Written by Joanne Schwartz Illustrated by Sydney Smith Reviewed by Lindsey Smith It’s hard to find good children’s books about working class people. Sí Se Puede by Diana Cohn and A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams come to mind of course, but they’re lonely exemplars in a sparse field. Town Is by the Sea […]
Month: February 2022
Black is a Rainbow Color
Written by Angela Joy Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder Black history is rich, vibrant, and filled with heroes. Famous figures intermingle with famous movements and describe a story of a marginalized population persevering through deep injustice. With this book, Black is a Rainbow Color, the Black experience is retold in powerful poetry […]
Under The Same Sun
Under The Same Sun Written by Sharon Robinson and illustrated by AG Ford Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur Early Elementary Picturebook The book Under The Same Sun is a beautiful story about an extended family living on separate continents. According to the author’s note, the story is based on the author’s lived family experience. The story […]
Many Shapes of Clay, A Story of Healing
Written and Illustrated by Kenesha Sneed Reviewed by Melody Falleur-Fettig (2021-2022) A picture book provides many avenues to access the content. The images, ideas, and written words are carefully tailored by an author to tell their story. The book, Many Shapes of Clay, a Story of Healing, is a master work of meaning integrated delicately […]
Born on the Water
Authors: Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renèe Watson Illustrator: Nikkolas Smith Reviewed by: Erin Healy This story is powerful. A part of the 1619 Project, this book tells the origin story of Black Americans from Ndongo before they were enslaved. We see people who had full, rich lives. Who had knowledge and culture and joy. Until one […]
Black Lives Matter
Written by Duchess Harris Reviewed by Sofia Puorro It can be challenging for elementary school teachers to find books that dig into heavy topics such as systemic racism and oppression without being overly simplified, White-washed, or in service of promoting color-blindness. However, Duchess Harris, the author of many racial justice centered books, has managed to […]
The Harlem Charade
Written by Natasha Tarpley Reviewed by Melody Falleur-Fettig (2021-2022) From the acclaimed author, Natasha Tarpley, comes a book about the city of Harlem, its rich cultural history, and the modern capitalistic forces that threaten to destroy it. The Harlem Charade is a chapter book best suited for middle grade but an acceptable read for grades […]
Max and the Tag-along Moon
Written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper Reviewed by Sofia Puorro The moon is a powerful symbol that traverses borders, cultures, and languages. In Max and the Tag-along Moon, Floyd Cooper skillfully uses this symbol to represent the un-waning love a child has for his grandfather. It is a beautifully illustrated, yet simple story about the […]
Sweet People Are Everywhere
Written by Alice Walker Illustrated by Quim Torres Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder Often in elementary classrooms, students only learn about other countries and the people who live there during geography or history lessons. While this book doesn’t dive into the distinct cultures of individual countries, it does provide an opportunity for students to expand their […]