Books of Soul

News: NBA all-star Amar’e Stoudemire to pen middle-grade series ‘STAT’

August 13, 2011

Children’s book publisher Scholastic announced Thursday it will release a series of middle-grade chapter books written by the NBA all-star. Titled after the 29-year-old player’s nickname, “STAT: Standing Tall and Talented,” the series is based on Stoudemire’s young life growing up with his older brother, landscaper dad and a mom who was in and out of jail.

For more, see Los Angeles Times.

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Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

July 11, 2011
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. But it is also the story of injustice; of a country divided by law, education, and wealth; of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country.

Kadir Nelson, one of this generation’s most accomplished, award-winning artists, has created an epic yet intimate introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement. Written in the voice of an “Everywoman,” an unnamed narrator whose forebears came to this country on slave ships and who lived to cast her vote for the first African American president, Heart and Soul touches on some of the great transformative events and small victories of that history. This inspiring book demonstrates that in gaining their freedom and equal rights, African Americans helped our country achieve its promise of liberty and justice — the true heart and soul of our nation.

Best Selling Paperback Sale! Buy Two, Get your Third FREE at Barnes & Noble!

Eight Days by Edwidge Danticat

November 28, 2010
From National Book Award nominee Edwidge Danticat comes a timely, brilliantly crafted story of hope and imagination–a powerful tribute to Haiti and children around the world!

Hope comes alive in this heartfelt and deeply resonating story.

While Junior is trapped for 8 days beneath his collapsed house after an earthquake, he uses his imagination for comfort. Drawing on beautiful, everyday-life memories, Junior paints a sparkling picture of Haiti for each of those days–flying kites with his best friend or racing his sister around St. Marc’s Square–helping him through the tragedy until he is finally rescued.

Love and hope dance across each page–granting us a way to talk about resilience as a family, a classroom, or a friend.

Eight Days
Edwidge Danticat (Author), Alix Delinois (Illustrator)

Orchard Books
Available September 1, 2010 in Hardcover

Awake by Wendy Raven McNair

November 28, 2010
AWAKE is book 2 of a YA fantasy trilogy told from the perspective of an African American teen girl, Adisa Summers. Adisa and Micah’s saga continues as the teen couple race against time to save Micah. However conflict interferes with their efforts as well as other forces in the super world. When Adisa tries to secretly meet the parents who abandoned her, an explosive confrontation with Micah drives the couple apart and threatens to destroy them both. Adisa must conquer her fears and take a stand now that she’s finally Awake.

Wendy Raven McNair
Available September 20, 2010 in Paperback

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Terrible Terrel by Whoopi Goldberg

November 25, 2010
Terrel is always in charge, whether she’s making lists for grocery shopping (her favorite hobby, AFTER ballet), keeping her brothers in line, or organizing father-daughter time in with her dad. Lately, though, her dad’s been acting a little strange–wearing new clothes and way too much aftershave. Things get even weirder when he surprises Terrel with his new girlfriend during a night out at the ballet – a night that was supposed to be father-daughter time. What’s more, his “date” brought her niece along. A niece who turns out to be Terrel’s ballerina nemesis, Tiara Girl! With some Sugar Plum help, Terrel takes charge of breaking up her father’s new relationship.

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Terrible Terrel
Whoopi Goldberg (Author)
Maryn Roos (Illustrator)

Hyperion Book CH
Available October 5, 2010 in Paperback

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama

November 21, 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.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
Illustrated by Loren Long

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available November 16, 2010 in Hardcover

Kendra by Coe Booth

November 14, 2010
Kendra’s mom, Renee, had her when she was only 14 years old. Renee and her mom made a deal — Renee could get an education, and Kendra would live with her grandmother. But now Renee’s out of grad school and Kendra’s in high school … and getting into some trouble herself. Kendra’s grandmother lays down the law: It’s time for Renee to take care of her daughter. Kendra wants this badly — even though Renee keeps disappointing her. Being a mother isn’t easy, but being a daughter can be just as hard. Now it’s up to Kendra and Renee to make it work.

Push
Available May 1, 2010 in Mass Market Paperback

Mirror, Beware! by Dream Summore

October 18, 2010
Antoinette Rodgers, known by everyone as Toni, is a stunning, vibrant, young girl that loves the Lord with aspirations of playing in the WNBA. Toni is torn between what she knows to be true and her dream of being a basketball star when she meets a famous, rap artist. Toni becomes addicted to this new way of life causing her to turn away from God and into a downward spiral of destructive behavior. Will Toni be able to find her way back to God, discover true love, and fulfill her dream? Or, is it too late for Tonis dreams to become reality?

See why this book is so inspirational, so real, and has such an impact where people want other spin-off stories or Sagas. You can get on GStreetChronicles.com (Inspirational Side); www.DreamSummore.webs.com (while personalized autographed copies lasts) and www.Dream4More.us. YA Inspirational Drama. Adults 80 and under are reading it now.

G Street Chronicles
Available June 30, 2010 in Paperback

Real Street Kidz: Chasing Action by Quentin Holmes

October 9, 2010
The Real Street Kidz are Chasing Action!

Join Q, Lucky, Los, and Chase — a diverse group of preteens who must pull together in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles–in this unique coming of age story. When rumors fly around Long Beach that Chase, a rising skateboarder, cheated to defeat his former best friend in the Annual Long Beach Skateboard Competition, Chase becomes very determined to get a rematch to prove everyone wrong. But Chase and his new crew must rely on the plans of Q, the new kid, to get an all new skate park at the local neighborhood center for the rematch despite many unforeseen obstacles.

Will the Real Street Kidz trust Q’s plans? Will they form a tight bond or will their differences tear them apart? Will Chase get his rematch? Join Q and the crew to find out!

Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Available May 3, 2010 in Paperback

Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson

July 5, 2010
Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson
Charles R. Smith Jr. (Author), Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

Roaring Brook Press
Available 06/22/10 in Hardcover

Born as Arthur John Johnson in the southern state of Texas, Jack Johnson was one of the most renowned boxers of the 20th century. Through hard work and persistence he climbed the ranks, taking a swing and a jab and eventually busting the color barrier. As the first black man to win the Heavyweight Championship, there was more than a title on the line. Published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this history-making bout (July 4, 1910), this is an extraordinary marriage of poetry, fabulous collage artwork, and a splendid achievement in its own right.