Laura

Obuobi

Children’s Author

Educator

Travels from: Los Angeles, CA

Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is. — Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?

Laura Obuobi was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, but has been living in the United States since 2003. She has loved books ever since her daddy taught her to read. Libraries, bookstores, in fact any ‘bookish space’ is Laura’s happy place.

She is fascinated by pre-colonial West African history and how it connects with the Black diaspora and Black history. Laura loves to explore these themes, elements, and cultural connections in her stories.

Laura received an MA in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught for 8 years as a preschool teacher. Her time in the classroom opened her eyes to the power of picture books, and the desire to write for children. Her first book, Black Gold, will be released in October, 2022. Laura is a graduate of the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Black Gold

HarperCollins |

October 11, 2022

Children’s

This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe’s unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!

“Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is.” —Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth—rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.

Laura Obuobi’s empowering, whimsical text and London Ladd’s lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.

Black Voices, Diversity & Inclusion, Female Author, Grades K-5, Social & Emotional Development, Tolerance & Self Esteem

School Visit with Laura Obuobi

Praise For Black Gold…
“In a perfect weave of lyrical, empowering words and stunning, inspiring illustrations, Black Gold is a celebration of children and the attributes that make them unique. This book reads like an affirmation of the miracle each individual is.” — Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?

School Library Journal

“Lyrical text tells of the Universe as she creates a Black child out of the earth, lovingly shaping each feature, swaddling the child in gold, crowning the child with roses, breathing her divine power into the new life. The Sun and the Moon share their light and wisdom and the Universe her love. The fully formed child is advised to take pride in sharing these exalted origins with the world. The mixed media art uses rich, saturated colors and striking imagery to embody the depth of an infinite cosmos, bringing the text to life. Black children will find a positive and powerful affirmation of their intrinsic and irrefutable worth. VERDICT Stunning illustrations elevate this empowering creation myth.”

Booklist Review

“Poetically written and wondrously illustrated, Obuobi and Ladd’s picture book offers Black children a cosmic origin story filled with beauty and strength. The illustrations can only be described as magical, blending elements of fantasy with nature and starscapes. Ladd creates unique layered effects through his combination of acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper, and the deep purples and blues sparkle with flecks of gold-shining light. While geared toward Black children, this book holds universal appeal in the way it intimately connects children to the larger world, and its empowering message will strike a chord with any child who feels different from other kids or is grappling with self-esteem.”

Honors, Awards & Recognition

MA in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
Graduate of the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts