Illustrated by April Harrison Written by Alicia D. Williams Discover the inspiring story of the first Black woman elected to Congress and to run for president in this picture book biography from a Newbery Honor-winning author and a Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning illustrator. Meet Shirley, a little girl who asks way too…
Illustrated by April Harrison Written by Patricia McKissack This final, magnificent picture book from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. “Misery loves company,” Mama says to James Otis. It’s been a rough couple of months for them, but…
Written by Vera Ahiyya, the “Tutu Teacher” Illustrated by Joey Chou It’s the first day of kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. He is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry, sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness…
By Derrick Barnes A teen boy invents a smooth alter ego in his quest to win back his ex-girlfriend in this funny, off-beat novel. Diego is a sixteen-year-old boy with a problem. When he breaks up with the girl he loves due to his insecurities, he is crushed. Will he ever win Roxy back? On…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton Eight-year-old Ruby Booker is the baby sis of Marcellus (11), Roosevelt (10), and Tyner (9), the most popular boys on Chill Brook Ave. When Ruby isn’t hanging with her friend, Theresa Petticoat, she’s finding out what kind of mischief her brothers are getting into. She’s sweet…
Written by Marilyn Nelson Illustrated by Wayne Anthony Still Johnnie wants to celebrate her Papa’s birthday, but Papa doesn’t know exactly when that special day is. Johnnie doesn’t understand how that could be. Then she learns about Papa’s childhood–how he built a new life in the all-Black town of Boley, Oklahoma. Inspired by her father’s…
Written by Tricia Elam Walker Illustrated by April Harrison In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother–whose face bears traditional tribal markings–to meet her classmates. It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Gordon C. James The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton A New York Times bestseller, in which a confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten! The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets. It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going…
Written by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson Illustrated by Paul Hoppe This deeply imaginative and entertaining poetry collection details the pleasures of the orchestra, from strong-willed A to satisfied Z. Two widely acclaimed poets–one a composer and classical pianist as well–have come together to create this extraordinary portrait of the orchestra in all of its richness and fascination,…
