- Children's Room
- Saturday, July 04, 2020
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff.
America's history is rich and diverse, complex and painful. Unfortunately, Americans are only taught part of the story.
On the anniversary of our country's founding, read these books to learn more of our hidden history.
Black history is America's history and it's a history that each American should know.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson
available as an eaudiobook through Overdrive
place a request on print and audio copies
This collective biography beautifully introduces 40 black American women who made their mark, with a one-page illustration of each woman in clothing and background representing her time period and field. The youthful faces appearing on the cover invite readers to open this book to learn about Harriet Tubman and lesser known leaders such as Alice Ball. An approachable invitation to important black women who made a difference.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison with Kwesi Johnson
available as an eaudiobook through Overdrive
place a request on print copies
This collective biography is a perfect companion to Little Leaders. Authors Harrison and Johnson introduce children to well-known and not so well-known African American men who made their mark on history by sharing a one-page body of text coupled with a portrait of each man, his eyes closed, with the backdrop and clothes indicating his area of expertise. Readers will learn about each legend’s childhood and how his interest and curiosity, desire and motivation, prompted him to make a lasting impact on history. Includes well known leaders like Frederick Douglas and leaders with which children may be unfamiliar, such as architect Sir David Adjaye.
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson | illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
available as an ebook through Hoopla
place a request on print copies
"Knowledge is Power. You need it every hour. Read a book." --Lewis Michaux
The Book Itch is the story of Lewis Michaux and how, with only five books, he started his bookstore, The National Memorial African Bookstore. It became a place where people not just from Harlem, but all over would come, including Muhammad Ali, Langston Hughes and Malcolm X, to exchange ideas, learn from each other and their culture. This bookstore helped people to find their voice and stand up for what they believed in.
Sugar Hill: Harlem's Historic Neighborhood by Carole Boston Weatherford | illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
available as an ebook through Hoopla
place a request on print copies
Sugar Hill is the first neighborhood to be established during the Harlem Renaissance movement in New York City during the 1920s. It is beautifully told with a “jazzy” vibe and incredible illustrations that bring to life the people that lived there. A neighborhood full of intellectual, artistic, and prominent African American professionals from writers, poets and performers who explored their own culture and affirmed their culture’s pride.
An excellent read full of history and pride.
Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
available as an eaudiobook and ebook through Overdrive
place a request on print copies
When Langston and his father move to Chicago from Alabama in 1946 his world is turned upside down. Instead of cicadas, frogs, and country quiet lulling him to sleep, he hears music, yelling, and city noise. Eleven year-old Langston’s only home was Alabama where he had “space to breathe,” but when his mama died his daddy wanted a fresh start in a place he and his wife had dreamed of. Now Langston is trying to navigate bullying, sorrow, and loneliness.
One day, as he escapes from taunting classmates, Langston finds himself lost. In an effort to ask for directions, he wanders into a public library. A public library whose doors are wide open to black people. This sanctuary renews hope and cultivates strength, courage, and healing for Langston.
Request a title and pick-up holds from the drive thru at Ballentine, Northeast, Sandhills or St. Andrews from 3 - 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday.
Download and start reading (or listening to) these great titles today.
All you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.
If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
A friendly reminder, Wi-Fi remains active at our library locations - with the exception of Richland Library Sandhills (763 Fashion Drive). If customers are seeking high-speed internet or broadband services, they can access it from the parking lots of 12 library locations.