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: justice
The ABCs of Black History
Written by Rio Cortez Illustrated by Lauren Semmer Reviewed by Emily Richardson “M is for march, for lifting our feet, taking the movement, the cause to the street. Black lives matter. Every breath, every dream – Every thought, each idea, each impossible scheme. The might of our message is easy to hear: The drumbeat of […]
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 […]
Malala’s Magical Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai Illustrated by Kerascoet Reviewed by Jane Lyons This biography tells the story of Malala as a young girl growing up in Pakistan. The picture book begins with a simple question. Do you believe in Magic? Malala shares that she wished for a magical pencil to solve life’s problems when she was […]
ENOUGH! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
ENOUGH! 20 Protesters Who Changed America Written by Emilie Easton Illustrated by Ziyue Chen Reviewed by Jane Lyons This children’s book wonderfully illustrates historical and current protesters who have stood up to injustices in America. Emilie Easton’s inspiration for this story grew from her cousins who attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. […]
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border
Written by Mitali Perkins Illustrated by Sara Palacios Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder (2021-2022) “We haven’t seen my grandmother in five years. But today is La Posada Sin Fronteras, and we are taking a bus to the border to meet her.” Between Us and Abuela is a realistic fiction picture book. It is the story of […]
Harlem’s Little Blackbird
Written by Renée Watson Illustrated by Christian Robinson Reviewed by Una O’Donnell-King (LC MAT 2019-2020) I love biographical picture books so much, I use them in my classroom all the time and I am always looking for one that show diverse people and the change they made. Harlem’s Little Blackbird is the true story of […]
The Undefeated
The Undefeated By Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The Undefeated is an illustrated poem that serves as “a love letter to black life in the United States.” The book begins by honoring the resiliency of Black Americans in the face of “unspeakable” tragedies since enslavement, then proclaiming the fierce bravery of activists who changed […]