Written by Marilyn Nelson Illustrated by Wayne Anthony Still Johnnie wants to celebrate her Papa’s birthday, but Papa doesn’t know exactly when that special day is. Johnnie doesn’t understand how that could be. Then she learns about Papa’s childhood–how he built a new life in the all-Black town of Boley, Oklahoma. Inspired by her father’s…
Written by Tricia Elam Walker Illustrated by April Harrison In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother–whose face bears traditional tribal markings–to meet her classmates. It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Gordon C. James The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys…
By Ed Gordon An award-winning journalist envisions the future of leadership, excellence, and prosperity in Black America with this “urgent and pathbreaking” work (Marc Lamont Hill). Hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and inspiring, Conversations in Black offers sage wisdom for navigating race in a radically divisive America, and, with help from his mighty team of Black intelligentsia, veteran journalist Ed…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton A New York Times bestseller, in which a confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten! The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets. It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going…
Written by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson Illustrated by Paul Hoppe This deeply imaginative and entertaining poetry collection details the pleasures of the orchestra, from strong-willed A to satisfied Z. Two widely acclaimed poets–one a composer and classical pianist as well–have come together to create this extraordinary portrait of the orchestra in all of its richness and fascination,…
Written by Tricia Elam Walker Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Visit a truly special street bursting with joy, hope, and dreams. Inspired by the neighborhood where they grew up as cousins, this gorgeous picture book from an award-winning illustrator and critically acclaimed author is the perfect gift or keepsake for every generation.Welcome to Dream Street–the best…
Written by Marilyn NelsonIllustrated by Philemona WilliamsonIn this stirring picture book about social justice activism and the power of introverts, a quiet girl’s artwork makes a big impression at a protest rally.Newbery Honor winner Marilyn Nelson and fine artist Philemona Williamson have come together to create this lyrical, impactful story of how every child, even…
By Dr. Claire Nicogossian Being a mother is a hard, tiresome role that, although not regularly discussed, can often bring up feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, disgust, and embarrassment, or as clinical psychologist and mother Claire Nicogossian Psy. D. calls them, shadow emotions. This compilation of clinical advice and practical strategies guides struggling mothers through…
Written by Derrick Barnes Illustrated by Gordon C. James I am a nonstop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader. The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He’s got big plans, and no doubt he’ll…
