Celebrating African American Children’s Literature: Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to preview the National Blues Museum, which is scheduled to open in April, and the children’s book “blues journey“ immediately came to mind. This picture book is the collaboration of the late Walter Dean Myers and his son, Christopher Myers. With short poems that inspire the reader to hum and sing, and illustrations that reflect the poetry and music, this beautiful picture book presents the history of the blues with its “tragic overtones.” Informative, sincere, and perfect for older children, teens and adults, I hope that you’ll check out “blues journey” and the new museum too.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: R. Gregory Christie

Have you ever dreamed of traveling back in time? R. Gregory Christie’s illustrations of “Sugar Hill” transport readers back to the Harlem Renaissance. Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, “Sugar Hill” takes readers to a place where life is sweet and the streets are filled with famous artists, novelists, and musicians.

“Jazz Baby”, written by Lisa Wheeler, is a wonderful read aloud with “snazzy jazzy” lyrics and verse - oh, yeah! Christie’s illustrations are “rompin, stompin” fun and fill the page with movement and expression. Share a jazz cd and children will “snap, snap, snap” and “clap, clap, clap” right along with “Jazz Baby”.

“Mousetropolis”, written and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, is a modern retelling of the classic country mouse, city mouse tale. Recently published, this book has perfect design, clever illustrations, and suspense. Watch out for the owl and cat!

-- Teresa, Sachs

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Carole Boston Weatherford

Author and poet, Carole Boston Weatherford, has written many award winning picture books that share African American history with young readers. Each picture book informs and celebrates with both a story and accompanying historical notes.

Award winning “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom”, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, presents the courage and spirituality of Harriet Tubman, who led hundreds of slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad. Carole Boston Weatherford creates a narrative for young readers that awes and inspires.

“Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America” celebrates the creative talents of Gordon Parks who earned the National Medal of the Arts in 1988. A self-taught photographer, Gordon Parks worked for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and documented the poverty and segregation of the Great Depression.  Later, Gordon Parks became the first African American staff photographer at  "Life Magazine".

“Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins” presents the story of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins from a child’s perspective. Connie tells the story of segregation, Dr. King’s visit, the seven months of civil disobedience, and her family’s pride while sharing a meal at the Woolworth counter. At the end of the book we find an author’s note with additional historical information, including an interview with the Greensboro Four.

--Teresa, Sachs

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Jacqueline Woodson

Although Jacqueline Woodson may be best known for her recent achievement, "brown girl dreaming", which has won numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor Medal, and a National Book Award, her children's picture books are also treasures to share with young readers. Here are a few of my favorites:

"The Other Side" is a wonderful book to share and discuss with school-aged children. This is the story of two neighbors, Clover and Annie, who find a way to become friends while peacefully resisting segregation.

 "Visiting Day" describes one special day when a young girl visits her Daddy in prison. This special trip with Grandma demonstrates Jacqueline Woodson's ability to present a difficult subject matter in a tender, loving manner.

"This is the Rope: A Story from The Great Migration" reflects upon the importance of family history as we trace three generations of one family that moved north to New York City. Children will recognize the simple rope shared by Grandma, Mama, and Beatrice.

"Pecan Pie Baby" captures the emotions of a young girl when a new "ding-dang baby" sister is on the way! Will Gia welcome the new baby?

--Teresa R., Sachs 
 

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Bryan Collier

Bryan Collier is a master storyteller and artist and each of his works represents children’s literature at its best. His very first book, “Uptown”, won two prestigious awards -- the Coretta Scott King Award and the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award. “Uptown” feels like a school field trip to Harlem with the young narrator as our guide. 

A handful of my favorite Collier books includes two biographies: “Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, and Slave”, the story of an artist who lived in the mid-1800’s and “Rosa”,a biography of Rosa Parks.

“I,Too, Am America” celebrates the poem of Langston Hughes.  

“Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream For Me”, is an emotional and heartfelt story of a young boy’s longing for his father who has been unexpectedly imprisoned.

Bryan Collier continues to create meaningful, tender, beautiful books that are enjoyed by readers of all ages.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: James Ransome

James Ransome is well known for his illustrations of children’s classics such as “Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt” and “Aunt Flossie’s Hats and Crab Cakes Later”, but he recently authored and illustrated a handful of books, including “New Red Bike!” and “My Teacher.” 

“Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt”, written by Deborah Hopkinson, is a story about the Underground Railroad and how Clara created a quilt that served as a map to freedom. This is a beautiful book that will inspire readers to learn more about this period in history and quilting. James Ransome’s illustrations capture the emotions of the story with warmth and hope for the runaways.

“Aunt Flossie’s Hats and Crab Cakes Later”, written by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, presents a memorable visit with elderly Aunt Flossie. While playing dress up with their aunt’s hats, Susan and Sarah learn about the fun and value of sharing memories. A celebration of the oldest and youngest members of a family, this book reminds us of our own family gatherings.

“New Red Bike!”, with large, simple illustrations, is a perfect selection to read to a group. James Ransome captures the fun of riding a bicycle alone and with friends. Sam rides his new bicycle up and down and around but one day his bicycle is missing. With themes of sharing, patience, and friendship, children will enjoy reading this book over and over again.

“My Teacher” celebrates teachers and the little ways they bring joy to their students. Why does someone become a teacher? “To make dreams come true.” This book is a wonderful selection for a classroom library or to share during a school visit.  

--Teresa R., Sachs 

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Sean Qualls

Sean Qualls’ picture book illustrations, with muted color and mixed media design, bring the stories of families and musicians to life.

Children will enjoy reading “Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane” by Carole Boston Weatherford over and over again. Sean Qualls’ illustrations capture the young John Coltrane as he listens to the music all around him, including his Daddy’s ukulele. his Mama’s phonographs, and the train engines whistling past. The colors and design mirror John Coltrane’s  jazz music, disciplined, exact, and free. Pair this book with a John Coltrane cd  and you’ll share a wonderful moment with young readers.   

“Freedom Song: The Story of Henry “Box” Brown”, written by Sally M. Walker tells the true story of Henry Brown’s escape from slavery by hiding in a crate that was sent by abolitionists in Virginia to Philadelphia in 1849.  Sean Qualls’ illustrations bring historic detail, emotion and suspense to the story. 

“The Case For Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage” is the collaboration  of Sean Qualls and his wife, Selina Alko. This book presents the family behind the Supreme Court Case, Loving vs Virginia,  that overruled the state of Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage in 1967.  With the opening, two page illustration we meet a happy family, Richard and Mildred Loving and their three children, and we learn of their challenges and triumph. Older children might enjoy comparing and contrasting the artists’ individual styles.

--Teresa R., Sachs 

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Don Tate

Don Tate has perfected the art of picture book biography illustration. Through color, perspective, movement, historical details, and magnified character expression, Don Tate welcomes the reader into the lives of extraordinary individuals. 

“Ron’s Big Mission,” written by Rose Blue, is the story of astronaut Ron McNair and why Lake City Public Library bears his name. Ron loves reading books more than doughnuts, shooting baskets, or even dreaming about being a pilot! The illustrations bring us to a different time as we learn about Ron’s first courageous deed.

“She Loved Baseball : The Effa Manley Story” written by Audrey Vernick, inspires the reader to not accept the way things are as we learn about the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Don Tate’s illustrations welcome the reader into New York City during the times of the Harlem Renaissance, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson, as we share Effa Manley’s challenges and triumphs.

“Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite” written by Anna Harwell Celenza, captures the friendship of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington and the creation of their collaborative jazz piece, “Nutcracker Suite.” The cover illustration welcomes children into the world of jazz, musical instruments, fantasy, and friendship. Is Duke Ellington smiling at us? We can almost hear the music jumping off the pages.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Patrica C. McKissack

Here are a few picture books to share with young readers, each written by local, award-winning author, Patricia C. McKissack:



 

“Flossie and the Fox” tells the story of a little girl named Flossie who outsmarts a fox while delivering a basket of eggs to her neighbor. By distracting the fox with conversation, Flossie leads this sly critter to his destiny. Children will love the clever Flossie and the perfect illustrations by Rachel Isadora.

“The Honest-to-Goodness Truth” is a wonderful book to share and discuss with young readers. In this story, Libby learns about honesty and kindness. Have you ever been dishonest or told too much of the truth? Libby learns through trial and error, and with a little help from her friends, to tell the honest-to-goodness truth. Giselle Potter’s illustrations bring this story to life. 

“Stichin’ and Pullin’ a Gee’s Bend Quilt” reflects the beauty and history of these beautiful quilts. The story centers on one little girl who learns to quilt with her Great-Gran and Mama. Additional themes of family history, community, art, and freedom are all layered into this exquisite story. Cozbi A. Cabrera’s illustrations are as warm and colorful as the quilts themselves.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Staff Review: "brown girl dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson

 

Destined to become an award-winning classic, “brown girl dreaming” is a cumulative achievement for award-winning author and poet, Jacqueline Woodson. Relevant and exquisitely written, “brown girl dreaming” is a collection of poetry that conveys both the personal story of the author’s childhood beginning in 1963 as well as the Civil Rights challenges of the day. Amazingly, the poems create a collective narrative, yet each can stand alone. “brown girl dreaming” is a must read for all families and educators.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Dewey Discoveries: "A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis" by Matt De la Pena

In a time when the world was dark with war and our nation was still very racially divided, boxer Joe Louis offered a taste of hope. Louis' journey and famous match are simply and lovingly chronicled in , "A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis." Written with grace and simplicity by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by the beloved Kadir Nelson, it is a wonderful homage to Louis' lasting legacy. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today. Appropriate for grades 3-5.

Dewey: J 796.83


Want more books about Joe Louis? Check out these books:

"Knockout: a Photobiography of Boxer Joe Louis" by George Sullivan

"Joe Louis: America's Fighter" by David A. Adler






--Andrea W., H.Q. 

Langston Hughes: An American Poet

April is Poetry Month and April wouldn't be April without reading and sharing the poems of Langston Hughes. The St. Louis County Library offers many children’s books that present Langston Hughes’ beautiful poetry.

Your first selection might be the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book,

 “My People”, illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr. The photographs that accompany this six line poem are so natural, it’s as if the poet had chosen them himself. The simplicity of the poem and the photographed faces of children and adults make this book a wonderful selection for children of all ages, including infants and toddlers.     

Award-winning artist Sean Quall’s new book, “Lullaby (For a Black Mother)”, presents this poem with painted color collage. As you read this book you can hear the musical quality of Langston Hughes’ style and you can imagine a mother rocking her baby to sleep. The illustrations also depict this movement, dance and a mother’s joy.

“Langston Hughes: Poetry for Young People”, illustrated by award-winning artist Benny Andrews, is a personal favorite. The illustrations, biographical notes and annotations create an emotional and informative presentation of the poet and his poetry. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, “Aunt Sue’s Stories”, “Hey!” and “Hey! Hey!” are a few of the poems included in this collection.

“Langston Hughes: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems” is a children’s collection of poems published by the poet in 1932. The anniversary edition contains black and white scratchboard illustrations by award-winning artist Brian Pinkney and includes the popular children’s poem,

“April Rain Song”.

Young readers will also enjoy “Langston Hughes: Great American Poet” written by local award-winning authors Patricia and Fredrick McKissack. This children’s biography contains the perfect mix of information, story, and photographs as we learn about Langston Hughes’ family, travels, and writings.

--Teresa R., Sachs

New Books: African American Heroes

Here are a couple of inspiring new books about African Americans.  They're great reads for Black History Month or any time!

"Fifty Cents and a Dream" by Jabari Asima and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery.  He worked hard with his family and was not allowed to go to school.  After the Civil War, he learned to read, but he dreamed of a school where he could study writing.  With only fifty cents in his pocket, he left his home and walked 500 miles to study at the Hampton Institute.  Booker had followed his dreams; he had make it to college. 

"I Have a Dream" by Dr. Martin Luther King with paintings by Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson is a two time Coretta Scott King Award winner for his books We Are the Ship and Heart and Soul.  In this book, Kadir uses his signature oil paintings to express Dr. King's words from his famous I Have a Dream speech.  It is not the entire speech, but the parts that he chose perfectly compliment the illustrations.  As a bonus, the book includes a CD with an original recoding of Dr. King's speech from 1963. 

These books would be just right for children 5-8 years old.
For more books of inspiring African Americans, click on the covers below:

The library has a lot of great programs to celebrate Black History Month.  Check it out!

--Angie R., Headquarters

December 1st is Rosa Parks Day

Celebrate African American history on December 1^st with “Rosa”, a children’s biography of Rosa Parks, beautifully written by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier. December 1^st marks the anniversary of Mrs. Parks’ refusal to move from her seat on a municipal bus in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. “Rosa” presents the story of this inspiring act of courage and the Montgomery bus boycott that followed with detailed, colorful, realistic illustrations. “Rosa” is a treasure for readers of all ages.

--Teresa R., Sachs

MLK Poster Contest

The Jamestown Bluffs Branch is hosting a poster contest based on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Details below.

You’re Never Too Old for a Good Children’s Book

As we remember the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with local events and exhibits, we may also wonder about the years immediately following this historic event. “Away West,” a children’s book written by award winning, local author Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Gordon C. James, artistically presents the challenges, opportunities and courage of the African American pioneers who traveled west through St. Louis during the 1870’s. Although written for children, “Away West” is a book for all ages. You’ll meet Benjamin “Pap” Singleton, as well as realistic fictional characters, including war heroes, river men, Buffalo Soldiers, horse whisperers and Exodusters. The story includes historic details and landmarks, such as Eads Bridge, Jefferson Barracks and Nicodemus, Kansas. Patricia McKissack has been honored with many awards, including two Coretta Scott King awards. “Away West” is part of the author’s Scraps of Time series focused on the importance of family history and African American history. I hope that you’ll read the four books in the series as well as learn more about the St. Louis County Library’s new Family History Center. There’s only one thing better than reading one of Patricia McKissack’s books, and that’s listening to the author present her work at a SLCL author event. I hope that she’ll visit SLCL again sometime soon.

--Teresa R., Sachs Branch