A Black woman who grew up in the South, Alma Thomas belonged to a family that encouraged creativity and cultivated an intellectual home where teachers were often invited to talk. When school segregation finally drove the family north, to Washington, D.C., Alma received an art degree and devoted herself to bringing arts education to young students in her neighborhood, where segregated schools meant that many could not access art. She taught, led art clubs, established an art gallery in a school, and organized field trips. Her home was a welcoming place where students could create their own works. Not until she was nearly 70 years old did Alma truly embark on her own artistic career, creating dazzling paintings in a style wholly her own. Rich with patterns and geometric shapes made from “dashes and dabs” of vibrant colors, Alma’s paintings earned places, and then an exhibit, in galleries and museums; after her death, President Obama selected one of her paintings for the White House Collection, where it hangs to this day. Bright digital illustrations in a palette reminiscent of Alma’s paintings accompany this narrative about the life of an impressive artist and educator. 

(Ages 5-8)

Celebrate the life-changing power of art in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas.

Meet an incredible woman who broke down barriers throughout her whole life and is now known as one of the most preeminent painters of the twentieth century. Told from the point of view of young Alma Thomas, readers can follow along as she grows into her discovery of the life-changing power of art.

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 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.

Ablaze with Color includes extensive back matter with photos, an author's and illustrator's note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources that will be a great tool for parents, educators, and librarians. Perfect for Women's History Month and Black History Month units alongside such favorites as Malala's Magic Pencil, Hidden Figures, and Mae Among the Stars.

A NAACP IMAGE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LITERARY CHILDREN'S WORK NOMINEE!A JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN 2023 FINALIST!A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF 2022!A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 2022 BEST BOOK FOR KIDS!A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST INFORMATIONAL BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS OF 2022!A NERDY BOOK CLUB 2022 BEST NONFICTION BOOK!A CCBC BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR, 2023! A CHARTER OAK CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD NONFICTION NOMINEE!A 2022 CALIBA GOLDEN POPPY AWARD FINALIST! A 2023 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD (NCBA) IN CHILDREN'S BOOKS: YOUNGER READERS NOMINEE!