Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
By Traci N. Todd
The Story
A musical girl from small-town North Carolina, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, grows into the singer Nina Simone — her sweet voice rising into a thunderous roar of protest during the Civil Rights Movement.
Why It's Special
For the family raising a child who sings before they can talk and feels music in their whole body, this is a picture book about where that gift can lead.
- Big idea: A voice given in love and community can grow into a voice for justice — softness and thunder can live in the same song.
- Vibes: Lyrical, reverent, building from quiet to powerful.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy picture book biographies of real musicians
- are curious about the Civil Rights Movement
- love music and piano
- respond well to stories that build from gentle to bold
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & history: What instrument did Nina Simone learn to play when she was very young?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Nina felt when her voice changed from sweet to thunderous during the Civil Rights Movement?
- Real-life connection: Who in your family or community has helped you learn something you love, the way Nina's family and community supported her music?
- Imagination: Nina loved how Bach's music started soft and grew to thunder — can you hum something that starts quiet and gets loud?
- Big ideas: Why do you think Nina used her singing voice to speak up about fairness and justice?
