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