A story quilt about a close-knit enslaved community on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is made that all enslaved people are freA story quilt about a close-knit enslaved community on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, cannot possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. The illustrations quilted by Taylor display strong use of color, texture, movement, stitching, and symbols....more
A beautifully illustrated, masterfully interwoven story that seemlessly moves back and forth about a pecan tree planted by a little girl that grows asA beautifully illustrated, masterfully interwoven story that seemlessly moves back and forth about a pecan tree planted by a little girl that grows as her family grows, and all the wonderful gifts it provides. ...more
In this inspirational picture book, the minster and Georgia's first Black Senator uses his life journey to inspire children to realize their dreams anIn this inspirational picture book, the minster and Georgia's first Black Senator uses his life journey to inspire children to realize their dreams and make their own marks in the world. The shoes metaphor is thoroughly worn out by the end of the narrative, but the relentless positivty and humor are appealing....more
A wonderful introduction to notable African Americans from Appalachia and an exuberant, celebration of the people, places, culture, and historical eveA wonderful introduction to notable African Americans from Appalachia and an exuberant, celebration of the people, places, culture, and historical events. Featured are a range of musicians, artists, and activists, as well as mountain ranges, literary works, and coal mining tools. Walker, who coined the term "Affrilachia," introduces such well-know names as playwright August Wilson, poet Nikki Giovanni, actor Chadwick Boseman, and singer Nina Simone, as well as lesser-known individuals, such as artists Romare Bearden and musician Amythyst Kiah. Ronald Davis's vibrant, whimsical illustrations depict each of the alphabetized words alongside the corresponding letter. A glossary elaborates on the importance of the individuals and places represented....more
Tabor charts a remarkable American saga that begins on the ship Clotilda, the last to bring enslaved Africans to American shores in 1860, chronicles tTabor charts a remarkable American saga that begins on the ship Clotilda, the last to bring enslaved Africans to American shores in 1860, chronicles their experiences through slavery, the creation of the Africatown community and Jim Crow, and ends in today's threats from environmental racism. A powerful, engrossing tale of oppression, suffering, resistance, and survival....more
Though the trext is reptitive Hersey offers an important reminder that we are worthy of rest, of self care, and of prioritizing ourselves even when soThough the trext is reptitive Hersey offers an important reminder that we are worthy of rest, of self care, and of prioritizing ourselves even when society tells us otherwise. Hersey writes passionately, and viewpoint of a Black woman and womanist who has struggled and faced the grind, and decided to prioritize rest even when the world said not to. Though the book empahsizes the effects of capitalism and white supremacy on our Western society, Hersey is clear that white people are also vicitms of white supremacy....more
An excellent, revealing Great Migration story about one family's experiences living in Jim Crow-era Louisiana. Based upon the author's own family's hiAn excellent, revealing Great Migration story about one family's experiences living in Jim Crow-era Louisiana. Based upon the author's own family's history....more
The fascinating story of the first Black woman to become a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her activism in civil rights and other social justice cauThe fascinating story of the first Black woman to become a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her activism in civil rights and other social justice causes made her a target of FBI investigation for "un-American" activities. An author's note offers deeper insight into her life....more
Jay just wants to hang out with his pals and be a kid, but as he grows taller, life gets more complicated. Mom worries that "They won't see you as a yJay just wants to hang out with his pals and be a kid, but as he grows taller, life gets more complicated. Mom worries that "They won't see you as a young boy anymore." Grandpa warns Jay about being in too big a group with his friends. Dad tells Jay how to act if the police ever pull them over. It's the difficult conversation all parents of Black and Brown children must have because it can mean could mean the difference between life and death in a racist world. A sensitive, honest, lovingly told narrative about the necessity of sharing painful realities with children....more
A beautiful celebration of the magic of a library where a child can "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room. A note fA beautiful celebration of the magic of a library where a child can "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room. A note from Giovanni explains the importance of libraries in her own childhood, recounting that her "first librarian" was at the "colored" branch in Knoxville she went to when she visited her grandmother....more
Inspired by the author's real-life experiences, Imani's confidence is shaken by peers who say they are scared of her because her skin is "too dark." IInspired by the author's real-life experiences, Imani's confidence is shaken by peers who say they are scared of her because her skin is "too dark." Imani turns to her sister for a loving reminder that she’s smart, hope, brave, beautiful, strong, and just enough. ...more