“Passionate, personal, insightful, testy, and unique.” — Kirkus (starred review) "Verdelle offers us testimony in praise and consideration of life as a literary citizen and Black woman alongside the guiding light of Toni Morrison. This is a holy testimony, indeed, one that deserves to be amen'd forever.” —Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author "Verdelle gives us the greatest gift—our beloved ancestor returned to us—generous and alive, remembered and revered. So grateful for this book in the world.” —Jacqueline Woodson, author of Another Brooklyn "If you let a black girl loose in a library, you may not recognize the woman who emerges." —from Miss Chloe Toni Morrison, born Chloe A Wofford, was a towering figure in the world of literature when she entered A.J. Verdelle’s life. Their literary friendship was a young writer’s dream—simultaneously exhilarating, intimidating, fulfilling, and challenging. The relationship crossed generations, spanned several cycles in life, exhibited high and low notes, reached and dipped and found its way. Like many women friends, these two writers imagined and built a relationship that was responsive, inventive, and engaged. Miss Chloe powerfully situates the risks writers face and the freedom they find when they put Black women’s lives into words. Verdelle chronicles her grief at Morrison’s passing, and finds comfort in Morrison’s astute advice—wisdom Verdelle didn’t always recognize at the time. In this pensive and intricately lyrical book, Verdelle honors Morrison among the cultural greats, while illuminating and celebrating the power of language, legacy, and genius. A. J. Verdelle is the award-winning author of the novel, The Good Negress . She teaches Creative Writing at Morgan State University and at the MFA program at Lesley University.  In this moving portrait of a friendship between two literary giants, A. J. Verdelle shares an unforgettable look at the woman she called Miss Chloe: A Portrait of Toni Morrison: Go behind the larger-than-life persona to meet 'Miss Chloe,' the friend, the elder, and the woman, in moments of quiet conversation, shared laughter, and profound wisdom. - The Craft of Writing: A must-read for writers, this book delves into the risks and freedoms of putting Black women’s lives into words, celebrating the power of language and legacy. - Grief and Remembrance: Verdelle chronicles her journey through grief after Morrison's passing, finding solace and strength in the memories of their two-decade bond. - Black Womanhood and Friendship: A beautiful testimony to the bonds between Black women across generations, and the inventive, responsive, and engaged relationships they build together. “It's hard to put into words how much I love Miss Chloe . Part memoir, part homage, part literary reflection, this rare glimpse into a remarkable sisterhood between A.J. Verdelle and Toni Morrison will take its place among the classics. I will treasure this book forever."  - Dolen Perkins-Valdez, NYT bestselling author of Wench and Take My Hand “In Miss Chloe , Verdelle offers us testimony in praise and consideration of life as a literary citizen and Black woman alongside the guiding light of Toni Morrison. This is a holy testimony, indeed, one that deserves to be amen'd forever." - Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author   “Wasn’t I waiting for a memoir like this, for the depth—and dearness—of a literary friendship between two brilliant Black women? Yes, indeed, I surely was. And reading these frank and lovely recollections made me love Morrison even more—made me love Verdelle for writing this memoir. Thank you, my sister! Thank you for this indomitable act of generosity.” - Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois “Verdelle has created a remarkable literary portrait and memoir.” - Booklist “The admiration and love Verdelle shows for her friend, who left us in 2019, is unquestionable, and Miss Chloe is an intimate and powerful tribute that Toni Morrison deserves.” - Los Angeles Review of Books “ Miss Chloe is a rich and wise meditation on the literary paragon that is Toni Morrison. In prose  that is at once lyrical and precise, A.J. Verdelle has delivered an enthralling book on the bounty of long friendship, the dynamism of black culture, the genesis of black genius, the myriad wonders of black women, and the power of literature to shape exceptional lives. Miss Chloe meets the measure of its incomparable central figure, a feat if ever there was one.” - Mitchell S. Jackson, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize "Passionate, personal, insightful, testy, and unique." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “ Miss Chloe is a joyous, eloquent memoir of a lively, emotionally rich, and intensely bookish friendship. In honoring Toni Morrison, A.J. Verdelle has given us a personal celebration of family, women, education, libraries, and, always, the power of words. Verd