In many ways, the late, Black, gay writer James Baldwin had been writing his own story for years. However, with “Baldwin: A Love Story” (FSG, 2025) by Nicholas Boggs, readers now have the first major biography of one of the definitive writers of the 20th century, gay or straight. Boggs, who played a considerable role as co-editor for the 2018 Duke University Press reissue of Baldwin and illustrator Yoran Cazac’s 1976 children’s book, “Little Man Little Man,” has created a stunning and meticulously researched book. While it’s hard to believe that no such Baldwin biography existed prior to this, we can all be grateful to Boggs for writing one. A perfect autumn read to curl up with as the seasons change.

Speaking of children’s books, Arnold Lobel was the author and occasional illustrator of

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