History is a genre I tend to be drawn to. I like most formats it comes in, even true non-fiction if it is done in a biography or a solid presentation that does not get too fancy or lofty. And as I have said before, picture books are a great format as well. Therefore, combining the two can lead to some of my favorite reading, or at least to some really good reading.
The first picture book I read is due soon (May 2025) and called Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library it is by Hena Khan and illustrated by Nabila Adani. And like the second picture book, Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair it was read via an online reader copy (though Miles of Style is currently available) and by Lisa Brathwaite. 
Behind My Doors is told from the point of view of the subject. The Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco. We learn it is the oldest library as it was started by a Muslim woman in 859. We see how the library was a small collection, then would grow and grow and finally outgrow the space, making many books to be put elsewhere and the library start to go into disrepair. The seemingly small events will have an outcome of international portions when a young girl walks by the doors as a child and what she would do as an adult. Khan’s text is a love letter to this library. The voice of the library is that of a beloved older relative or teacher. Adani’s illustrations show the history and the culture with popping colors and massive amounts of details. It is just freaking gorgeous!
It is perfect for history fans, bibliophiles, Arabic studies and women’s history. And Miles of Style is also perfect for women’s history and women of color history. Not to mention fashion history and business fans. Lisa D. Brathwaite tells how the magazine EBONY came to life. We see how a young girl loved fashion and making clothes. We see her get an education, fall in love and build an empire for women who were underrepresented in the fashion industry. 
Lynn Gaines illustrations the life of Eunice W. Johnson and how she revolutionized fashion. I loved watching how she would be on the cutting edge of style, making style itself and the passion she had to succeed, all the time doing it during a time when women were not supposed to be working, be outside the home, let alone a woman of color. This is a biography that gives inspiration to all. Granted, passion is not enough to succeed, you need talent too and Johnson had all of that and more. It is a clever and delightful read that is great for someone who does like fashion, but also who just wants a good story. The illustrations are probably my favorite part of things with their colors and the historical elements and clothing coming to life. I want to learn more about this person, more about fashion and frankly as a girl who loves her t-shirts and jeans, that is saying something.
