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 […]
Tag: BIPOC Author
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 […]
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 […]
Your Name is a Song
Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow & illustrated by Luisa Uribe Reviewed by Sofia Puorro When asked whether she was bothered by the constant and deliberate mispronunciation of her name, vice-president Kamala Harris responded that a name is the first gift children receive from their families. In Your Name is a Song, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow uses rhythm and […]
Fry Bread
Written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder (2021-2022) When you ask someone about their culture, they will most likely mention certain foods they associate with that culture. Food plays an important role in each of our lives and in each of our respective histories. In Fry Bread, an […]
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin Written and Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh Reviewed by Jane Lyons Upper Elementary Picturebook This children’s book tells the story of two cousins. Charlie lives in the United States, and Carlitos lives in Mexico. They write to each other about their lives in hopes that they can meet together […]