Review Detail

Small Girl Toni and the Quest of Gold was a cleverly layered fictionalized introduction to Toni Morrison. The story can be read at the surface level of an imaginative girl who sees the “gold” in her family and friends after a bad encounter and is an enjoyable book with a good message about community and family. I also like the illustration where Toni and her siblings look like they are going to have the best fun looking for gold and a young white child is peeking out from a tree looking curious. In a time when discrimination was rampant, I like the reversal in that imagery.
If you know it is loosely about Toni Morrison and the many references to her body of works then you can be inspired to read more about her or her books. This can leave an older reader curious to learn more. It is particularly impressive that so many references can be found in a picture book which is not the typical age group for it.
Overall, this story holds appeal for young and older readers. I like the thought and carefulness the author approached this story with to make it a satisfying read no matter your age. English teachers and fans of Toni Morrison will have an extra pitter-patter to their hearts when they read this book.