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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My head is spinning! So much joy and gratitude.
The last week has been a whirlwind. A week ago I was feeling overwhelmed and daunted by all that was happening and needed to get done. Today, I stand in awe and gratitude. I had set the Kickstarter launch for April 10, not remembering that it was the Monday after Easter weekend (we generally host…
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Let’s fund this thing!
The Kickstarter page is now live and accepting backers. I have been so encouraged by the number of people who have offered words of support and encouragement. Now the main thing I need is help in spreading the word. If you are inspired by Edith and are excited to see this book become a reality,…
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Figuring out Kickstarter
Maybe you are like me and are not super familiar with Kickstarter. I had contributed to a few projects through their platform before, but figuring out how to create a campaign has been quite a learning curve. Unlike some other sites like GoFundMe, which allow you to simply make a contribution to a cause, Kickstarter…
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Connecting with the Illustrator
When I started to think about doing this book, it was finding an illustrator that loomed as the biggest challenge. I wasn’t even sure where to start. So like many Grinnell alumni, I posted about it in the alumni Facebook group asking for advice. Among the responses was one who said they had a housemate…
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Reading with Edith
Yesterday I had the indescribably wonderful experience of sitting next to Edith as I read her the story for the first time. As I read the words of each page, I would look across to see her eyes, carefully reading along in her copy. I was wondering if I would (worrying I might?) see signs…
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 