'She has comforted, explained, described, wrestled with, taught and made us laugh out loud before we wept . . . I am talking about a span of forty years of tireless activism coupled with and fuelled by flawless art' - Toni Morrison

The remarkable coming-of-age story of a young Black girl growing up in post-war Brooklyn, whose determination, intellect and unwavering belief in justice would shape her into one of the twentieth century's most influential writers.

Before she became a celebrated poet, essayist and activist, June Jordan was a daughter navigating family expectations, racial prejudice and the search for her own voice. With warmth, candour and extraordinary insight, Soldier traces the formative experiences that shaped Jordan's political imagination and literary brilliance, revealing the making of a writer whose work continues to inspire generations.

'There was always joy in her rage' - Angela Davis

'Jordan makes us think of Akhmatova, of Neruda. She is among the bravest of us, the most outraged. She feels for us all. She is the universal poet' - Alice Walker