Not Every Fairytale Needs a Crown
Some fairytales start in castles. Some start in cornfields.
This week, we’re visiting Zeely, written by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by Symeon Shimin, published by Macmillan in 1967, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Virginia Hamilton (1936-2002) was a groundbreaking American author whose work transformed children’s literature. She became the first Black author to win the Newbery Medal and received nearly every major award in the field. From the start, Hamilton centered Black children as complex, imaginative protagonists, something still far too rare when Zeely first appeared.
Symeon Shimin (1902–1984), a Russian born American illustrator known for his expressive, textured style, brings Hamilton’s world to life with warmth and subtle drama. His illustrations punctuate the story with quiet moments of wonder, capturing the magic in both ordinary summer days and the extraordinary presence of Zeely herself.
The story follows Geeder, a spirited girl spending the summer at her uncle’s farm, and the tall, captivating Zeely, who immediately captures her attention. Geeder’s playful imaginings, even envisioning Zeely as a Tutsi queen, give way to something subtler and more important: learning to appreciate people for who they are and seeing herself with the same care and curiosity.
Zeely is a story about cultural identity and the beauty of embracing heritage. Through her friendship with Zeely, Geeder begins to reflect on her own roots and uniqueness. It’s also a story of self-discovery, as Geeder explores the world around her and within her family’s history, she grows more certain of her own place in it. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a story of acceptance and diversity, learning that differences can be celebrated, not feared, and that every person has their own quiet magic.
For Black History Month, it’s a lovely reminder that fairy tales can honor real lives, real heritage, and the enchantment in noticing the remarkable in those around us.
-Melissa (forever charmed by stories that show us how ordinary can feel extraordinary), Distinctive Collections Library Assistant
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