New African American Books: Children & Young Adults
April 1, 2013
Encouraging Literacy For Black Children: Take the 20-4-30 Reading Challenge For Your Child
by Denene@MyBrownBaby on April 1, 2013
I think reading to my daughter at age 10 is just as crucial—if not more—as it was filling her with the fantastic tales of Keats and Vera B. and the Pinkneys and the many incredible books we shared with the girlpies when they were little. I have not one doubt in my mind that reading to my babies from the womb on up helped make them smarter and more curious and engaged—traits that have served them well in the classroom and beyond.
I have no problems shouting that from the rooftops. Which is why today, I’m taking the 20-4-30 Story Time Challenge. The challenge, led by the adorable literacy website, Sydney’s Book Club, calls for parents to pledge to read to their children for 20 minutes a day for 30 days during the month of April—a testament to our commitment to improve literacy in our communities.
Read more at MyBrownBaby.com.
January 21, 2013
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In spare free verse laced with unforgettable images, Viola’s strikingly original voice sings out the story of her family’s journey from war-torn Sudan, to Cairo, and finally to Portland, Maine. Here, in the sometimes too close embrace of the local Southern Sudanese Community, she dreams of South Sudan while she tries to navigate the strange world of America – a world where a girl can wear a short skirt, get a tattoo or even date a boy; a world that puts her into sharp conflict with her traditional mother who, like Viola, is struggling to braid together the strands of a displaced life. Terry Farish’s haunting novel is not only a riveting story of escape and survival, but the universal tale of a young immigrant’s struggle to build a life on the cusp of two cultures.
The author of The Good Braider has donated this book to the Worldreader program.
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January 2, 2013
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Young Readers’ Edition:
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The inspirational story of Eric LeGrand . . . also adapted for young readers!
On October 16, 2010, Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was known as a key performer on the field and a much-loved teammate who could make anyone smile. But in the heated fourth quarter of a tie game against Army, everything changed in a moment. A crushing tackle left him motionless on the field, and while the entire stadium went silent with fear and anticipation, Eric knew his life would never again be the same.
What he didn’t know, however, was that the months to come would be a remarkable, transformative journey: one so profound that he would call the year following the accident that paralyzed him from the neck down the best year of his life.
In this uplifting memoir, now adapted for young readers, Eric tells the amazing story of how he rebuilds his life, continues his college education, and pursues a career in sports broadcasting. His belief in a grand plan and his hope for the future make him a model for anyone who has experienced tragedy or faced obstacles.
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December 26, 2012
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One day when Nelson Mandela was nine years old, his father died and he was sent from his village to a school far away from home, to another part of South Africa. In Johannesburg, the country’s capital, Mandela saw fellow Africans who were poor and powerless. He decided then that he would work to protect them. When the government began to keep people apart based on the color of their skin, Mandela spoke out against the law and vowed to fight hard in order to make his country a place that belonged to all South Africans.
Kadir Nelson tells the story of Mandela, a global icon, in poignant verse and glorious illustrations. It is the story of a young boy’s determination to change South Africa and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country by believing in equality for people of all colors. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world.
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December 26, 2012
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From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us — those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”
On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation’s history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson‘s magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.
I Have a Dream (Book & CD)
Martin Luther King Jr. (author), Kadir Nelson (illustrator)
Schwartz & Wade
October 9, 2012
Hardcover
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November 3, 2012
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Start counting your votes . . . and your friends.
When Brianna Justice’s hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!
But when new student Jasmine Moon announces she is also running for president, Brianna learns that she may have more competition than she expected. Will Brianna be able to stick to her plan of working with her friends to win the election fairly? Or will she jump at the opportunity to steal votes from Jasmine by revealing an embarrassing secret?
This hilarious, heartfelt novel will appeal to any reader with big dreams, and the determination to achieve them.
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August 15, 2012
21st Annual African American Children’s Book Fair
February 2, 2013
1-3 p.m.
Gymnasium of the Community College of Philadelphia
17th & Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA.
The Book Fair started out on a cold frosty day at John Wanamaker Department Store and is now one of the oldest and largest single day events for African American Children’s Books in the country. The success of the program is due to the fact that we offer the best and the brightest from the African American Children’s literary community. Parents, caregivers, and educators from the tri-state area are very supportive of the event. They all understand that children who read make more responsible decisions about their lifestyles.
The event is free and opened to the public.
Author and illustrators will make presentations from their books; also games, prizes, promotional give-aways and reading resources will be available. A wide selection of African American books to purchase will be featured at the event.
For more information about next year’s book fair, email Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati at vlloydsgam@aol.com or call (215) 878-BOOK
1835 WYNNEWOOD ROAD
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19151
http://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
April 14, 2012
The all age comic book series starring a super genius kid with a blockish hairdo returns in The Kid With The Cubed Fro #2
“The first issue was just an introduction to the Kid With The Cubed Fro and some of the other characters. But it’s the second issue where the story kicks loose and goes high octane crazy fun.” Says series creator Martin Jackson.
The Kid With the Cubed Fro’s first day of school continues as the alien O’Zha Mutana Razbin returns to seek revenge on the Kid but facing an evil alien warlord isn’t bad enough President Barack Obama needs the kids help because Osama Bin Laden has returned (or at least his brain has) aided with a shape shifting war machine.
For more information on The Kid With the Cubed Fro and other comics from Graffiti On The Sun check out their website http://graffiti-on-the-sun.blogspot.com.
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The Kid With the Cubed Fro’s first day of school continues as the alien O’Zha Mutana Razbin returns to seek revenge on the Kid but facing an evil alien warlord isn’t bad enough President Barack Obama needs the kids help because Osama Bin Laden has returned (or at least his brain has) aided with a shape shifting war machine.
The Kid With The Cubed Fro issue 2
Martin Jackson
March 13, 2012
Kindle Edition
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Who knew a soft spoken, smart (very very smart) kid would find himself in the middle of so many wild crazy insane adventures.
The Kid With the Cubed Fro follows the adventures of a super genius kid who not only has to deal with the normal hardships of going to school but also due to his high intellect often comes in situations where he most save the world from a number of threats with only his smarts and somethings the help of a few friends to solve.
In the first issue The Kid With The Cubed Fro is the new kid at school. Not only does he have to deal with bullies but he stumbles onto a dark secret about the school lunch food…and if you thought that “food” was nasty the secret makes them even nastier.
The Kid With The Cubed Fro issue 1
Martin Jackson
Graffiti On The Sun
June 28, 2011
Kindle Edition
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December 11, 2011
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My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie is a bi-lingual coloring book for ages three and up. The 20-page story offers 10 illustrations with its 10 Spanish translations making it a delicious treat. Grab your crayons and discover how mama makes a sweet potato pie for her son.
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My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie: El pay de camote de mi mama
NCM Publishing
Available October 31, 2011 in Paperback
October 16, 2011
Save March 2 & 3, 2012 For the 16th Annual Charlotte S. Huck Children’s Literature Festival!
Planning for Children’s Literature Festival 2012 is well underway. Award winning featured speakers scheduled for 2012 include: Brian Pinkney, Eric Kimmel, George Ella Lyon, J. Patrick Lewis, Steven Layne, Caroline Arnold, and Kristine O’Connell George.
Why do people come—and keep coming back? Each year, the festival brings together educators, students, illustrators, authors, librarians, editors, and all those interested in children’s literature. In the words of past participants, it is “a small, intimate conference where you can spend time with the authors and illustrators.” “Unrushed.” “A unique opportunity to spend time with others who share a passion for children’s books and their creators.” Plan now to be a part of an exciting weekend filled with the best of children’s books and their creators. As one attendee said, “This conference is great. I never know what will happen, but it is always what I needed. It just keeps getting better and better.”
Call for Proposals: We are now accepting proposals for small group sessions for 2012, including proposals to bring students to meet one of our featured speakers. Small group topics requested by past attendees are listed on the Small Groups page.
Once again the Ayres Hotel is partnering with the University to offer room rate of $59 per night for Festival participants. Call them at 909-335 9024 and start planning your weekend getaway now!
See http://www.redlands.edu/academics/school-of-education/4102.aspx for more information.
