by Renée Watson
First published 2024
Cicely Tyson stands before another camera, another role that demands she dig deep into stories of struggle and strength. The acclaimed actress has spent decades bringing complex Black women to life on screen, from her breakthrough in "Sounder" to her powerful performances in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" and "Roots." But behind the accolades and iconic roles, Cicely wrestles with the weight of representation, the loneliness of breaking barriers, and the cost of refusing to compromise her principles in Hollywood. She turns down lucrative parts that would diminish her people, choosing integrity over easy money even when bills pile up. Through auditions, rehearsals, and quiet moments of reflection, Cicely navigates an industry that often sees her as either invisible or a symbol rather than a complete human being. Watson captures the determination that drove Tyson to transform American television and film, showing how one woman's unwavering commitment to dignity shaped not just her own legacy but opened doors for generations of performers who would follow.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, american, african-american, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: breaking-barriers, dignity, integrity
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
48 pages · Hardcover · Amistad Books for Young Readers