The People Could Fly
  • Published: 15 November 2004
  • ISBN: 9780375824050
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $45.00

The People Could Fly

American Black Folktales

Formats & editions
Paperback
15 May 1994
Hardback
15 Nov 2004
Tr. Paperback
15 Jan 2015
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This is a 32 page picture book version of the late Virginia Hamilton's title story from her award-winning collection of American Black folktales, The People Could Fly which has sold more than 330,000 copies in its various editions and has earned $449,000 in anthology permissions just since 1991. The Dillons, who illustrated the 192 page collection in black and white, have now created all new glorious illustrations in full color for every page of this picture book. A tale about slaves seeking freedom, it is considered her most haunting and moving tale and second only to her Newbery book in sales. Like many books illustrated by the Dillons (see comparative sales) this will be a stand-out gift book for all seasons, all people, and it will also be THE showcase book during Black History Month.

“THE PEOPLE COULD FLY,” the title story in Virginia Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale collection, is a fantasy tale of the slaves who possessed the ancient magic words that enabled them to literally fly away to freedom. And it is a moving tale of those who did not have the opportunity to “fly” away, who remained slaves with only their imaginations to set them free as they told and retold this tale.

Leo and Diane Dillon have created powerful new illustrations in full color for every page of this picture book presentation of Virginia Hamilton’s most beloved tale. The author’s original historical note as well as her previously unpublished notes are included.

Awards for The People Could Fly collection:

A Coretta Scott King Award

A Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice

A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare

An ALA Notable Book

An NCTE Teachers’ Choice

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year
  • Published: 15 November 2004
  • ISBN: 9780375824050
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $45.00
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About the author

Virginia Hamilton

Virginia Hamilton died in 2002 at age 66.

Also by Virginia Hamilton

Many Thousand Gone
See all

Praise for The People Could Fly

Awards for The People Could Fly collection:
A Coretta Scott King Award
A Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
A Horn Book Fanfare
An ALA Notable Book
NCTE Teachers' Choice
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year