This LibGuide is to help you begin your exploration and research of African-Americans. This is just a beginning! If you want to research an individual who isn't listed, use the library databases and also search for that person in the library catalog. Remember, if you search the library catalog and there are not any books, you should click on the websites tab and see what sites the catalog found. I've included books that are about groups of individuals as well as famous events in history. There are also picture books about civil rights.
Jesse Owens by
Jesse Owens grew up during the time of Jim Crow laws, but segregation never slowed him down. After setting world records for track in high school and college, he won a slot on the 1936 U.S. Olympic team. That year, the Olympics were in Berlin, then controlled by the Nazis, and Hitler was certain they would be a chance to prove to the world that Aryans were superior to all other races. But the triumph of Jesse's will helped him run through any barrier, winning four gold medals and the hearts of millions, setting two world records, and proving the Nazi dictator unmistakably wrong. The story of Jesse Owens comes alive for young readers with Carole Boston Weatherford's award-winning free verse poetry. Eric Velasquez tackles this challenging subject with the use of pastels for the first time in twenty years-a technique that is both heart-stopping and immediate.
A Picture Book of Jesse Owens by
A comprehensive look at the life of the African American athlete who has often been called the World's Fastest Human. Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a "floating wonder." After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, Jesse competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four gold medals, and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice. This child friendly entry in David A. Adler's well-known series contains an accessible mix of biography, facts, and history supported with lifelike illustrations. Back matter includes an author's note and a timeline.
A Nation's Hope by
Once a boyhood dream, now a people's hope The weight of history hangs on Joe's shoulders On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake then just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent the country's war with Germany. From Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson and acclaimed novelist Matt de la Pena, this elegant and powerful picture book biography centers around the historic fight in which Black and White America were able to put aside prejudice and come together to celebrate our nation's ideals.
Emmanuel's Dream by
Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people-but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message- disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled. Thompson's lyrical prose and Qualls's bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity.
The Story of Muhammad Ali by
Written by leading children's authors and compiled by leading experts in the field, DK Readers are one of the most delightful ways to capture children's interest and help children learn. Follow the dramatic story of Muhammad Ali -- both in and out of the ring. These 48-page books about fascinating subjects like pirates, mummies, and volcanoes are for proficient readers who can understand a rich vocabulary and challenging sentence structure. In addition to the stunning photographs, informative sidebars, and glossary, readers will find archival photographs and paintings. Averaging 4,500 to 5,000 words in length, Level 4 books are 40 percent pictures and 40 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.
Float Like a Butterfly by
Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. Obie Award-winning author Ntozake Shange offers children a compelling testimony to the courage resilience and talent of Muhammed Ali. Deftly dancing through Ali's life while touching on all the major events and victories therein, Shange shows how he managed to rise out of the segregated South to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Rodriguez's artwork combines pastel, woodblock ink and spray paint to beautifully capture Ali's power, beauty and spontaneity. With a time line and resource guide. Ages 5-9.
Teammates by
Tiki and Ronde are brothers, best friends, and teammates on the Cave Spring Vikings football team. It's the last preseason game against their arch-rival Knights -- and the football is suddenly knocked out of Tiki's grip. What gives, he thinks, I've always carried the ball this way before. Inspired by Coach Mike, who tells Tiki, "You've gotta believe," Tiki begins secret practice sessions with Ronde in the morning on the way to school. Will it make a difference in the next big game against the Knights? Based on the childhoods of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber, this story of determination and of confidence will inspire all who read it.
Roberto Clemente by
On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until--eventually--he made it to the Major Leagues. America! As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents--and even tougher racism--but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, "The Great One." He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn't just baseball that made Clemente legendary--he was was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Jump! by
What was Michael Jordan like as a boy? You might be surprised that the greatest professional basketball player ever wasn't even the best player in his own family! Michael Jordan was once just an ordinary little boy growing up in a North Carolina suburb, trying to keep up with his older brother Larry. Michael was always good at sports, but it seemed like Larry was always going to be bigger, quicker, and luckier. But Michael never gave up, and his practicing began to pay off. Then one summer day during a backyard game of one-on-one, Larry Jordan's "little" brother took him--and the whole family--by surprise! Based on actual events, this story of a friendly sibling rivalry is enhanced by Floyd Cooper's stunning two-tone art. Jump! even features a gate-fold depicting Michael Jordan's trademark leap that will send young readers soaring.
Hakeem Olajuwon by
Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon had to overcome language and cultural barriers as well as anemia and a serious eye injury to triumph in the 1994 NBA championship and in the 1996 Olympics as a member of the U.S. "Dream Team."
Jackie Robinson by
At a time when American blacks and whites were kept apart in most aspects of their lives, one man's courage and talent changed sports history. Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball. Even when racist insults exploded from the stands, Robinson kept his focus on the game and earned the world's admiration. For the rest of his life, Jackie Robinson continued to speak out for equality and civil rights. In this exciting biography, young readers will learn about our nation's trailblazing baseball hero.
First in the Field by
As an African-American, Jackie Robinson had to fight for his rights again and again until he broke the Major League's color line. First in the Field explores the early years of this baseball legend, as he paved the way for other African Americans in professional sports, and made a place for himself in American history. Dozens of color photos.
Satchel Paige by
Some say Leroy Paige was born with his right fist curled around a baseball. By the age of ten he could outthrow anyone, small or grown. When he wasn't toting baggage at the depot (that's how he earned money and the nickname "Satchel"), he was pitching. His coach at school told him, "You concentrate on baseball, and you might make something of yourself." And that he did. Satchel Paige developed his own pitches (he even named them!) and a unique pitching style, complete with a grin he flashed as he released the ball. Fans packed the stands to see how many batters he could strike out in one game. They loved his confidence, his fast-talking, and the way he followed his own rules. After just one year in the semi-pros Satch was playing in the Negro major leagues. He went on to become the first African American to pitch in a major league World Series, and the first black to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. By the time he died in 1982, he had enjoyed one of the longest and brightest careers in baseball history. Lesa Cline-Ransome's spirited, folksy narrative and James Ransome's boldly colored, exciting paintings capture the challenges, rewards and, most of all, the unique brand of showmanship in the life of the tall, lean legend named Satchel Paige.
Henry Aaron's Dream by
Matt Tavares hits one out of the park with this powerful tale of a kid from the segregated South who would become baseball's home-run king. Before he was Hammerin' Hank, Henry Aaron was a young boy growing up in Mobile, Alabama, with what seemed like a foolhardy dream: to be a big-league baseball player. He didn't have a bat. He didn't have a ball. And there wasn't a single black ball player in the major leagues. But none of this could stop Henry Aaron. In a captivating biography of Henry Aaron's young life -- from his sandlot days through his time in the Negro Leagues to the day he played his first spring training game for the Braves -- Matt Tavares offers an inspiring homage to one of baseball's all-time greats. Back matter includes an author's note, Henry Aaron's career statistics, and a bibliography.
Hank Aaron by
On April 8, 1974, America watched as Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate. The pitch was low and down the middle. Hank swung--and hit career home run number 715! With that hit, he surpassed Babe Ruth's legendary record and realized a lifelong dream. Before blacks were allowed to play in the major leagues, Hank was determined that that was where he was going to play. When his success in the field triggered a deluge of hate mail, he refused to back down. This is the moving story of Hank Aaron's strength and perseverance--of how he became a great ballplayer and an inspiration to us all.
You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! by
Many believe baseball great Willie Mays to be the best player that ever lived. He hit 660 home runs (fourth best of all time), had a lifetime batting average of .302, and is second only to Babe Ruth on The Sporting News's list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players." In Jonah Winter and Terry Widener's fascinating picture book biography, young readers can follow Mays's unparalleled career from growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, to playing awe-inspiring ball in the Negro Leagues and then the Majors, where he was center fielder for the New York (later San Francisco) Giants. Complete with sidebars filled with stats, here is a book for all baseball lovers, young and old. "The Say Hey Kid had style to spare, and so does this irrepressible book." --Booklist, Starred
Jackie's Gift by
Young Steve Satlow is thrilled when his hero Jackie Robinson moves onto his block. After the famed second baseman invites Steve to a Dodgers game, the two become friends. So when Jackie hears that the Satlows don't have a Christmas tree, he decides to give them one, not realizing the Satlows are Jewish. But Jackie's gift helps these two different families discover how much they have in common. Written by the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and illustrated by a Caldecott Honor winner, Jackie's Gift is a holiday tale-based on a true story-about friendship and breaking barriers.
Wilma Rudolph by
In 1946, six-year-old Wilma Rudolph dreamed of walking and playing like other children, but a sickness called polio had damaged her left leg. Wilma spent hours each week doing painful exercises at a hospital for African American patients. the rest of the time, she was forced to wear a heavy and cumbersome leg-brace. Still, Wilma never gave up. She knew she could walk again, and if she could walk, maybe she could run. Author Victoria Sherrow tells how Wilma Rudolph's determination led her to the 1956 and 1960 Olympics where she gained fame as a champion runner. Larry Johnson's rich illustrations help to capture this true story of heroic strength and fearlessness.
The World's Greatest Basketball Players by
LeBron James is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Dirk Nowitzki can drain a three point shot at will. And few players can match Dwight Howard's defensive skills. Whether you like offense or defense, the game's greatest stars can show you how it's done.
Kobe Bryant by
When Kobe Bryant went straight from high school to join the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1996, he was the youngest player in the league. That same year, Kobe became the youngest player to ever start an All-Star Game, and he hasn't slowed down since. With four NBA championships and the league Most Valuable Player award for the 2007-2008 season, Kobe is one of the game's best. Learn more about the player who is quickly becoming one of basketball's all-time greats.
LeBron James by
It was near the end of the first quarter and LeBron James-Team USA's leader-had been benched after two fouls. Now, with the U.S. team behind in the score, he was anxious to be back on the court. After all, he'd made a promise to America: "We're going to get this gold," he'd said. Would he be able to keep his word? Read the inspiring story of one of the greatest basketball players of all time-an athlete for whom every challenge is just more fuel for reaching his dreams. Mr. Basketball, King James, LeBron James-whichever name people use, he's a truly amazing super athlete! Book jacket.
Nothing but Trouble by
ALTHEA IS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! Everyone agrees: her mama, her daddy, her teacher, even the policeman. But when Buddy Walker, the play leader on Althea's street in Harlem, watches her play paddle tennis, he sees something more: pure possibility. Buddy buys Althea her very own stringed tennis racket, and before long, she's on her way to becoming a great athlete - and to proving that she's more than just trouble. Althea Gibson, born in 1927, was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. Sue Stauffacher's lively text, paired with vibrant paintings by artist Greg Couch, captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman.
Game, Set, Match, Champion Arthur Ashe by
Arthur Ashe was an unlikely tennis player from the start. As a young boy in Richmond, Virginia, he was small and skinny - and barred from most tennis courts because he was black. Still, Arthur was drawn to the game and began to play wherever he could. Defeating player after player, match after match, he blazed a path on the courts, becoming the first African American man to win a Grand Slam tournament - the US Open - and the top-ranked tennis player in the world. Game Set Match Champion Arthur Ashe is a heartfelt, action-packed tribute to this compelling athlete.
Game Changers by
"This lovingly crafted picture book biography centers on the incredible bond between Venus and Serena Williams...An important selection for biography and sports collections." --School Library Journal (starred review) "Will appeal to children and sports fans of all ages." --Booklist (starred review) "Wife-and-husband team Cline-Ransome and Ransome celebrate tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, focusing on their formative childhoods and the way their preparation and talent fundamentally changed the game." --The Horn Book (starred review) "Every page is splashed with vibrant color and eye-catching patterns, and the figures of the women themselves are full of energy, speed, and tension." --Shelf Awareness (starred review) "A beautifully composed biography of the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus...This is one biography that will struggle to stay on the shelf." --School Library Connection Venus and Serena Williams are two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Some say they're two of the greatest athletes of all time. Before they were world famous, they were little girls with big dreams. Venus and Serena Williams. Two peas in a pod. Best friends. Sisters. Six days a week they awoke before the sun came up to practice their serves and returns, to learn to run faster and hit harder. They were unstoppable. At age fourteen, Venus played her first professional match. Three years later, it was Serena's turn. It wasn't easy. Some tennis fans cheered for these two fresh faces, while those who were unhappy to see two black girls competing in a nearly all-white sport booed and taunted them. But they didn't let it stop them. With vibrant mixed media art, nonfiction superstars Lesa Cline-Ransome and Coretta Scott King Honor winner James E. Ransome share the inspirational story of two tennis legends who were fierce competitors on the courts, but close sisters above all.
The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby by 
Simone Biles by 
Back of the Bus by 
Dinner at Aunt Connie's House by 
The Patchwork Path by 
I Have Heard of a Land by 
Ruth and the Green Book by 
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by 
A Band of Angels by 
Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by 
Phillis's Big Test by
In 1773, Phillis Wheatley published a book of poetry. It was a great accomplishment that made her very famous. Only a year before, Phillis had had to take a test to prove that she was the actual author of these poems, because Phillis Wheatley was a slave. Who would believe that an African girl could be the author of such poetry? Phillis did! She believed in herself, and took every opportunity she could to make her life better. She believed in the power of her words, and her writing to prove her talent, and used the power of words to change a life.
Langston Hughes by
When Langston Hughes was a boy, His grandmother told him true stories of how African people were captured in Africa and brought to America enslaved. She told him about their fight for freedom and justice. Langston loved his grandmother's stories. To learn more stories and bear more beautiful language, he began to read books. He fell in love with books and decided that one day he would write stories too, true stories about Black people. When he was only fourteen, Langston wrote his first poem, and for the rest of his life he was always writing -- stories and essays and, most of all, poems. He wrote about Black people as he saw them: happy, sad, mad, and beautiful. Through his writing he fought for freedom from inequality and injustice; and his gift of words inspired and influenced many other writers. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker was one writer Langston influenced. In this moving and richly detailed portrait she celebrates the life of an extraordinary man. Accompanied by stunning paintings by artist Catherine Deeter, Langston Hughes: American Poet will introduce a whole new generation to the life and works of a great African American Poet of the twentieth century, and one of the most important poets of all time.
Radiant Child by
Winner of the 2017 Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner of the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award An IndieBound Bestseller Somewhere in Brooklyn, a little boy dreams of being a famous artist, not knowing that one day he would make himself a king. Jean-Michael Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful.
Dave the Potter by
A Caldecott Honor A Coretta Scott King Award Winner An award-winning celebration of an American hero Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.
Magic Trash by
Vacant lots. Abandoned houses. Trash--lots of trash. Heidelberg Street was in trouble! Tyree Guyton loved his childhood home--that's where his grandpa Sam taught him to "paint the world." So he wanted to wake people up... to make them see Detroit's crumbling communities. Paintbrush in hand, Tyree cast his artistic spell, transforming everyday junk into magic trash. Soon local kids and families joined Tyree in rebuilding their neighborhood, discovering the healing power of art along the way. This picture book biography of Tyree Guyton, an urban environmental artist, shows how he transformed his decaying, crime-ridden neighborhood into the Heidelberg Project, an interactive sculpture park. The story spans from Tyree's childhood in 1950s Detroit to his early efforts to heal his community through art in the 1980s. Tyree's awards include Michigan Artist of the Year and International Artist. MAGIC TRASH offers strong themes of working together, the power of art, and the importance of inspiring community--especially kids--to affect action. The Heidelberg Project is internationally recognized for providing arts education to children and adults and for the ongoing development of several houses on Heidelberg Street. Not only does the Heidelberg Project prove that when a community works together it can rebuild itself, but it also addresses the issues of recycling, environmentalism, and community on a global level.
Story Painter by
The paintings of Jacob Lawrence tell stories. Stories of enslavement and freedom, of human migration and renaissance, of struggle and of triumph. A collection of these stunning paintings provides the backdrop for this exceptional biography which tells the story of one of our finest living painters-from his family's experience in the great migration North, to his growing up in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, to his rise as one of the most renowned painters of African American life.With over twenty-five full-color reproductions and an insightful glossary, not only is this an easy-to-read, engaging biography, it's also an excellent starting point for discussions about American history.
A Splash of Red by
"As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw- He loved the feel of the charcoal as it slid across the floor. He loved looking at something in the room and making it come alive again in front of him.He drew pictures for his sisters, his classmates, his co-workers. Even during W.W.I, Horace filled his notebooks with drawings from the trenches . . . until he was shot. Upon his return home, Horace couldn't lift his right arm, and couldn't make any art. Slowly, with lots of practice, he regained use of his arm, until once again, he was able to paint--and paint, and paint! Soon, people—including the famous painter N. C. Wyeth—started noticing Horace's art, and before long, his paintings were displayed in galleries and museums across the country. Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet team up once again to share this inspiring story of a self-taught painter from humble beginnings who despite many obstacles, was ultimately able to do what he loved, and be recognized for who he was- an artist."
It Jes' Happened by
Growing up as an enslaved boy on an Alabama cotton farm, Bill Traylor worked all day in the hot fields. When slavery ended, Bill's family stayed on the farm as sharecroppers. There Bill grew to manhood, raised by his own family and cared for the land and his animals. By the time has was 81, Bill was alone on his farm. So he moved to the city and began drawing the people, place and creatures from his earlier life. Today Bill Traylor is considered one of the most important self-taught American folk artists and this vivid picturebook tells his story.
Benjamin Banneker by
This book describes the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker in the fields of science and architecture, as well as his impact as one of the pioneers in promoting equality.
Obama by
From birth to getting elected as president, a biography told in lyrical prose.... From his childhood in Indonesia to his teenage years in Hawaii, from his father's homeland of Kenya to the halls of Harvard Law School and, later, the South Side of Chicago, Barack Obama searched for a place where he belonged. His search led him to the White House, where, as president, he would fight for "the god-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." In elegant, cadenced language, award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford provides a biographical tribute to a citizen of the world who journeyed from "Barry" to "Barack" to "Mr. President" as he found, finally, the place where he belongs. Primary source quotes from speeches are included throughout.
Barack Obama by
Barack Obama is the story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together. This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.
Barack Obama by
The United States president preserves, protects, and defends the U.S. Constitution. Each president's term influences events in America and around the world for years to come. This biography introduces young readers to the life of Barack Hussein Obama Jr., beginning with his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia. Information about Obama's education at Occidental College, Columbia University, and Harvard Law School, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review, as well as his early career as a community organizer and lawyer in Chicago is discussed. In addition, his family and personal life is highlighted. Easy-to-read text details Obama's political career as an Illinois state senator, where he served on the Public Health and Welfare Committee and helped pass the Earned Income Tax Cut, and the U.S. Senate, where he served on the Foreign Relations Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Environment and Public Works Committee and opposed the Iraq War. Finally, students will get a closer look at the 2008 campaign when Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden defeated Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin. Beautiful graphics showcase the primary source documents and photographs. A timeline, fast facts, and sidebars help put essential information at students' fingertips. In addition, a quick-reference chart provides easy access to facts about every U.S. president. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.
Sundiata by
In the thirteenth century, Sundiata overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule the West African trading empire of Mali.
Mandela by
Nelson Mandela comes to life in this portrait of a diplomatic man whose commitment to freedom gained him both the Nobel Peace Prize and Time's Man of the Year honor. The son of a Thembu chief in South Africa, Mandela began his life-long campaign against white colonial rule while a college student. Kramer's eloquent, yet approachable text describes the leader's dedication to nonviolence, his role in the African National Congress and his arrest in 1962 for sabotage and conspiracy. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela continued his fight for a democratic and free society, and ultimately was released and elected president of South Africa. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Shaka, King of the Zulus by
Born in 1787, Shaka was just a boy when he and his mother were banished from their tiny Zulu clan, one among many clans that dotted the hillsides of southern Africa. By sheer will and military genius Shaka rose to lead a mighty nation, but he never forgot his outcast childhood. In this companion to Diane Stanley's lauded "Peter the Great, " the authors have researched African history to evoke the dramatic events of Shaka!s time. Shaka dreamed of becoming a warrior, and he proved himself again and again--against a springing leopard, in one-on-one combat with a fearsome opponent, and as a general in battle. Most amazingly, Shaka took a handful of Zulu fighters and turned them into an army of the finest warriors in Africa, awesome in its power, endurance, and discipline. By the time Europeans came to Zululand in 1824, they were told that this land they hoped to colonize belonged to a great king named Shaka, whose power was beyond measure. Today Shaka lives on, in the stories of the six million Zulus of South Africa who remember him with pride, and in books written by the Europeans who knew and respected him. "Shaka, King of the Zul
Starstruck by
Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible. That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos. This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
George Washington Carver by
A Coretta Scott King Honor Award author offers a fresh look at this pioneering American innovator Shampoo from peanuts? Wallpaper from clay? Ink from sweet potatoes? Discover Carver's imagination and inspiration in th is one-of-a-kind biography. With imagination and intellect, George Washington Carver (1864-1934) developed hundreds of unexpected products from e veryday plants. This book reveals what an exceptionally uncommon man Carver was: trailblazing scholar, innovative scientist, pioneering conservationist, and impassioned educator. This book follows his life from slave and orphan to his college days as the first African American to attend Iowa State College (where he later taught), and on to his life and work in the field of agriculture. Illustrated with historical artifacts and photographs
Vision of Beauty by
An inspiring picture-book biography of a woman who succeeded on her own terms. Born December 23, 1867, Sarah Breedlove Walker was the youngest and first free-born child of Minerva and Owen Breedlove of Delta, Louisiana. As sharecroppers, their lives were hard, but slavery had ended, and the Breedlove family was free. And if you were free, you could dream. VISION OF BEAUTY depicts Sarah Breedlove Walker's rise from a bleak world of poverty and discrimination to unprecedented success as an influential businesswoman and philanthropist. Orphaned at age seven, married and widowed by twenty, Sarah was a young mother struggling as a laundress when she began to lose her hair. Through tenacity and faith, she discovered her own cure, founding the phenomenally successful Mme. C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Representing a woman's ability to achieve economic independence, Madam Walker offered a vision of freedom and dignity for her people, and became a powerful role model for women and girls of all races and classes. The story of a woman with the courage to dream--and the determination to build a better life for herself and her race.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by
When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind. Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how - even in the worst of times - a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.
Whoosh! by
"A childhood favorite and summer staple, the Super Soaker was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for rockets, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for an iconic toy. Lonnie Johnson's life began alongside a whole mess of brothers and sisters and grew to include a love for rockets, robots, inventions, and creativity. With persistence and a passion for problem solving, he became an engineer and worked for NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults."
African-American Inventors by
Lively, informative text provides a fascinating look at creative people and their scientific work. Each of these volumes contains five brief profiles. Personalities profiled include African-American scientists, Native-American scientists, Hispanic scientists, and African-American inventors. Each book contains an index, bibliography, glossary.
What Color Is My World? by
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA's alltime leading scorer, champions a lineup of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book. Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more -- inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter. Back matter includes an authors' note and sources.
Sweet Dreams, Sarah by 
Precious and the Boo Hag by 
Never Forgotten by 
Mirandy and Brother Wind by 
The Honest-to-Goodness Truth by 
A Million Fish... More or Less by 
Family by 
Max Found Two Sticks by 
Looking Like Me by 
Flossie and the Fox by 
When Marian Sang by
Most people know Marian Anderson from her historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which drew an integrated crowd of over 75,000 people in pre-Civil Rights America. While this momentous event showcased the uniqueness of her voice, the strength of her character, and the struggles of the times in which she lived, it is only part of her story. Like the operatic arias Marian would come to sing, Pam Munoz Ryan's text is as moving as a libretto, and Caldecott Honor medalist Brian Selznick's pictures are as exquisitely detailed and elaborately designed as a stage set. The woman who emerges most profoundly from their harmonious biography is a role model of courage, for even in the face of enormous obstacles Marian maintained her grace and dignity and fulfilled her dreams.Here is a woman who deserves wide recognition for her vital contributions to American history and music, to women and African-Americans, and to all of humanity.
Josephine by
An emotionally powerful biography told in verse of a dancer, singer, comedienne, and enduring figure - Josephine Baker - from her birth in the slums, her fantastic success, and her fight against racial prejudice.
Ballerina Dreams by
Perfect for newly independent readers--the amazing true story of Michaela DePrince, one of America's top ballerinas. At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but was soon adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and quickly decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since and is now a principal dancer in New York City and has been featured in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Oprah magazine. Young readers will love learning about this inspiring ballerina in this uplifting and informative leveled reader. This Step 4 Step into Reading book is for newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.
Duke Ellington by
The award-winning author/illustrator team of Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney--creators of the popular picture book Alvin Ailey--present a swinging, vibrant picture title about the jazz composer Edward Kennedy Ellington, better known as Duke. Full color.
Ella Fitzgerald by
The inspiring story of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald is told in the voice of Scat Cat Monroe, a feline fan whose imagined narrative sings with the infectious rhythms of scat.
Dizzy by
From the author of FRIDA comes a jangly, jumpy, beboping book about Dizzy Gillespie, the clown prince of jazz. This is the story of Dizzy Gillespie, a real cool cat who must have been born with a horn in his hands, judging from the way he played the trumpet. Jazz was his ticket on a train to better days, and he left his hard life in a small town for New York City and the hottest band around. But did Dizzy stand straight and play right? NO! He was a clown. He hit high notes, low notes, never-been-heard notes, and before he knew it, Dizzy created a whole new music: BEBOP. This is a story about a boy who breaks all the rules -- and finds his own personal heaven along the way.
When the Beat Was Born by
A John Steptoe New Talent Award Winner Before there was hip hop, there was DJ Kool Herc. On a hot day at the end of summer in 1973 Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school party at a park in the South Bronx. Her brother, Clive Campbell, spun the records. He had a new way of playing the music to make the breaks--the musical interludes between verses--longer for dancing. He called himself DJ Kool Herc and this isWhen the Beat Was Born. From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, Laban Carrick Hill's book tells how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to breakdance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by
Melba Doretta Liston loved the sounds of music from as far back as she could remember. As a child, she daydreamed about beats and lyrics, and hummed along with the music from her family's Majestic radio. At age seven, Melba fell in love with a big, shiny trombone, and soon taught herself to play the instrument. By the time she was a teenager, Melba's extraordinary gift for music led her to the world of jazz. She joined a band led by trumpet player Gerald Wilson and toured the country. Overcoming obstacles of race and gender, Melba went on to become a famed trombone player and arranger, spinning rhythms, harmonies, and melodies into gorgeous songs for all the jazz greats of the twentieth century: Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones, to name just a few. Brimming with ebullience and the joy of making music, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is a fitting tribute to a trailblazing musician and a great unsung hero of jazz.
Mama Africa! by
Miriam Makeba, a Grammy Award-winning South African singer, rose to fame in the hearts of her people at the pinnacle of apartheid--a brutal system of segregation similar to American Jim Crow laws. Mama Africa, as they called her, raised her voice to help combat these injustices at jazz clubs in Johannesburg; in exile, at a rally beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and before the United Nations. Set defiantly in the present tense, this biography offers readers an intimate view of Makeba's fight for equality. Kathryn Erskine's call-and-response style text and Charly Palmer's bold illustrations come together in a raw, riveting duet of protest song and praise poem. A testament to how a single voice helped to shake up the world--and can continue to do so.
Jazz Is the Word by 
Harlem's Little Blackbird by
"Zora and Langston. Billie and Bessie. Eubie and Duke. If the Harlem Renaissance had a court, they were its kings and queens. But there were other, lesser known individuals whose contributions were just as impactful, such as Florence Mills. Born to parents who were former-slaves Florence knew early on that she loved to sing. And that people really responded to her sweet, bird-like voice. Her dancing and singing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired songs and even entire plays! Yet with all this success, she knew firsthand how bigotry shaped her world. And when she was offered the role of a lifetime from Ziegfeld himself, she chose to support all-black musicals instead. Fans of When Marian Sangand Ella Fitzgerald- The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosawill jump at the chance to discover another talented performer whose voice transcended and transformed the circumstances society placed on her."
Odetta by
She was a beautiful girl who plunged head-first into the world with a song to sing. Born in Birmingham, this child soon learned to make a whole heap of noise on her auntie's piano. Then she discovered her own instrument-a voice full of brass and thunder! And, oh, did she have a song to sing-spirituals, gospels, work songs. She sang joy. She sang sorrow and struggle. She sang triumph. Her songs told stories of America's history. And, with the help of Baby, her guitar, Odetta blazed a musical trail that served as the roadmap for many folksingers who followed in her footsteps. Presented with luminous paintings and a poetic narrative, the life and times of folk music's queen, will leave readers strumming.
Bill Pickett by
This is the true tale of the feisty cowboy-child who became the most famous black rodeo performer who ever lived. A note about the history of the black West and a bibliography are included. “The text is fascinating, and the oil paintings on scratchboard are full of energy and motion, matching the book’s powerful mood.”--School Library Journal
Before There Was Mozart by
The musical superstar of 18th-century France was Joseph Boulogne--a black man. This inspiring story tells how Joseph, the only child of a black slave and her white master, becomes "the most accomplished man in Europe." After traveling from his native West Indies to study music in Paris, young Joseph is taunted about his skin color. Despite his classmates' cruel words, he continues to devote himself to his violin, eventually becoming conductor of a whole orchestra. Joseph begins composing his own operas, which everyone acknowledges to be magnifique. But will he ever reach his dream of performing for the king and queen of France? This lushly illustrated book by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome introduces us to a talented musician and an overlooked figure in black history.
Nina by
A stunning picture-book biography of the High Priestess of Soul and one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. With evocative black-and-white illustrations and moving prose, readers are introduced to Nina Simone, jazz-music legend and civil-rights activist. Shared as a lullaby to her daughter, a soulful song recounts Simone's career, the trials she faced as an African American woman, and the stand she took during the Civil Rights Movement. This poignant picture book offers a melodic tale that is both a historic account of an iconic figure and an extraordinary look at how far we've come and how far we still need to go for social justice and equality. A timeless and timely message aptly appropriate for today's social and political climates. ♦ "A good introduction to Simone's life, from her early love of music to her rise to the status of legend" --Kirkus Reviews, starred review ♦ "Strikingly illustrated" --Booklist, starred review ♦ "Hauntingly beautiful illustrations" --Foreword Reviews, starred review "Stirring and powerful. . . " --BookPage
Piano Starts Here by
Regardless of whether they've heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike. Included in the back matter is a biography and bibliography.
Trombone Shorty by
Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom.Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
Feathers, Flaps and Flops by
"Wrong Way Corrigan" said he would fly to California but ended up in Ireland. Beryl Markham, the first woman in Africa to obtain a commercial pilot's license, accepted the challenge of a solo transatlantic flight on a dinner-party bet. Bessie Coleman, a black woman born into poverty and racism in Texas, became a top-notch stunt pilot and dreamed of opening a flight school for African-Americans. The history of human attempts to defy gravity is the history of dreamers possessed of imagination, dedication, and derring-do. By bringing together this collection of dynamic personalities and their trailblazing exploits, Bo Zaunders and Roxie Munro make us realize the collective physical and emotional toughness that made possible our present-day mastery of flight. Often humorous, always inspiring and thought-provoking, this is nonfiction at its best.
Mae Jeminson by
Chronicles the life of Mae Jemison, an astronaut who became the first African American woman in space.
Matthew Henson by
The History Maker Bios series offers introductions to the lives of historical figures found in the core of every history curriculum. Filled with true stories, historical photographs, artwork, and caricatures, each title in this lively series will entertain and inform readers. Did you know that when Matthew Henson and Robert Peary traveled to the North Pole they ran behind, not on, sleds that were 12 feet long with runners made of walrus tusks? In 1909, after eighteen years of expeditions, they became the first men to reach the North Pole. Although instrumental to this achievement, Henson was denied the accolades that should have followed because he was African American. It was not until more than thirty years later that people outside of the African-American community gave him the recognition he deserved.
Talkin' about Bessie by
Soar along with Bessie Coleman in this inspirational tale of a woman whose determination reached new heights. Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman was always being told what she could & couldn't do. In an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, it was not easy to survive. Bessie didn't let that stop her. Although she was only 11 when the Wright brothers took their historic flight, she vowed to become the first African -American female pilot. Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination. Innovatively told through a series of monologues.
Aunt Clara Brown by
Introducing new readers to some of history's most interesting and important people, these biographies focus on the pivotal episodes that show what kind of person the subject is (or was) and how he or she came to be famous. Although written in a story format, these books are not fictionalized accounts. A chronology of major events follows the story, along with a brief summary of the subject's life.
Fly High! by
Besse Coleman was born in rural Texas in 1892. She loved school, especially learning about numbers, and she was a good reader, too. Yet when it was time to pick cotton she had to work in the fields instead of going to school. Nevertheless, she was determined to be somebody when she grew up. In her early twenties, Bessie moved to Chicago. Perhaps there she could "find a bigger life." In the city, Bessie heard many tales of World War I from returned veterans. She also heard there were woman airplane pilots in France. From then on, she was determined to become a pilot. But she soon found out that no one would teach a woman -- especially a woman with dark skin -- how to fly. To study in France was her only chance, and by working hard and saving her money, she managed at last to get there. Bessie Coleman became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license. She was somebody. The inspiring story of her difficult early years, her success as a stunt pilot putting on daring air shows in many states, and her dedication to telling young African-Americans wherever she went, "You can be somebody. You can fly high just like me," is as moving and important today as it was then. Simply told with evocative full-color illustrations, this is a special book for today's young people.
A Sweet Smell of Roses by 
Just Like Josh Gibson by 
Freedom School, Yes! by 
These Hands by 
Wonder Horse by 
Almost to Freedom by 
Jazz by 
Happy Feet by 
Portraits of African-American Heroes by
Here, ideal for African-American History Month, is a stunningly beautiful book consisting of portraits-in pictures and words-of twenty outstanding African-Americans. The individuals range from historical to contemporary figures, such as the dancer Judith Jamison, and represent diverse fields of endeavor, from the law (Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall) to athletics, science, and more. For each individual, there is a three-page biography by the noted author Tonya Bolden and a striking black-and-white portrait that captures not only the subject's likeness but is a work of art in itself. A book to inspire, to teach, or to display, with its large trim size and striking design, it is as handsome as it is important. Paintings by Ansel Pitcairn.
Mumbet's Declaration of Independence by
"All men are born free and equal." Everybody knows about the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But the founders weren't the only ones who believed that everyone had a right to freedom. Mumbet, a Massachusetts slave, believed it too. She longed to be free, but how? Would anyone help her in her fight for freedom? Could she win against her owner, the richest man in town? Mumbet was determined to try. Mumbet's Declaration of Independence tells her story for the first time in a picture book biography, and her brave actions set a milestone on the road toward ending slavery in the United States.
A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass by
A biography of the man who, after escaping slavery, became an orator, writer, and leader in the abolitionist movement in the nineteenth century.
Words Set Me Free by
The inspirational, true story of how Frederick Douglass found his way to freedom one word at a time. This picture book biography chronicles the youth of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African American figures in American history. Douglass spent his life advocating for the equality of all, and it was through reading that he was able to stand up for himself and others. Award-winning husband-wife team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome present a moving and captivating look at the young life of the inspirational man who said, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."
Mary McLeod Bethune by
A biography which follows the career of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American woman who spent her life educating and working to earn basic human rights for others.
John Brown by
Ever since he was a boy, John Brown had hated slavery. He was an abolitionist, a person who believed that no one should be able to own others. Many abolitionists hope that strong words would convince people to end slavery, but John thought words were not enough. He was determined to fight--even if it meant death. In John Brown, author Tom Streissguth and illustrator Ralph L. Ramstad capture the fiery determination of the man whose actions helped to bring about the Civil War.
The Daring Escape of Ellen Craft by
Tells of the daring escape of a slave couple in 1848, with the woman, Ellen Croft, posing as a white man, and her husband posing as the man's slave.
Sisters Against Slavery by
Sisters against Slavery recounts the lives of Sarah Grimke and Angelica Grimke Weld. These daughters of wealthy Southern planters and slave owners renounced slavery in the 1830's. Through their writings and through a series of lectures delivered in the North, the sisters became famous for their views on slavery and women's rights. Although the sisters were active as speakers and essayists for a relatively short time in the 1830s and 1840s, they reached tens of thousands of people, influenced American views on slavery, and were an inspiration to women's rights leaders for decades to come.
Delivering Justice by
A gripping biography of the mail carrier who orchestrated the Great Savannah boycott -- and was instrumental in bringing equality to his community. "Grow up and be somebody," Westley Wallace Law's grandmother encouraged him as a young boy living in poverty in segregated Savannah, Georgia. Determined to make a difference in his community, W.W. Law assisted blacks in registering to vote, joined the NAACP and trained protestors in the use of nonviolent civil disobedience, and, in 1961, led the Great Savannah Boycott. In that famous protest, blacks refused to shop in downtown Savannah. When city leaders finally agreed to declare all of its citizens equal, Savannah became the first city in the south to end racial discrimination. A lifelong mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, W.W. Law saw fostering communication between blacks and whites as a fundamental part of his job. As this affecting, strikingly illustrated biography makes clear, this "unsung hero" delivered far more than the mail to the citizens of the city he loved.
Coretta Scott by
Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey--with dreams of freedom for all. This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott.
Peaceful Protest by
Walk the long road to freedom with Nelson Mandela--one of the 20th century's shining beacons of peaceful protest. Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspiring figures in modern history. For 27 years he was a "prisoner of conscience"--a civil rights leader unjustly imprisoned for his struggle against apartheid, South Africa's institutionalized racism. Mandela's nonviolent fight for equality for his people rallied the world to his cause, and proved that good will and a positive gathering of nations can indeed topple oppressive governments. Featuring bold, vibrant art, no other picture book so thoroughly covers Nelson's entire life; from childhood, through his time in prison, to his later years. Mother and daughter Malcah Zeldis and Yona Zeldis McDonough have teamed up to create a moving tribute introducing Nelson Mandela's "long road to freedom" to a new generation--a hero who helped free an entire nation.
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks by
Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus helped establish the civil rights movement.
Paul Robeson by
An updated and redesigned edition of an award-winning* biography of Paul Robeson, who overcame racial discrimination to become an international entertainer and civil rights activist. Includes a new introduction and afterword by the author, focusing on Robeson¿s legacy.
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by
Biography of the black woman who escaped from slavery to become famous as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Booker T. Washington by
Booker dreamed of making friends with words, setting free the secrets that lived in books. Born into slavery, young Booker T. Washington could only dream of learning to read and write. After emancipation, Booker began a five-hundred-mile journey, mostly on foot, to Hampton Institute, taking his first of many steps towards a college degree. When he arrived, he had just fifty cents in his pocket and a dream about to come true. The young slave who once waited outside of the schoolhouse would one day become a legendary educator of freedmen. Award-winning artist Bryan Collier captures the hardship and the spirit of one of the most inspiring figures in American history, bringing to life Booker T. Washington's journey to learn, to read, and to realize a dream.
Ida B. Wells by
This picture book biography introduces the extraordinary Ida B. Wells. Long before boycotts, sit-ins, and freedom rides, Ida B. Wells was hard at work to better the lives of African Americans. An activist, educator, writer, journalist, suffragette, and pioneering voice against the horror of lynching, she used fierce determination and the power of the pen to educate the world about the unequal treatment of blacks in the United States. In this picture book biography, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers tells the story of this legendary figure, which blends harmoniously with the historically detailed watercolor paintings of illustrator Bonnie Christensen. "Myers's unflinching tale highlights Wells's courage and persistence by using her own words and writings throughout, and sharing the many moments of her life when she refused to accept discrimination and raised her voice for justice" (Brightly.com).
Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells by
Journalist Ida B. Wells, a tireless crusader for justice and civil rights, faced her greatest challenge when she confronted the heinous practice of lynching. In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. For her family and others like them, it was a time of renewed faith in America's promise of "freedom and justice for all." Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in this promise, young Ida never turned away from the challenges she faced. She insisted on holding her family together after the death of her parents. She defied convention and went to court when a railroad company infringed on her rights. And she used her position as a journalist to speak out about injustice. But Ida's greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the "shadow of lawlessness" that loomed over the country? Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells, from her birth into a slave family in Mississippi and her early encounters with racism to her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn's remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation a century ago while paying tribute to a courageous American hero. "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." - Ida B. Wells
Malcolm X by
"We never can win freedom and justice and equality until we are doing something for ourselves!" Malcolm X learned from his father that black people should demand equality by taking their lives and futures into their own hands. Malcolm believed in this idea. It was one he lived by. Though Malcolm faced hard times growing up and even went to jail, he turned his life around. He read books and combined lessons he'd learned from his father and from the religious leader Elijah Muhammad. Soon Malcolm would become a powerful leader in the struggle for blacks to achieve equality. Malcolm died tragically when he was only thirty-nine, but his beliefs live on today. Walter Dean Myers's evenhanded narrative and Leonard Jenkins's striking paintings celebrate the man and the fiery message he brought to all people of color.
Molly, by Golly! by
This legendary tale introduces young readers to Molly Williams, an African American cook for New York City's Fire Company 11, who is considered to be the first known female firefighter in U.S. history. One winter day in 1818, when many of the firefighting volunteers are sick with influenza and a small wooden house is ablaze, Molly jumps into action and helps stop the blaze, proudly earning the nickname Volunteer Number 11. Relying on historic records and pictures and working closely with firefighting experts, Dianne Ochiltree and artist Kathleen Kemly not only bring this spunky and little-known heroine to life but also show how fires were fought in early America.
A Picture Book of Sojourner Truth by
An introduction to the life of the woman born into slavery who became a well-known abolitionist and crusader for the rights of African Americans in the United States.
Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride by
Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn't really be free unless she was helping to end injustice. That's when she changed her name to Sojourner and began traveling across the country, demanding equal rights for black people and for women. Many people weren't ready for her message, but Sojourner was brave, and her truth was powerful. And slowly, but surely as Sojourner's step-stomp stride, America began to change.
The Riches of Oseola McCarty by
While retired laundress Oseola McCarty has become well known because of her endowment of a one-hundred-and-fifty-thousand-dollar scholarship fund to the University of Southern Mississippi, Coleman instead focuses upon the life and faith that made such a gift possible. Illustrated with handsome but appropriately modest block prints, the book, based upon interviews with McCarty, tells of Ola''s growing up in the care of her grandmother and her aunt, who took in laundry from Hattiesburg''s white citizens. While Coleman is honest about the oppressive Jim Crow laws under which Ola (born in 1908) and her family lived, her focus is on the pride the women took in their work. And rather than preach, she details that work ("Ola would tuck the corner of a sheet between the wringer''s two rollers") with a respect that confirms its dignity. While Ola worked, she saved. And saved. And thus the scholarship endowment given upon the occasion of Ola''s retirement at the age of eighty-seven. The account is plainspoken and easy to read; the chapter-book format is appealing. Coleman evokes a world few contemporary children will know and introduces a heroine they will greatly admire. -less
Wangari's Trees of Peace by
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something--and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman's passion, vision, and determination inspired great change. Includes an author's note. This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% postconsumer waste.
Seeds of Change by
A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman - and first environnmentalist - to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for planting trees in her native Kenya. Detailed narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of women's rights and the environment and engagingly capture the people, clothing and landscape of Kenya.
Planting the Trees of Kenya by
Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Green Belt Movement, grew up in the highlands of Kenya, where fig trees cloaked the hills, fish filled the streams, and the people tended their bountiful gardens. But over many years, as more and more land was cleared, Kenya was transformed. When Wangari returned home from college in America, she found the village gardens dry, the people malnourished, and the trees gone. How could she alone bring back the trees and restore the gardens and the people? Bill McKibben, author ofThe End of Nature, says: "Wangari Maathai's epic story has never been told better--everyone who reads this book will want to plant a tree!" With glowing watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose, Claire Nivola tells the remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author's note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. In keeping with the theme of the story, the book is printed on recycled paper.
Shaking Things Up by 
Under the Quilt of Night by 
Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys by 
How Many Stars in the Sky? by 
Fishing Day by 
Ellen's Broom by 
Back Home by 
The Sunday Outing by 
Night Running by 