About the Author

The recipient of nearly every major award and honor in her field, including the 1992 Hans Christian Andersen Award, Virginia Hamilton (1934-2002) was the first African American woman to be awarded the Newbery Medal, for M.C. Higgins, the Great. Renowned as a storyteller, anthologist, and lecturer as well as a novelist, Ms. Hamilton made her home in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Reviews

"Booklist" A unique experience for mature readers.

"Chicago Sun Times" The style is haunting and musical, and the characters walk through the reader's mind long after the book is over.

"Horn Book Magazine" ...A memorable picture of a young boy's growing awareness of himself and his surroundings.

"Kansas City Star" You'll cheat yourself if you assume this one is only for children.

"The Boston Globe" Many books are described as absorbing, but this one is, truly, from its very first paragraph.

Nikki Giovanni "The New York Times Book Review" Virginia Hamilton has joined the forces of hope with the forces of dreams to forge a powerful story.

"Booklist" A unique experience for mature readers.
"Chicago Sun Times" The style is haunting and musical, and the characters walk through the reader's mind long after the book is over.
"Horn Book Magazine" ...A memorable picture of a young boy's growing awareness of himself and his surroundings.
"Kansas City Star" You'll cheat yourself if you assume this one is only for children.
"The Boston Globe" Many books are described as absorbing, but this one is, truly, from its very first paragraph.
Nikki Giovanni "The New York Times Book Review" Virginia Hamilton has joined the forces of hope with the forces of dreams to forge a powerful story.