Becoming Billie Holiday

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Eleanora's transformation into Billie Holiday unfolds through a series of powerful poems that capture her struggles with pain, poverty, and the law. By age fifteen, her extraordinary voice became her ticket to fame, allowing her to perform with prominent big bands. Award-winning poet Carole Boston Weatherford delves into Eleanora's early life and relentless pursuit of her dreams, portraying her as a resilient figure shaped by her experiences. Accompanied by striking illustrations from Floyd Cooper, this work offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a cultural legend.