“Holmes’ stunning, intricately composed paint-and-collage images bring MaVynee to life in full color...making each spread visually rich, realistic, and fascinating. King’s storytelling, Holmes’ artwork, and informative backmatter portray MaVynee Betsch as the larger-than-life Black environmentalist she was. A spectacular story about a little-known eco-warrior whose story should be told and retold. (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“This lushly illustrated picture-book biography tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an opera-singing African American environmentalist and activist.... Holmes' vibrant, multilayered collages aptly evoke the ocean and shifting sands, and are especially effective in capturing MaVynee's determined stance, her brilliant outfits, and her seven-foot-long tresses.... This story of a wealthy, sophisticated, talented, and larger-than-life activist deserves a wide audience.” (Booklist, starred review)

“King crafts musical prose, skillfully connecting Betsch’s musical career with her love of the beach. Caldecott Honoree Holmes’ art, rendered in acrylic and collage, incorporates patterns created from handmade stencils and stamps, resulting in richly multilayered illustrations. A moving portrayal of a little-known preservationist.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)