Go Forth and Tell by Breanna McDaniel

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel is a captivating picture book biography that celebrates the life and legacy of Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at the New York Public Library. Illustrated by April Harrison, the book brings to life Baker’s journey from an avid listener of her grandmother’s tales to a renowned storyteller and librarian.

Born in Baltimore in 1911, Augusta was deeply influenced by her grandmother’s stories, which instilled in her a love for storytelling. This passion led her to a career in librarianship, where she recognized the lack of respectful and uplifting representations of Black individuals in children’s literature. Determined to address this gap, Baker curated collections that showcased realistic and positive depictions of African Americans and shared her knowledge with other educators and librarians.

McDaniel’s narrative is both informative and engaging, capturing the essence of Baker’s dedication to storytelling and her impact on future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin. Harrison’s mixed-media illustrations complement the text beautifully, adding depth and vibrancy to Baker’s story.

The book has been praised for its thoughtful prose and reverent illustrations. Kirkus Reviews noted, “Intricate details will draw novice readers back to the pages, while more experienced readers will find a treasure trove of biographical sources.”