Children's Books for Parents and Teachers » African Americans

A Ring of Tricksters: Animal Tales From America, the West Indies, and Africa

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:35:08 +0000

Many tales handed down from one generation to the next are about “tricksters,” characters who get into trouble and rely on their wits to save themselves. This collection features some of the most popular trickster stories.

Barack

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:10:21 +0000

This is a journey that began in many places. It began in Kansas, home of Barack’s mother. It began in Africa, home of Barack’s father. It began in Hawaii one moonlit night, the night that Barack was born. Sometimes it was a lonely journey. Sometimes it was an enchanted journey. But throughout this most unusual ride, this boy often wondered: Who am I? Where do I belong?

Jonah Winter and AG Ford re-create the extraordinary story behind the rise of the inspirational icon Barack Obama in this stunning picture book.

Barack Obama

admin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:06:44 +0000

Barack Obama had a childhood full of adventure. He grew up to be a senator and run for U.S. president. This inspiring biography tells the exciting life story of this African-American hero.

Barack Obama: An American Story

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:59:15 +0000

Of mixed race and cultures, Barack Obama struggled for years with his identity and place in society. Having found his niche in public service, he has made history as the fifth African American U.S. senator ever to be elected. Now “the skinny kid” continues his political journey and strives to become the nation’s first black … Continue reading →

Barack Obama: Our 44th President

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:04:02 +0000

President Barack Obama’s early involvement with politics was inspired by his mother’s interest in the controversial social issues of her times — a passion that she passed on to her son. As the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review, the first African American presidential nominee of a major political party, and eventually the first African American president of the United States, Barack Obama has consistently shattered barriers — barriers that some people thought could never be overcome.

However, life has not always been easy for President Obama. Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, Barack grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia, where he faced discrimination and struggles with his own racial identity. Despite these obstacles, Barack persevered and had a successful political career before his historic win in the 2008 presidential election, with his daughters and wife, Michelle, standing firmly by his side. His election has energized a nation, and President Obama will continue to lead the charge for change over the next four years.

This is the children’s biography about the forty-fourth president of the United States. Containing up-to-the-minute information, including President Obama’s November victory, this is essential reading for every young student of American history.

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

admin — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:16:05 +0000

Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn’t quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.

This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.

Bud, Not Buddy

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:43:11 +0000

Times are tough for everyone in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression and it’s no different for ten-year-old Bud. His mother is dead, and he has escaped from a bad foster home in order to search for his father. He takes only a few things with him: a suitcase filled with cherished possessions and his list called Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. Rules and Things Number Three states: “If you got to tell a lie, make sure it’s simple and easy to remember.” Thank goodness for humor. Curtis has an uncanny ability to take difficult situations, mix them with humor, and cause his readers to laugh out loud.

Charlie Pippin

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:47:13 +0000

Also about a family, this story introduces a spunky girl determined to learn why her father is so angry and demanding. Chartreuse “Charlie” Pippin seeks her uncle’s help to learn about the Vietnam War. Boyd touches on sensitive issues that many young readers who would like to have a closer relationship to a parent will … Continue reading →

Coretta Scott

admin — Tue, 09 Jan 2001 21:42:51 +0000

Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.

This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott.

Elijah of Buxton

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:44:21 +0000

Eleven-year-old Elijah is the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit. He’s best known in his hometown as the boy who made a memorable impression on Frederick Douglass. But things change when a former slave steals money from Elijah’s friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Elijah embarks on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the thief, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents fled—a life from which he’ll always be free, if he can find the courage to get back home.

Henry’s Freedom Box

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:48:40 +0000

Henry Brown doesn’t know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves’ birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. When Henry grows up and marries, he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market. Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday — his first day of freedom.

I Have A Dream

admin — Wed, 10 Jan 2001 20:26:34 +0000

After reading about black writers, spend some time talking about one of the greatest black orators of all time–Martin Luther King, Jr. With each turn of the page, one of 14 artists, each who have won the Coretta Scott King Award (or Honor) for African American illustrators, adds his or her own beautiful interpretation to … Continue reading →

In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers

cindy — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:26:23 +0000

Fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace in this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African-American writers. The book testifies to the powerful bond between father and child, with a profound message to people everywhere that family is the greatest gift and that fathers are among the most influential heroes. Twelve outstanding … Continue reading →

In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Their Fathers

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:29:25 +0000

While I Have a Dream features many artists illustrating one person’s words, this book celebrates the poetry of several black authors accompanied by the extraordinary illustrations of one talented artist, Javako Steptoe.

Leola and the Honeybears

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:30:35 +0000

In this African American version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the main character, Leola, has a mind of her own. Even though her grandmother asks her not to stray from home, she decides, “I’m going to do what I want to.” So Leola wanders off to encounter a frightening Mr. Weasel and the gentle … Continue reading →

Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:08:36 +0000

Pinkney tells the stories of ten African American women — from Soujourner Truth to Rosa Parks — who faced prejudice and oppression with amazing courage and grace. In the end, all ten women paved the way for changes in the lives of future generations.

Let it Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals

admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:53:24 +0000

With a kaleidoscope of color and cut paper, Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee and two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Ashley Bryan celebrates three favorite spirituals: “This Little Light of Mine,” “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The power of these beloved songs simply emanates … Continue reading →

Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:27:56 +0000

Another important black leader who struggled for civil rights is Malcolm X. Historic quotes, rich prose, and striking paintings make this picture biography a gem–and one that underscores the possibility of overcoming bad times.

Malcolm X lived in difficult times – when some thought that black people were inferior to white people. But Malcolm believed that black people should stand up for their rights and he preached this belief everywhere he went. His message became popular because it was one of hope and pride. But it also became dangerous, because some people didn’t agree with him. In 1965, one of these people shot and killed him. Even though his life was cut short by hatred, Malcolm X’s ideas still affect people of all races. Here is his amazing story.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:34:03 +0000

In this fairy tale, the king is searching for a worthy and beautiful wife. Mufaro has two daughters. Nyasha is beautiful and kind. Manyara, while physically attractive, is mean-spirited. Steptoe’s paintings are so light and rich in texture that this picture book should be read aloud to small groups so that each child can clearly … Continue reading →

My Rows and Piles of Coins

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:39:29 +0000

After reading about Libby who learns a valuable lesson, share this book about Saruni who also learns something important. Although his mother encourages him to spend the money she gives him on the tempting things in the market, Saruni keeps his coins safely in his pocket. He plans on surprising her by saving up money to buy his own bicycle to use to help her at the market. Saruni soon discovers that coins, even a big pile of them, don’t add up fast enough to buy a bike. Mollel’s story of a generous boy, who finally gets his wish, gives young readers a lesson in perseverance, patience–and math!

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

jen — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:33:17 +0000

Loosely based on an actual success story, this tale of a Ghanaian lad who parlays one hen into a major poultry farm highlights the way microloans are helping to break the cycle of poverty in many third-world communities. Young Kojo and his mother are barely getting by gathering firewood to sell in the local market, but with a few leftover coins from a group loan, he is able to buy a chicken, sell the eggs and with the extra money slowly build up a flock. Milway follows Kojo through years of hard work as he completes his education, grows up and at last becomes a grandfather, with a big family and a business that has become an economic cornerstone of his entire town. Effectively lightening the author’s long, message-driven tale, Fernandes adds plenty of chickens and lots of fanciful details to her sunny illustrations. Kojo suffers no reverses in his climb to prosperity, but as an introduction for children to how microloans are supposed to work, this makes an eye-opening case study. The author introduces the real Kojo at the end as well as some of the international organizations that make these life-changing bootstrap loans.

Portraits of African-American Heroes

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:19:51 +0000

Here, ideal for African-American History Month, is a stunningly beautiful book consisting of portraits-in pictures and words-of twenty outstanding African-Americans. The individuals range from historical to contemporary figures, such as the dancer Judith Jamison, and represent diverse fields of endeavor, from the law (Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall) to athletics, science, and more. For each individual, there is a three-page biography by the noted author Tonya Bolden and a striking black-and-white portrait that captures not only the subject’s likeness but is a work of art in itself. A book to inspire, to teach, or to display, with its large trim size and striking design, it is as handsome as it is important.

Sweet Words So Brave: The Story of African American Literature

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:25:10 +0000

This is a compelling chronicle about black American writers. It’s told by a man to his granddaughter after she says, “Please tell me a story. Write it down so I can put it in my pocket and carry it around. Tell me about the people from Africa who came before me.” Bold oil paintings and inspiring quotes tell the history of African American storytellers, writers, and orators beginning with slaves. Featured authors range from Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet, to Toni Morrison, the first African American to win the Nobel Prize for literature.

The Egypt Game

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:12:00 +0000

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they’ll have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard behind the A-Z Antiques and Curio Shop, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians instead of two. After school and on weekends they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game, until strange things begin happening to the players. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?

The Honest-To-Goodness Truth

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:38:11 +0000

Here’s a book that teaches children an important lesson. When Libby gets caught telling a lie, her mama reprimands her, so she decides to always tell the truth. When children admire her best friend Ruthie Mae’s outfit, Libby points out the hole in Ruthie Mae’s sock. She confides to her teacher that Willie hasn’t done … Continue reading →

The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:36:19 +0000

Here are more trickster tales. Uncle Remus narrates these entertaining stories about a wily rabbit, who tries to outsmart every big and little critter around. Lester adds just enough dialect to keep in touch with the spirit of these adventures which feature Brer Rabbit, his friends–and enemies.

The Talking Eggs

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:32:55 +0000

Another fairy tale to share is this story of kind, gentle Blanche. She must do all the work for her bossy mother and sister, until one day an old woman comes along and changes everything. Pinkney’s stunning watercolors add a touch of magic to this Creole version of Cinderella.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:45:16 +0000

Enter the hilarious world of 10-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There’s Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who’s 13 and an “official juvenile delinquent.” When Momma and Dad decide it’s time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Watsons set out on a trip like no other. They’re heading South. They’re going to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America’s history.

The Well

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:46:12 +0000

The Logan family is glad to share their water when all their neighbors’ wells go dry. But ten-year-old David Logan is challenged by mean-spirited Charlie, a white teenager, who is prejudiced against blacks. Tension builds in this story, keeping readers on edge until the end. Check your library for more stories about the Logan family … Continue reading →

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:40:32 +0000

This is another story of perseverance. Virgie begs to go to school with her older brothers. But it’s a seven-mile walk, and her siblings stay over at school all week, only coming home for the weekends. Virgie’s parents don’t think a young girl should make such a long trip and be away from home for so long. But Virgie remains determined and ends up getting the education she craves. Inspired by the stories of her grandfather’s family, Howard captures a girl’s passion to learn in the post-Civil War South.