Treemonisha, 1995 first edition by Angela Shelf Medearis, based on the Opera by Scott Joplin.

Written by Angela Shelf Medearis based on the opera by Scott Joplin. Illustrated by Michael Bryant. First edition, 1995. Henry Holt and Company. New York.

"Child, long before you were even thought about, two old folks named Ned and Monisha lived on a small plot of land, deep in the piney woods of Arkansas. The joy of their lives was their pretty daughter, Treemonisha.

"Treemonisha was born in 1866, shortly after freedom came. Now that was a jubilee time! Lots of folks left the plantation and moved up North. But Ned, Monisha, and a few of their friends decided to work together, buy some land, and call their homestead Liberty."

Treemonisha attended college. On returning home, she encounters a dangerous conjure man named Zodzetrick who's been spreading ignorance and fear among her people. "He uses the magic of threat and lies." But she has something more powerful: "the power of knowledge."

Scott Joplin (1868 - 1917) was an American composer and pianist who is widely regarded as the "King of Ragtime". Born in Texas to a musical family, he learned to play the piano and guitar and started composing at an early age. He moved to St. Louis in 1894 and became part of the ragtime scene. He published his first rag, "Original Rags", in 1899, followed by his most famous piece, "Maple Leaf Rag", in 1899. He composed over 40 rags, as well as operas, ballets, and other works.

Angela Shelf Medearis is a prolific author, chef, and cultural historian. She was born in Hampton, Virginia, and earned her BA from Texas State University. She has written nearly 100 children's books, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. She has also written seven cookbooks that celebrate the African American culinary heritage and promote healthy eating. She is the host of The Kitchen Diva!, a PBS cooking show that features diverse recipes and guests. She is also the founder of Book Boosters, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports literacy and health projects in underserved communities.

Renowned illustrator Michael Bryant has worked on books, magazines, and advertisements. He is known for his realistic and detailed style, as well as his ability to capture the emotions and personalities of his subjects. He has won several awards, including the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal and the Communication Arts Illustration Annual.

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Condition: Fine/Very Good. Dust jacket: Very light shelf wear. Green cover boards. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.