In the prize-winning American Black folktale collection of Virginia Hamilton, the title story is a fairy tale of the slaves who owned the ancient magic words that enabled them to fly away to liberty literally. And it is a touching story about those who did not have the chance to "fly away," who, with only their imaginations, remained slaves to set them free while this story was told and retold. For every page of this picture book presentation of Virginia Hamilton's most beloved novel, Leo and Diane Dillon have created powerful new illustrations in full color. It contains the initial historical notice of the author as well as her previously unpublished notes. Awards for the People Should Fly collection: A Coretta Scott King Award A Booklist Children's Editors' Choice A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year A Horn Book Fanfare An ALA Notable Book An NCTE Teachers' Choice A Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year from the New York Times