An illustrated biography of the life of Edith Renfrow Smith is now available for purchase from the Pioneer Bookstore (first edition, higher print quality) and from major retailers like Amazon (print on demand edition). Remarkable at age 111 as of July 14, 2025, she is an inspiration to many. She was born in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1914 to one of the few Black families in the area. Her grandparents were born into slavery. Her grandfather escaped via the Underground Railroad, traveling through Grinnell with John Brown in 1859. Her mother’s passion for education inspired all six of the Renfrow children to go to college. In 1937, Edith Renfrow became the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. In September 2024, the college named their newest building Renfrow Hall in her honor. She was 110 years old at the time of the building dedication. She flew from Chicago to Grinnell in a private jet, was greeted by the community with a parade, and participated in the weekend of celebration in her honor.
This website documents the process of writing the book which was published in January 2024. It includes the ways that Mrs. Renfrow Smith and her daughter, Alice Smith, were involved every step of they way. You can order your copy from the Pioneer Bookstore in Grinnell.
Read about me and why I did this on the About the Author page.
Read about the journey of publishing this book
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Winter Arrived = Delivery Rescheduled
The Jan 10 scheduled delivery was postponed by the ten inches of snow we received the day before that. But it will not be delayed by the blizzard we’ll have Friday or the subzero temps on Monday! After a very mild December and holiday season, winter arrived in full force in Iowa this week. Tuesday we…
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We have a delivery date!
This morning I received a confirmation email from Print Ninja that the pallet of Renfrow books has been labeled for delivery and is in the hands of the UPS freight service. The projected delivery date is Wednesday, January 10th. [Are you excited? I’m SOOO EXCITED!!!] One of the most enthusiastic supporters of this project, my…
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Delivery update
I received an update from Print Ninja. The ship carrying the books is expected to reach port in California around December 22nd. After that, they need to clear customs and be unloaded, sorted, and labeled for final delivery. And, of course, then they have to make their way through the series of steps and vehicles that…
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Delivering Joy
The joy of delivering the first copies of the book to Edith Renfrow Smith.
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Holding the first copy
While I was enjoying time with family on Thanksgiving day a UPS delivery alert popped up on my phone to tell me the first copies of the book would be delivered on Friday. I let out a little gasp of joy, mingled with just a hint of disappointment that I wouldn’t be home when they…
Pictures with Edith Renfrow Smith 2015-2023
No One is Better than You: Edith Renfrow Smith and the Power of a Mother’s Words
An illustrated biography for all ages.
Description
This illustrated biography is targeted at upper elementary readers but will be enjoyed by all ages. It has a strong message of empowerment. The text is by Monique McLay Shore, a friend of Mrs. Renfrow Smith who has spent several years researching her life. Illustrations are by Erica L. Butler, a Seattle based African American artist. Edith Renfrow Smith and her daughter, Alice Frances Smith, have been involved in the process from the very beginning. The posts on this website document the process of writing the book.
“No one is better than you. They may have more money. They may be more beautiful. But no one is any better than you.”
This wisdom learned from her mother has been a guiding message for Edith and one she shares frequently with others. It is fitting that this message is the cornerstone of the book about her life.
The Renfrow Story 