and other fields. Texts focus on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments. Each book includes a time line, pre- and post-reading questions for discussion, and an extension activity.

"Four attractively illustrated volumes explore the careers of extraordinary, but little-known Black leaders. Cathy Hughes founded a chain of radio stations aimed at Black audiences, Frederick O'Neal was instrumental in theater during the Harlem Renaissance, Georgia Gilmore provided food and money for the Montgomery Boycott, and Ottawa Gurley was responsible for a thriving Black community in Tulsa, OK. The primary focus of each book is the accomplishment of each subject in their respective fields; those seeking statistical information will need to consult the timelines in the back. Nonetheless, the colorful drawings and straightforward texts do an excellent job introducing young readers to these admirable leaders who are omitted from the textbooks. Readers will be encouraged to learn more about these extraordinary people. VERDICT These nicely illustrated titles about lesser-known people who are important leaders in different fields should attract browsers and report writers alike. Recommended."

School Library Journal, April 2022

"Books in the Leader Like Us picture-book series introduce Black Americans who excelled in their fields. Written with clarity and organized logically, each volume focuses on one notable individual. The large-format volumes are frighted with Quartey’s illustrations, which use simplified forms and unusual color combinations effectively. In Cathy Hughes, readers meet media-maven Hughes, whose childhood love of radio led her to broadcasting, ownership of a radio station that reflected her community’s interests, and developing and leading media company with radio and TV stations offering a Black perspective. Frederick O’Neal traces the story of this actor who moved to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance and made his mark on the stage, in movies, and in television. Georgia Gilmore tells of a cook who supported the 1955-1956 Montgomery Bus Boycott by leading a group of anonymous volunteers who perorated and sold food to support the cause with much-needed funds. O.W. Gurley introduces a businessman who, beginning in 1905, used his wealth to develop the Greenwood district (known as “Black Wall Street”) in Tulsa. Gurley survived the 1921 race massacre, but much of Gus work went up in smoke. This well-conceived series delivers attractive, very readable biographies of lesser-known Black achievers who made significant contributions to American broadcasting, business, theatre, and civil rights."

Carolyn Phelan, Booklist. April 2022