Radiant
$24.01
- Paperback
320 pages
- Release Date
4 February 2026
Summary
A historical middle-grade novel in verse from multiple Coretta Scott King winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Now in paperback!
As school begins in 1963, Cooper Dale wrestles with what it means to “shine” for a black girl in a predominantly white community near Pittsburgh. Set against the historic backdrop of the Birmingham church bombing, the Kennedy assassination, and Beatlemania, Radiant is a finely crafted novel in verse about race, class, faith, and finding your place in a lo…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780593855805 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0593855809 |
| Author: | Vaunda Micheaux Nelson |
| Publisher: | Dutton Books for Young Readers |
| Imprint: | Dutton Books for Young Readers |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 320 |
| Release Date: | 4 February 2026 |
| Weight: | 215g |
| Dimensions: | 2mm x 129mm x 197mm |
| Audience Age: | 10-14 |
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Critics Review
★ “Nelson deftly weaves in major events from the 1960s, such as President Kennedy’s assassination, the Birmingham church bombing, and The Beatles playing on The Ed Sullivan Show, along with themes from The Wizard of Oz, into a story that reminds readers, ‘A star can’t shine without a black night sky.’ VERDICT This gentle yet thought-provoking historical novel in verse is perfect for anyone who has wished to be somewhere or someone else.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“Sweet, soft, and moving, this is a novel that feels like a hug for Black readers and young girls who want to be their best self. The historical setting grounds the narrative, but it will still resonate loudly with readers of today. A natural choice for older fans of Carol Boston Weatherford and readers of Christopher Paul Curtis.“—Booklist
“This verse novel examines complex themes of identity, forgiveness, self-love, and self-actualization through writing that’s accessible to young readers. Nelson intentionally and deftly uses details to situate the novel with history, and she’s crafted an endearing, three-dimensional protagonist in Cooper, whose voice and authentic struggle to make sense of her experiences will resonate in a work that presents fertile ground for discussion. A complex yet accessible exploration of self-actualization, presented in full color.“—Kirkus Reviews
“Nelson presents an emotive glimpse into the civil rights era via Cooper’s careful internal monologue and nuanced characterization.“—Publishers Weekly
“Effectively examines what it means to forgive along with the importance of family.“—The Horn Book
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is an American writer known for her fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults. Her books have won numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King medal and the Boston Globe Horn Book Award. She is a former youth services librarian and lives in New Mexico with her husband, Drew.
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