Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Snyder
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautifully illustrated folktale of freedom after slavery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MAGNOLIA FLOWER, figurative language personifies a River and a Brook, as the River tells a story that demonstrates humans' interconnectedness with nature. Slavery leads Bentley, a large, strong man, to escape and to establish a village of runaways. Bentley and his wife, an Indigenous woman named Swift Dear, have a daughter whom they name Magnolia Flower. Magnolia Flower grows up free, but it is not until she meets a man named John who teaches her to read that she feels truly free. Bentley forbids their relationship, but love prevails.
Is It Any Good?
This modern adaptation brings beauty to a story of oppression often told for how ugly it is. Magnolia Flower, from its charming title and colorful pages to its lovely figurative language and endearing love story, takes the first step towards accomplishing author Ibram X. Kendi's important mission: making the work of Zora Neale Hurston accessible to young readers. And it does so delicately, shifting the focus from the horrors of this time in history to the love, loyalty, labor, and perseverance that Black and Indigenous people have exuded for centuries, without denying the traumas.
Though it is a picture book, it is better suited for readers who are familiar with the true history of the United States. Additionally, the folktale structure and flowery language could be difficult for the youngest readers to digest. Nevertheless, young eyes will be captivated by the stunning artwork of illustrator Loveis Wise. The book is a true launchpad for recentering the narrative of U.S. history, honoring Zora Neale Hurston and her legacy, and building cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical references in Magnolia Flower. What do you know about the enslavement of Black people in the United States? What do you know about the relocation of Native Americans? Why is it sometimes difficult for people to have conversations about these topics?
How would you describe Magnolia Flower? What makes her a strong character? Do you think she could be described as weak?
Find examples of similes, metaphors, and personification. How do these examples make the dialogue between the River and the Brook fun to read?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Loveis Wise
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Amistad Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 6, 2022
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate