By Monica Clark-Robinson Illustrated by Frank Morrison Reviewed by Mary Bishop This wonderful children’s story has me wondering, “where was this material when I was growing up?” Teaching the Civil Rights Movement by relaying the biographies of singular heroes has its merits, but showing how children, the brave and uncredited many, were a pivotal part […]
Tag: BIPOC
Mae Among the Stars
Mae Among the Stars written by Roda Ahmed Illustrated by Stasia Burrington Reviewed by Jane Lyons (MAT 2022) Mae Among the Stars is a historical fiction picture book inspired by Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space. The story begins with Mae as a little girl. She was working on an assignment for school […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Radiant Child : The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Written and Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe Reviewed by Mary Bishop Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, this wonderful picture book tells the story of Jean-Michel’s early life as an artist. Steptoe’s accolades are well deserved, his sparse and poetic word choice evoke the bold and alluring style of Basquiat himself. […]
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
Written by Joanna Ho Illustrated by Dung Ho Reviewed by Lindsey Smith Everyday diversity, the idea of showing different people living ordinary lives, is a crucial consideration for any library. But if we know anything about children, it’s that they notice every little difference. If your students don’t look like those in dominant culture, you […]
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 […]
Magnificent Homespun Brown
Written by Samara Cole Doyon & illustrated by Kaylani Juanita Reviewed by Sofia Puorro A common topic in elementary school settings is a child’s favorite color. It is a question we ask children as a way to get to know them and it is a salient theme in children’s books, but it isn’t often that […]