Staff Picks
Black Joy for Children & Families
- Children's Room
- Friday, June 19, 2020
Collection
Celebrate black joy with these beautifully illustrated #OwnVoices picture books.
Mae Among the Stars
Published in 2018
When young Mae Jemison is asked by her teacher what she wants to be when she grows up, African American Mae tells her mostly white classmates that she wants to be an astronaut, a dream that her parents wholeheartedly support.
The Undefeated
Published in 2019
"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree"-- Provided by publisher.
Crown
An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Published in 2017
Celebrates the magnificent feeling that comes from walking out of a barber shop with newly-cut hair.
Where's Rodney?
Published in 2017
Rodney was inside, but always wanted to be outside. His class takes a field trip to the park.
I Am Enough
Published in 2019
I Am Enough is the audio edition of the New York Times bestseller everyone needs! 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. Perfect 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.
My Hair is a Garden
Published in 2018
After being teased yet again about her unruly hair, MacKenzie consults her neighbor, Miss Tillie, who compares hair care with tending her beautiful garden and teaches MacKenzie some techniques. Includes tips for shampooing, conditioning, and protecting black hair, and recipes for hair products.
Hair Love
Published in 2020
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her-and her hair-happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair-and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
Little Leaders
Published in 2017
This book introduces listeners of all ages to forty women who changed the world. Featuring forty trailblazing black women in American history, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of breaking boundaries and achieving beyond expectations. Illuminating text brings 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.
Little Legends
Published in 2019
New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history. An important book for readers of all ages, this engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include artist Aaron Douglas, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, musician Prince, photographer Gordon Parks, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, and writer James Baldwin. The legends in this book span centuries and continents, but what they have in common is that each one has blazed a trail for generations to come.
Be Boy Buzz
Published in 2002
Celebrates being Bold, All Bliss Boy, All Bad Boy Beast, Boy running, Boy Jumping, Boy Sitting Down, and being in Love With Being a Boy.
Black Magic
Published in 2010
Presents a poem celebrating the African-American experience and what it means to be part of a strong, proud, and free people.
Black is a Rainbow Color
Published in 2020
"A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on"-- Provided by publisher. Includes historical and cultural notes, song list, and two poems.
Going Down Home with Daddy
Published in 2019
Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.
One Love
Published in 2011
Adapted from one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. Adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's first child, and gorgeously illustrated by Vanessa Newton, this heartwarming picture book offers an upbeat testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts.
Hands Up!
Published in 2019
"A young girl lifts her hands up in a series of everyday moments before finally raising her hands in resistance at a protest march"-- Provided by publisher.
What Is Given from the Heart
Published in 2019
This final, magnificent picture book from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. "Misery loves company," Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's "love box," but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack--with stunning illustrations by Harrison--delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.
Saturday
Published in 2019
When all of their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together.
Thank You, Omu!
Published in 2017
When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.
The Proudest Blue
A Story of Hijab and Family
Published in 2019
Faizah relates how she feels on the first day her sister, sixth-grader Asiya, wears a hijab to school.
Looking Like Me
Published in 2008
When you look in a mirror, who do you see? This jumping, jazzy, joyful picture book by the award-winning team of Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers celebrates every child, and every thing that a child can be.
Sulwe
Published in 2019
When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.
Of Thee I Sing
Published in 2010
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children. Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation's founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever. From the Hardcover edition.
Of Thee I Sing A Letter to My Daughters
Published in 2010
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever. From the Hardcover edition.
Hey Black Child
Published in 2017
"A lyrical, empowering poem that celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young ones to dream big and achieve their goals"-- Provided by publisher.
I Got the Rhythm
Published in 2014
On a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other childen join her.
My Nana and Me
Published in 2012
A joyful story celebrating the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. This delightful picture books follows a young girl and her grandmother through a day of tea parties, dancing, hide and seek, pat, a, cake, bath time, story time, and bedtime. At the end of the story the little girl discovers why she is so extra special. Irene Smalls' rhythmic, upbeat text and Cathy Ann Johnson's lush artwork make My Nana and Me the perfect book to share. My Nana and Me is a great opportunity for fabulous hat dress up tea parties, etiquette lessons and a bedtime read aloud. My Nana and Me is also the perfect book for a child's birthday, Christmas, Kwanzaa, a Grandmother's birthday, family reunions, family celebrations
Pop Pop and Me and a Recipe
Published in 2012
A cooking story for young and old (Includes an original Recipe for Lemon Bar Cake) Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe is a delicious blend of cooking and caring. Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe celebrates the love between a grandson and his grandfather. Join Pop Pop and his grandson as they beat, batter and bond baking the young boy's favorite Lemon Bar Cake. With full color lovingly painted step by step instructions and a full ingredient list this book is a sweet recipe for the hearts of Lemon cake eaters young and old. Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe is the perfect book for a child's birthday, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, a Grandfather's birthday, family reunions, family celebrations, Father's Day, Grandparents day and baking fun any day of the year. Purchase a copy of Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe and cook up your own delicious day of joy. For Ages 4,7 Preschool,Grade 2
Radiant Child
The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Published in 2016
Jean-Michael Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocked to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art work had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message and art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful.
The Day You Begin
Published in 2018
Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway. (This book is also available in Spanish, as El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres !)
Seeing into Tomorrow
Haiku by Richard Wright
Published in 2018
From watching a sunset to finding a beetle, Richard Wright's haiku puts everyday moments into focus. Paired with the photo-collage artwork of Nina Crews, Seeing into Tomorrow celebrates the lives of contemporary African American boys.