Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Ablaze with Color tells the inspiring true story of Alma Thomas, a trailblazing artist who became the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum and to have her work included in the White House collection. Told from Alma’s point of view as a child, the book follows her journey from a color-loving girl in Georgia to a beloved teacher and, later, a celebrated painter whose abstract art was inspired by nature and space. With vivid illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this picture book celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the power of imagination. Back matter includes historical photos, notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline, and helpful resources for further exploration.

Awards and Recognition:

• NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Literary Children's Work
• Jane Addams Children's Book Award finalist for Younger Children, 2023
• School Library Journal Best Book of 2022
• New York Public Library 2022 Best Book for Kids
• Chicago Public Library Best Informational Book for Younger Readers of 2022
• Nerdy Book Club 2022 Best Nonfiction Book
• CCBC Best Book of the Year, 2023
• Charter Oak Children's Book Award nonfiction nominee
• 2022 CALIBA Golden Poppy Award finalist
• 2023 Northern California Book Award (NCBA) nominee in Children's Books: Younger Readers

Ages: 4-8 years

Hardcover / 40 Pages

Dimensions: 9" x 11.25"