Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by Willliam Kamkwambo

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by Willliam Kamkwambo, Bryan Mealer 


When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy’s brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William’s story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family. Ages 11-16



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#theboywhoharnessedthewind #williamkamkwamba #truestory #ingenuity #survival #community #brilliance #family #perseverence #love #joyofreading #youngreaders #childrensbooks #supportblackauthors #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Monday, April 29, 2019

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier, Lynne Avril(illustrator)



If you ran for president, you would have to do a lot of hard work. You would study the nation's problems, tell the American people about your platform, select a running mate, and debate your opponents on live television
Help your child learn all about the election process and it what it takes to one day be president. Ages 4-8

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#IfIranforpresident #catherinestier #politics #presidents #electionprocess #imagesmatter #representationmatters #youngreaders #childrensbooks #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Fresh Princess by Denene Milner

Fresh Princess by Denene Milner, Gladys Jose (illustrator)


Based on The Fresh Prince created by Will Smith, Destiny is the Fresh Princess. Meet Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style! That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighborhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house. Even with new challenges and new friends to make, Destiny always has a plan. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what being the Fresh Princess is all about, she may just take the leap and jump right in! Written by celebrated author, blogger, and editor Denene Millner and illustrated by Gladys Jose, Fresh Princess is the perfect book to encourage kids to proudly stand out and be themselves! Ages 4-8.

Buy it here

#freshprincess #denenemilner #energetic #strong-willed #stylish #family #imagesmatter #representationmatters #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #supportblackwomenauthors #supportwomenillustrators #letsgetkidsreading




Saturday, April 27, 2019

12 Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles K. Smith Jr.

12 Rounds to Glory:The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles R. Smith Jr., Bryan Collier (illustrator)


From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as “The Greatest” waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. The rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs, while bold collage artwork matches every move, capturing the “Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme” who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali. Ages 10+

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#12roundstoglory #charlesrsmithjr #bryancollier #muhammadali #athlete #boxer #boyhoodtomanhood #adversity #determination #prejudice #faith #youngreaders #leadership #childrensbooks #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #supportblackauthors #supportblackillustrators #letsgetkidsreading

Friday, April 26, 2019

A Children's Introduction to African American History by Jabari Asim

A Children's Introduction to African American History by Jabari Asim, Lynn Gaines (illustrator)


Jabari Asim goes beyond what's taught in the classroom to reveal a fact-filled history of African American history through politics, activism, sports, entertainment, music, and much more. You'll follow the road to freedom beginning with the slave trade and the middle passage through the abolitionist movement and the Civil War where many African Americans fought as soldiers. You'll learn how slave songs often contained hidden messages and how a 15-year-old Jamaican-born young man named Clive Campbell helped to create hip-hop in the early 1970's.
You'll experience the passionate speeches, marches, and movements of the Civil Rights era along with and the sacrifices of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers, and many others. Along the way there are dozens of profiles of political trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, the first black women elected to Congress in 1968; dominants athletes like Tiger Woods who, in 1995, was only the second African American to play in a Master's Golf Tournament which he went on to win in 1997; popular musicians like Miles Davis, one the most influential artists of the twentieth century; and inspiring writers like Toni Morrison, the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Filled with beautiful illustrations by Lynn Gaines that bring these figures and events to life, plus a removable historical timeline poster, A Child's Introduction to African American History is a fascinating and comprehensive guide to this often overlooked yet immensely important part of American history. Ages 8-12

Buy it here

#achildrensintroductiontoafricanamericanhistory #jabariasim #americanhistory #leadership #culture #childrensbooks #loveofreading #youngreaders #supportblackauthors #supportblackillustrators #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Libba: The Magnificient Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura Veirs

Libba:The Magnificient Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten by Laura VeirsTatyana Fazlalizadeh (illustrator)


Elizabeth Cotten was only a little girl when she picked up a guitar for the first time. It wasn't hers (it was her big brother's), and it wasn't strung right for her (she was left-handed). But she flipped that guitar upside down and backwards and taught herself how to play it anyway. By age eleven, she'd written "Freight Train," one of the most famous folk songs of the twentieth century. And by the end of her life, people everywhere—from the sunny beaches of California to the rolling hills of England—knew her music. This lyrical, loving picture book from popular singer-songwriter Laura Veirs and debut illustrator Tatyana Fazlalizadeh tells the story of the determined, gifted, daring Elizabeth Cotten—one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time. Plus, this is the fixed format version, which looks almost identical to the print edition. Ages 5-8

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#Libba #lauraveirs #music #culture #folkmusic #musicians #imagesmatter #childrensbooks #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #youngreaders #letsgetkidsreading


Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld



At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. From a childhood made difficult by racism and prejudice to a record-smashing career on the basketball court as an adult, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life was packed with “coaches” who taught him right from wrong and led him on the path to greatness. His parents, coaches Jack Donahue and John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, and many others played important roles in Abdul-Jabbar’s life and sparked him to become an activist for social change and advancement. The inspiration from those around him, and his drive to find his own path in life, are highlighted in this personal and awe-inspiriting journey. Written especially for young readers, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court. Ages 8-12


Buy it here

#becomingkareem #kareemabdul-jabbar #athlete #growth #icon #legend  #boystomen #basketball #racism #prejudice #activist #socialchange #inspiration #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penrold

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penrold, Suzanne Kaufman(illustrator)



Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school. Ages 4-8

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#allarewelcome #alexandrapenrold #diversity #culture #traditions #community #imagesmatter #representationmatters #joyofreading #childrensbooks #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading


Monday, April 22, 2019

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz


A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective.
Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Karen Katz created this book for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago. Ages 4-8

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#thecolorsofus #karenkatz #skincolor #selfimage #imagesmatter #representationmatters #shadesofbrown #youngreaders #childrensbooks #joyofreading #storiesofcolorfulworld  #letsgetkidsreading

Sunday, April 21, 2019

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore


A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity. It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. Building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape — and an unexpected bridge back to the world. David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge — of adolescence, of grief, of violence — and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. Ages 10-14

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#thestarsbeneathourfeet #davidbarclaymoore #harlem #community #creativity #perseverence #dreambig #love #faith #imagesmatter #storiesmatter #blackboys #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #supportblackauthors #letsgetkidsreading

Saturday, April 20, 2019

She's Got This by Laurie Hernandez

She's Got This by Laurie Hernandez, Nina Mata (illustrator)


From gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnast and bestselling author Laurie Hernandez comes a picture book about chasing your dreams and never giving up.

Even Olympians have to start somewhere. And in this charming illustrated book, Laurie Hernandez tells the story of Zoe, a little girl who dreams of flying—and becoming a gymnast. When Zoe sees a gymnast on TV, she realizes that gymnastics is just like flying. But when she first goes to class and falls off the balance beam, she discovers that following her dreams is harder and scarier than she thought. Through this heartwarming and inspirational story, featuring vibrant art from Nina Mata, Laurie imparts important lessons she learned on her way to Olympic glory: You always have to get back up and try again, and you always have to believe in yourself. Ages 4-8

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#shegotthis #lauriehernandez #gymnast #followyourdreams #perseverence #Olympian #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading



Friday, April 19, 2019

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo (illustrator)



I Am Enough is the picture book everyone needs, and it's now a New York Times bestseller and the picture book winner in the Goodreads Choice Awards!

This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it. Ages 4-8

Buy it here

#Iamenough #gracebyers #keturahabobo #weareenough #purpose #selflove #imagesmatter #representationmatters #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #supportblackwomenauthors #supportblackwomenillustrators #letsgetkidsreading


Thursday, April 18, 2019

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander


"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I’m delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander. Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family. Ages 10-12



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#thecrossover #kwamealexander #athletes #basketball #family #brotherhood #twins #bond #growingup #blackboys#drama  #imagematter #joyofreading #childrensbooks #youngreaders #supportblackauthors #storiesofacolofulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

When God Made Me by Matthew Paul Turner


When God Made Me by Matthew Paul Turner, David Catrow (illustrator)


YOU, you… God thinks about you. God was thinking of you long before your debut. From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves. ‘Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew That the world needed someone exactly like you! Ages 3-7

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#whenGodmademe #matthewpaulturner #davidcatrow #faith #love #imagesmatter #representationmatters #selflove #inspiring #youngreaders #childrensbooks #loveofreading #joyofreading #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

This is one of my favorite children's books!

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.

The book is notable not only for its lovely artwork and tone, but also for its importance as a trailblazer. According to Horn Book magazine, The Snowy Day was "the very first full-color picture book to feature a small black hero"—yet another reason to add this classic to your shelves. It's as unique and special as a snowflake."—Amazon.com Ages 2+

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#thesnowyday #ezrajackkeats  #awardwinner #imagesmatter #representationmatters #loveofreading #joyofreading #youngreaders #storiesofacolorfulworld #letsgetkidsreading