5 African American Books that Inspire and Educate

Of Thee I Sing

by Barack Obama

In a heartfelt tribute to his daughters, President Obama highlights several great leaders and their positive character traits.  This book is great for kids but also a wonderfully inspiring read for adults as well.

 

Black Cowboys

By Gina DeAngelis

The Old West was filled with cowboys, and this book tells of the stories and contributions of some of those brave and adventurous men.  A chapter book great for the 9-12 age group.  Although this one is not in our stock at the moment, we couldn’t resist sharing this great tale with you.  It’s a wonderful read for kids who are interested in books about the past.

 

In Her Hands:  The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage

By: Alan Schroeder

Share the story of an amazing, less celebrated African American sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance.  She overcame many obstacles to bring the world her amazing artistry.  Great for expanding on topics and themes related to celebrating heritage, art, and making the most of one’s talent.  Grades 3-6

 

America’s Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes and Leaders

Nancy I. Sanders

This is likely not a book your child is going to want to sit down and read on their own, but it is a wonderful book for sharing some stories about the contributions of lesser-

known African Americans who helped shape this country.  You’ll definitely leave inspired and feel a sense of pride as you share this legacy of excellence with younger generations.  Great for slightly older kids–Grades 5 & up.

We Troubled the Waters

By: Ntozake Shange

Award-winning poet, Ntozake Shange pens a book brimming with resilience and hope.  She tells the stories of the courageous men and women who battled against crippling injustices such as the Jim Crow south.  Your child will learn of an America different from the one he or she is growing up in and hopefully be inspired by the power of everyday people to do extraordinary things.  Grades 6 & up.

Happy Reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m Grateful For…MUSIC

It’s November already, and I cannot believe how swiftly this year is moving.  The changing seasons and Thanksgiving always give me pause to reflect on the year and everything that I’m thankful to God for.  So, this month, I’m combining great books and gratitude.  I hope you’ll enjoy these posts as they’re my reminder of at least thirty great books and thirty things I am thankful for.

Today, I’m thankful for MUSIC.  My little one loves to dance.  He hears the music and starts to move his fingers like he’s snapping, waves his hands and rocks from side-to-side.  It’s so fun to watch, and I appreciate his confidence and willingness to experience this simple joy in life anywhere he hears a song–at home, in the car, at music class, in the coffee shop–it doesn’t matter.  If he hears it, he feels it and responds with genuine happiness.

I’ve found some really great books all about music and musicians, and today I want to share The Bat Boy and His Violin with you.

The Bat Boy and His Violin

By: Gavin Curtis

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This amazing book won the Coretta Scott King Award which honors African American authors and illustrators.

Reginald doesn’t want to be a bat boy.  He wants to play his violin, but much to Reginald’s dismay, his Dad needs a bat boy not a musician.

However, his Dad has a change of heart when Reginald’s music does something unexpected…You’ll have to read this great book to find out the rest.

If you’re an avid children’s book reader, then you know illustrator E.B. Lewis’ work from countless books that reflect images of African-American children.  The watercolor like images in this book will capture your young reader’s interest from the first page.

We’ll share a few more great books filled with music and musicians designed to bring out your child’s inner artist.  Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!

 

Princesses Galore

As a kid, I loved Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and just about any story with a princess.

There was always a small problem, though.  None of the princesses in the books had brown skin.  I know Jasmine came along eventually, but I was somewhat older by then.  Princess Tiana made her long overdue debut last year and became the first African American Disney princess.  While I’m definitely happy about new princesses, I found a few classic books retold with princesses of color that might make you smile and make your little princess feel valued, too.

The Princess and the Pea

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

I love this classic folktale/fairytale, and I love it even more since it’s set in Africa.

This beautiful story is a retelling of an age old Hans Christian Andersen fairytale where a girl proves she is a real princess by feeling a pea through twenty mattresses.

Rapunzel

By: Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

You know the story.  Rapunzel is trapped and has to let down her hair so her prince can come to her rescue.  Well, this one is slightly different.  Rapunzel’s skin has been kissed by the sun, and her hair is not golden but wonderfully thick and braided.  I know your little princess will enjoy reading this story.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

By Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora

The story hasn’t changed, but its location has.  This classic folktale/fairytale is set in Africa.  The princesses secretly meet up every night to dance until one day their secret is discovered.  You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
I also found a great modern princess story, but it’s due out in early 2011; so we’ll revisit that one then.

Know of any great princess stories?  Feel free to share.

Happy Reading!

Books at the Beach

A Beach Tail

By: Karen Lynn Williams

Illustrated By: Floyd Cooper

We’ve been traveling the world by book for a few weeks now, so I’m sure we could all use a rest.  I figured we could read an enjoyable book about a boy and his time at the beach.   It’s all about the joys of childhood, imagination, and family.  Since it’s set at the beach, what better book for a summer reading club?

This book was illustrated by Floyd Cooper.  He’s a noted author and illustrator of books with African American children as the main characters.  I especially like this book, because the main character is an African American boy, and he’s spending time with his daddy outdoors.

I hope you enjoy this book.  We’re always looking for great authors and illustrators of color, especially new authors and illustrators.  Know of any good ones?  Let us know.

Happy Reading!