A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 18, 2024

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Jerdine Nolen

Latest Title: On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison
On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison

Discover the early life and legacy of groundbreaking American writer Toni Morrison in this beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book biography.

Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Ohio, Toni Morrison grew up listening to her family tell myths, legends, and stories from the Bible. She loved hearing the music and power of the words. Toni also heard new stories from the students from other countries who went to her school. After an early childhood of soaking up tales from those around her, it was no surprise Toni grew into a voracious reader.

She worked at her town library as a teenager and was an editor for a New York publisher as an adult. When it came time for her to write her own stories, she knew she wanted to write about her people—Black people. Early in the morning and late at night after her children were asleep, Toni began work on what would become an acclaimed and trailblazing body of work.

This luminous picture book has back matter with further reading on Toni Morrison’s life and work.

About Jerdine Nolen

Jerdine Nolen is the beloved author of many award-winning books, including “Big Jabe;” “Thunder Rose,” a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book; and “Hewitt Anderson’s Great Big Life,” a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, all illustrated by Kadir Nelson. She is also the author of “Eliza’s Freedom Road,” illustrated by Shadra Strickland, which was an ALA/YALSA Best Fiction Nominee for Young Adults; “Raising Dragons,” illustrated by Elise Primavera, which received the Christopher Award; and “Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm,” illustrated by Mark Buehner, which was made into a movie by the same name. Her other books include “Calico Girl,” a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, and “Irene’s Wish,” illustrated by A.G. Ford, which Kirkus Reviews called “delightful and memorable” in a starred review. She will be presenting “On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison.” Jerdine lives in Maryland.

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Twitter: @jerdinenolen1

Author Schedule:

Venue(s):

Jim Henson Pavilion

Presentation Start Time:

11:15 am

Presentation End Time:

12:05 pm

Signing Time:

12:15 pm

Presentation Authors:

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