Singing Justice, Singing Peace
The Story of Joan Baez
Monica Brown author Molly Mendoza illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Publishing:26th Feb '26
£11.69 was £12.99
This title is due to be published on 26th February, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
An illuminating picture book biography of renowned Mexican American folk musician Joan Baez, whose songs of justice, peace, and activism have inspired listeners to create positive change across the world, from Christopher Award–winning author Monica Brown and Caldecott Honoree Molly Mendoza.
From a young age, Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place. The daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Scotland, she learned values of compassion and advocacy from her parents. As Joan learned about people in need around the world, she sang to make herself feel better—and her beautiful voice made others feel better, too.
Joan sang songs about workers’ rights, civil rights, and the struggle for justice. She started in coffee shops and clubs, worked her way to singing at folk festivals and on New York stages, and eventually she sang next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington, alongside César Chávez, and for the President of the United States.
Joan realized music could move people’s hearts, minds, and feet toward a path of justice and peace. And she used the gift of her beautiful voice to do just that.
Examining the life of musician-activist Joan Baez, this biography follows Baez from childhood to adulthood and her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mendoza’s vibrant and dynamic illustrations bring to life the events described, including a childhood move to Iraq and an adult Baez’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement and anti–Vietnam War protests. This book would pair well with units examining any of the causes Baez championed. Back matter includes a short list of sources and an author’s note expanding on the trajectory of Baez’s life. A solid offering for elementary readers, who might be inspired by Baez to use their own voices and find causes they care about. -- School Library Journal * 12/12/25 *
This lovely tribute to singer, songwriter, and human rights activist Joan Baez teaches young audiences how this cultural icon used her singing voice to speak out. . . . Detailed, swirling ink and mixed-media illustrations portray the whirlwind of the times, adding contextual details to enrich the text. This marvelous biography . . . instill[s] in readers the power of collaboration and social responsibility. -- Booklist * January 2026 Issue *
A picture-book celebration of folk singer and activist Joan Baez. Brown covers her subject’s youthful empathy (modeled by her principled parents, immigrants from Mexico and Scotland); her struggles with identity (as a child, she was bullied for her Latine heritage but also told she wasn’t “Mexican enough”); the gift of a ukulele that set Baez on a musical path; her life-changing exposure to the music of Pete Seeger and other folkies; her post–high school move to Boston, where she got her start playing at clubs; and the steady professional climb that led to performances at 1963’s March on Washington and other large-scale social-justice gatherings. Often flanking images of Baez are flower motifs, abstract swirls, and other bold imagery. Young readers will applaud . . . . -- Kirkus * November 1, 2025 *
ISBN: 9781665926607
Dimensions: 279mm x 229mm x 10mm
Weight: 492g
48 pages