Jeanne Walker Harvey, Loveis Wise (Illustrated by) Hardcover Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Women Celebrate the life-changing power of artwork in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas. Circles and stripes. Dashes and dabs. Soft colors, bright colors. Alma’s colors. As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington, DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost seventy years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel. In this stunning celebration of art and the power of imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color. PROLIFIC PAINTER: Almas Thomas was a prolific painter known for her abstract paintings, special colorfulness, and work with geometric forms. Alongside artists such as Morris Louis, Gene Davis, and others, she belonged to a movement called the Washington Color Field School. Through her work, Almas was interested in exploring the power and effect of color. BACKMATTER FOR EDUCATORS: Ablaze with Color includes extensive backmatter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources, which will be a great tool for educators, librarians, and other gatekeepers. SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: As Alma navigates her life in DC, Ablaze with Color is a perfect title for social emotional learning with the following themes of self-awareness and self-management. PERFECT FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Ablaze with Color shines a spotlight on a trailblazing Black woman and artist and is perfect for Women’s History Month and Black History Month promotions. BACKMATTER FOR EDUCATORS: Ablaze with Color includes extensive backmatter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources, which will be a great tool for educators, librarians, and other gatekeepers.