The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
Date
1985
Credits
- Virginia Hamilton Author
- Leo and Diane Dillon 17 Designer
Format
- Book 944
Type of Work
- Book 138
Media
- paper 1805
Locations Made
- United States 955
Links
The illustrated book The People Could Fly is a powerful African American folktale about enslaved people who escape by flying, a symbol of freedom and hope. The illustrations were done by Leo and Diane Dillon, African American’s deeply connected to black heritage, and written by Virginia Hamilton. As a result, the book feels honest and personal.
For the illustrations, instead of using the typical pinks and blues for the different genders, they leaned more into rich browns, and golds to reflect culture and emotion, rather than gender. The fact that the author and illustrators are African American makes the story even more impactful as it is not just about black history but told by people who carry that history themselves.
Illustrated book about enslaved Africans flying towards freedom