Honoring Women's History Month pt. 24: X, A Novel by IIlyasah Shabazz,and Kekla Magoon

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

X, A Novel by IIlyasah Shabazz,and Kekla Magoon

A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
Co-written by Malcolm X’s daughter, this riveting and revealing novel follows the formative years of the man whose words and actions shook the world.

Malcolm Little’s parents have always told him that he can achieve anything, but from what he can tell, that’s a pack of lies—after all, his father’s been murdered, his mother’s been taken away, and his dreams of becoming a lawyer have gotten him laughed out of school. There’s no point in trying, he figures, and lured by the nightlife of Boston and New York, he escapes into a world of fancy suits, jazz, girls, and reefer. But Malcolm’s efforts to leave the past behind lead him into increasingly dangerous territory. Deep down, he knows that the freedom he’s found is only an illusion—and that he can’t run forever.

X follows Malcolm from his childhood to his imprisonment for theft at age twenty, when he found the faith that would lead him to forge a new path and command a voice that still resonates today. Ages 14–18.

Buy it here

#malcolmx #ilyasayshabazz #keklamagoon #awardwinner #ourstory #americanhistory #leadership #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #readers #readinglife #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 23: Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sean Qualls:

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sean Qualls:

Young John Coltrane was all ears. And there was a lot to hear growing up in the South in the 1930s: preachers praying, music on the radio, the bustling of the household. These vivid noises shaped John's own sound as a musician. Carole Boston Weatherford and Sean Qualls have composed an amazingly rich hymn to the childhood of jazz legend John Coltrane.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant is a 2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book and a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Ages 5–9

Buy it here

#beforejohnwasajazzgiant #carolebostonweatherford #awardwinner #culture #music #jazz #johncoltrane #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #ourstory #americanhistory #reading #readinglife #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors 

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 22: The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

In the 1930s, Lewis’s dad, Lewis Micheaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch a book itch. How to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore. 

And as far as Lewis Micheaux Jr. could tell, his father’s bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store, even famous people Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, to name a few. In his father’s bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of his father’s book itch. Read the story of how Lewis Micheaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in. Ages 7–10.

Buy it here

#thebookitch #vaundamicheauxnelson #culture #blackbookstores #harlem #ourstory #americanhistory #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #readers #readinglife #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors #supportblackbookstores 

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 21: Baby Blessings: A Prayer For the Day You Are Born by Deloris Jordan, illustrated by James E. Ransome

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Baby Blessings: A Prayer For the Day You Are Born by Deloris Jordan, illustrated by James E. Ransome

This touching story from bestselling author Doloris Jordan celebrates the blessings new parents wish for their babies all through their lives. With a strong emphasis on the bonds families share, the inspirational text is accompanied by exquisite art from renowned illustrator James E. Ransome. From infancy to adulthood, there is always a place for Baby Blessings. Ages 4–8.

Buy it here

#babyblessings #delorisjordan #celebration #love #family #prayers #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #reading #readinglife #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 20: Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison

"Meet 40 trailblazing women who broke barriers of race and gender to pave the way for future generations. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is important, timely, and written in style that kids will enjoy. " - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

This beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller introduces readers of all ages to 40 women who changed the world.

An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.

Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. 

The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.  Ages 8-11.

Buy it here.

#littleleaders #vashtiharrison #blackgirlmagic #leadership #ourstory #history #americanhistory #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 2: Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Happy Hair by  Mechal Renee Roe

African American girls and their beautiful hair are celebrated in this bright, joyful read-together picture book that will have girls everywhere repeating the book's chorus: "I love being me!"

African American girls will love seeing strong, happy reflections of themselves in this vibrant, rhythmic picture book celebrating the diversity of beautiful black hair. From a cute crop to pom-pom puffs, adorable illustrations of girls with gorgeous braids, blowouts, and bantus grace each page, side by side with a call-and-response affirmation that will make girls cheer. It's a great read-aloud to promote self-esteem for girls of all ages, building and growing the foundation of self-love (and hair love!) and letting every girl know "You are made beautiful!"

Full 'fro, cute bow! I love being me! Smart girl, cool curls! I love being me! Ages 4-7

Buy it here.

#happyhair #mechalreneeroe  #womenshistorymonth #womenauthors  #blackauthors#blackwomenauthors #hair #kinks #coils   #curls #imagesmatter #selflove #youarebeautiful #blackgirlmagic

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 19: My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson-Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

My Brother Charlie  by Holly Robinson-Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete

"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.

Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.  Ages 7-10.

Buy it here.

#mybrothercharlie #hollyrobinsonpeete #ryanelizabethpeete #autism #diverselearners, #family #community #images matter #blackcharacters
#blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymont #readers #readinglife #loveofreading

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 18: Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

"A welcome new picture book about princesses, Princess Hair is about a variety of styles, textures, and attitudes to be found under the crown. Fun for any reader and particularly well-suited for little princesses of color who will see themselves in the pages." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

Princesses with curls wear pearls.
Princesses with head wraps take long naps.
And princesses with teeny-weeny Afros wear teeny-weeny bows.

Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, Princess Hair shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is princess hair.

Debut author-illustrator Sharee Miller encourages confidence and pride in this playful, colorful picture book that teaches readers to love every bit of themselves.  Ages 5-6

Buy it here

#princesshair #shareemiller #blackhair #healthyselfimage #coils 

#curls #kinks #headwraps #puffs  #blackwomenauthors 

#womenshistorymonth #imagesmatter #blackcharacters 

#readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 17:Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia:

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia:

From beloved Newbery Honor winner and three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Rita Williams-Garcia comes a powerful and heartfelt novel about loss, family, and love that will appeal to fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander.

Clayton feels most alive when he’s with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and the band of Bluesmen—he can’t wait to join them, just as soon as he has a blues song of his own. But then the unthinkable happens. Cool Papa Byrd dies, and Clayton’s mother forbids Clayton from playing the blues. And Clayton knows that’s no way to live.

Armed with his grandfather’s brown porkpie hat and his harmonica, he runs away from home in search of the Bluesmen, hoping he can join them on the road. But on the journey that takes him through the New York City subways and to Washington Square Park, Clayton learns some things that surprise him.

National Book Award Finalist * Kirkus Best Books of 2017 * Horn Book Best Books of 2017 * Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2017 * School Library Journal Best Books of 2017 * NAACP Image Awards Youth/Teens Winner * Chicago Public Library Best Books * Boston Globe Best Books of 2017. Ages 8–12.

Buy it here.

#claytonbyrdgoesunderground #ritawilliamsgarcia #culture
#music #blues #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 

#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #awardwinner #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 16: Princess Cupcake Jones and the Queen’s Closet by Ylleya Fields

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Princess Cupcake Jones and the Queen’s Closet by Ylleya Fields

Princess Cupcake Jones loves exploring her mom’s closet and trying on shoes. In the closet she finds herself in a transforming make-believe world of fun. When Cupcake discovers a special box that she hasn’t seen before, curiosity propels her to explore what lies within the mystery box. And once she looks inside, she finds herself in a shoe-filled situation that is more than she could have imagined.  Children will delight in Cupcake’s discovery and will enjoy searching for the special word (“love”) hidden in each illustration. This is part of the Princess Cupcake Jones series. Ages 5-7

Buy it here.

#princesscupcakejones #ylleyafields #adventure #discovery #empowerment #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 

#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife

 #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 15: The Barber’s Cutting Edge by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

The Barber’s Cutting Edge by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

The Barber's Cutting Edge is a touching celebration of the close relationship between a young African American boy and his community mentor. Jam-packed with little boys, big boys, dads, and neighbors, Mr. Bigalow's barbershop is a familiar place to talk, to play dominoes, to read, and in Rashaad's case, to get a little extra help with his schoolwork. Not only does Mr. Bigalow know all the latest styles, he also knows all the words on Rashaad's vocabulary list. Whether it's haircuts or words, Mr. Bigalow is the best at what he does. He is also a friend and a role model and as Rashaad puts it, "one cool dude."

Holbert's vibrant drawings capture the lively atmosphere and warm spirit of the barbershop. 

Ages 6-8.

Buy it here.

#thebarberscuttingedge #gwendolynbattlelavert #community #blackhair  #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 

#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt. 14: Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

Sassy is a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her high jumps and bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but with Sassy's persistence, she just might be able to win him over. Dancing in the Wings is loosely based on actress/choreographer Debbie Allen's own experiences as a young dancer.  Ages 4-8

Buy it here.

#dancinginthewings #debbieallen #dreambig #empowerment 

#blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 

#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading

#loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt.13: Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

 In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz

Malcolm X grew to be one of America’s most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Written by his daughter, this inspiring picture book biography celebrates a vision of freedom and justice.

Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his large, warm family, young Malcolm Little was a natural born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm’s optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.

Together with acclaimed illustrator AG Ford, Ilyasah Shabazz gives us a unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X, with a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.  Ages 6–10.

Buy it here.

#malcolmxlittle #ilyasahshabazz #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth

#imagesmatter #blackcharacter #ourstory #history #americanhistory 

#reading #loveofreading #readinglife #supportblackwomenauthors

Honoring Women's History Month pt.12: Welcome, Precious by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Bryan Collier

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors:

Welcome, Precious by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Bryan Collier:

Literary award winners Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier celebrate life, love, and family with this gorgeous new picture book.

"Welcome, Precious. Welcome to the warm circle of your daddy's arms, the slippery kisses of your giddy grandmother, and the cool tickle of Mommy's nose rubbing against your belly button."

Lulling, poetic text and captivating illustrations welcome a new baby to the wonders of the world, from peanut butter to moonlight. A perfect gift for expecting parents, big brothers- and sisters-to-be, or anyone who wishes to remember life's first magical moments.Ages 0–3.

 Buy it here.

#welcomeprecious #nikkigrimes #poet #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth

 #supportblackwomenauthors #imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading

Honoring Women's History Month p.11: Pritsy and Purrdy by Sharina Stanley and Amarri Stowbridge

In honor of women's history month, a celebration of children's books by black women authors.

Pritsy and Purrdy by Sharina Stanley and Amarri Stowbridge

It's a heartbreaking day for Pritsy as she leaves her home in Sweet Lips, Tennessee and has to move north. It becomes even harder to adjust when she gets to Hope Elementary where it feels like all the kids are bullies. When she meets a little furry friend on this new move, will this help Pritsy adjust to her new home? Find out in Pritsy and Purrdy.
Ages 5-6

Buy it here

#pritsy&purrdy #sharinastanley #amarristowbridge #adventure #empowerment #blackwomenauthors #womenshistorymonth 
#imagesmatter #blackcharacters #readers #readinglife #reading #loveofreading #supportblackwomenauthors