Here is the little-known story of Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price, who faced many obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, as she pushed forward to become one of the greatest Black classical composers.

Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price loved music from a young age. When she wasn’t practising on the piano, she tapped her feet, drummed her fingers, and whistled. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was surrounded by Negro spirituals, classical music, Juba dance rhythms, and folk songs and even had the chance to play piano with John William “Blind” Boone. But as a young Black girl living in the South, Bea wasn’t offered the same chances as white children. Bea was not allowed to perform publicly, and her first recital was in her living room. But Bea was not deterred. She studied hard, rose to the top of her class, was accepted to the New England Conservatory of Music—one of two Black students—and majored in music and composition. Bea never forgot her roots and wove all kinds of musical genres into her musical compositions and spirituals.

This inspiring, heart-warming, and socially just story sheds light on key themes that still plague our society. It is for all children, young adults, teens, and adults! Beautifully illustrated, this book brings the story of Bea to life once again.

About the Author and Illustrator:

Caitlin DeLems enjoys playing piano and violin and loves the magic of symphony concert halls. She has carved out a niche writing history picture books about unknown but determined female musicians and composers. Her debut title Pitch Perfect and Persistent! , earned a Kirkus Reviews starred review.

Tonya Engel is an award-winning artist and Illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, many of which feature Black women in history. Her titles include Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, Rise! From Cages Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth by Michelle Duster, and many others. In addition to children’s books, Tonya’s art can be found on prints, greeting cards, and textiles.