"[A] powerful example of Black and Native resistance--an aspect of history that far too often goes undiscussed. Wise's earth-toned, opalescent illustrations make the trees, water, and flowers feel just as key to the tale as the humans. The excellent marriage between lyrical text and stunning visuals makes for a moving, memorable story. An artfully rendered tale of life and love that also conveys an essential but often overlooked chapter in U.S. history." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Digital illustrations from Wise (The People Remember) make for a bountiful, nature-centered accompaniment to this romance set against the changing landscape of freedom for Black and Indigenous peoples. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Freedom forges a path to love.

Kendi uses poetic and accessible prose to restate Hurston's historical truths. [Wise's] gentle digital illustrations have a vivaciousness that reinforces the depth of Hurston's characters as well as the vastness of the world encompassing them. -- Shelf Awareness (starred review) I hope that the luminous spirit of the GREAT Zora Neale Hurston is forever shining down on Loveis and Ibram for their most gracious retelling of this sweet yet powerful folktale; a declaration of love. -- Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, NY Times Bestseller, Ezra Jack Keats Award and the two-time Kirkus Prize winner Digital illustrations are a real complement to the story, creating a lush landscape filled with beautifully drawn flora. Bright pinks, yellows, and aqua blues fill each page and are a perfect accompaniment for lyrical text. -- School Library Journal [A] pleasing introduction to Hurston's oeuvre. -- Booklist Kendi adapted this 1925 short story about Afro-Indigenous love and resistance into a picture book so children wouldn't have to wait to absorb Hurston's rich folkloric tales. -- New York Times Book Review [A] true launchpad for recentering the narrative of U.

S. history, honoring Zora Neale Hurston and her legacy, and building cultural awareness and sensitivity. (5 STARS!) -- Common Sense Media Both the lyrical text and the flowing digital illustrations let the theme of love running through Hurston's stories shine. -- Horn Book Magazine.