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Lyrical prose and vibrant collage illustrations introduce young readers to Cicely Tyson.
Cicely Tyson by Renee Watson, illustrated by Sherry Shine. Amistad Books for Young Readers, 2024. 48 pages.
- Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-10
- Recommended For: Ages 8-12
CICELY TYSON’S EARLY YEARS
In the 1920s, a little girl was born in the Bronx. Her parents named her Cicely Tyson. She would grow up to be a famous actress with iconic styles.
Renee Watson skillfully introduces young readers to Cicely. While the picture book encompasses Tyson’s entire life, Watson puts particular focus on Cicely’s early years. Watson’s narration consists of a series of free verse poems with titles. While occasionally a page will focus on the historical era, most of the poems focus on Cicely.
From the beginning, Watson incorporates hymns and spiritual songs into Cicely’s life. She highlights the role of church and family. Sadly, Cicely’s family would divide while she was still young. This is especially bittersweet since an early line shares,
“The Tyson family didn’t have a lot,
but they had each other.
And when the cares of the world
were too much to bear,
they turned to their faith to lift them up,
help them carry on.
Yet, by the age of 9, Cicely’s parents separated, and Watson explains:
“Sometimes mommies and daddies don’t get along.
Sometimes they argue and fight and lose the love
they had for each other.”
THE RISE OF CICELY TYSON, A STAR
While focusing on Cicely’s gradual ascent to fame, from a bullied schoolgirl to an iconic movie star, Watson leans into Cicely’s restless quest for something more, and her determination to make a mark on the world. She highlights Tyson’s commitment to dignity, “She refused to portray negative Black characters,” as well as her passion for engagement, from humanitarian work to insisting on getting involved in a school that was named in her honor.
Readers familiar with Cicely Tyson will appreciate Watson’s skill in navigating her adult years. No reference is made to her multiple marriages, or the daughter whose privacy she shielded.
Bottom Line: An age-appropriate, skillful introduction to the life of Cicely Tyson.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Book Reviews: More picture book biographies of famous Black women include A Voice Named Aretha, Go Forth and Tell, Coretta: The Autobiography of Coretta Scott King, and Nina.
- Book Review: Queen Victoria was a pretty famous woman, but did you know about Queen Victoria’s bathtub?
- Book Reviews: Browse all our picture book biography reviews for more ideas.
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