By Lynda Durrant Rosemary Elizabeth likes Pleasant Hill. Unlike her former home, the Kentucky Shaker community is serene and full of beautiful things. The food is plentiful and delicious, and she dresses in spotless white garments. Above all, she and her younger siblings are safe there—from their drunken, often violent, father, and from the war…
Written by Marilyn Nelson Illustrated by San artists of the Kuru Art Project of Botswana Ostrich and Lark spend their days on the grasslands of southern Africa surrounded by a chorus of birdsong. From his perch in a tree Lark joins the chorus, while below Ostrich is silent. Then comes the joyful day when Ostrich…
By Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile A groundbreaking and timely graphic memoir from one of the most iconic figures in American sports—and a tribute to his fight for civil rights. On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint,…
Illustrated by April Harrison Written by Michelle Edwards All the highs and lows of having a bossy, protective, and loving older sibling are depicted in this heartwarming picture book by a critically acclaimed author and award-winning illustrator. Meet Lee, a little boy who won’t give up until he learns how to sew, and Zora, the sister who…
Illustrated by April Harrison Written by Dinah Johnson This richly informative and gorgeously illustrated book celebrates Harlem’s vibrant traditions, past and present. A is for Apollo Theatre L is for Liberation Bookstore U is for Uptown Discover the Harlem icons that have defined generations of American culture. Harlem is full of remarkable treasures, including museums,…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten.MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom’s special tiara on her head, she knows she’s…
By Doreen Spicer-Dannelly From the creator of the popular Disney Channel original movie, “Jump In!” comes a double Dutch novel perfect for fans of stories about sports, summer, and friendship. Brooklyn middle-schooler MaKayla can only think about one thing–taking her double Dutch team all the way to the National Jump-off at Madison Square Garden. That…
Illustrated by Charly Palmer Written by Joshunda Sanders Eight-year-old Ava Murray wants to know why there’s a difference between the warm, friendly Bronx neighborhood filled with music and art in which she lives and the Bronx she sees in news stories on TV and on the Internet. When her mother explains that the power of…
By Marilyn Nelson So first it did a little dance, then it did a little prance, then, as nicely as you please, it waddled off with stiff red knees. Once there was a jaunty ladder, abandoned by a mysterious carpenter, that sprung to life and decided to take a trip through the countryside. As time…
By Marilyn Nelson The true narrative of a slave from Africa, crafted in verse by Marilyn Nelson. Born an African prince, Broteer Furro was captured by slave traders at age six. As he stepped onto a cargo ship, the vessel’s steward purchased the boy and gave him a new name: Venture. He landed in Rhode…
