Title: Mae Among the Stars
Author: Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Publisher: HarperCollins Childrens
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Little Mae dreamed of becoming an astronaut. She read about space, drew pictures about space, and dreamed about space until her teacher thought she should be a nurse. Mae kept dreaming and working hard. She grew up to be an astronaut and went to space.
Curriculum Notes: space, Womens’ History Month, outer space, school library
Author: Roda Ahmed
Illustrator: Stasia Burrington
Publisher: HarperCollins Childrens
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Little Mae dreamed of becoming an astronaut. She read about space, drew pictures about space, and dreamed about space until her teacher thought she should be a nurse. Mae kept dreaming and working hard. She grew up to be an astronaut and went to space.
Curriculum Notes: space, Womens’ History Month, outer space, school library
Title: Out of Wonder, Poems Celebrating Poets
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A book of poems each celebrating a poet in history and each written by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, or Marjorie Wentworth.
Curriculum Notes: Poerty month, poetry unit
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A book of poems each celebrating a poet in history and each written by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, or Marjorie Wentworth.
Curriculum Notes: Poerty month, poetry unit
Title: Undefeated
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Versify
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book is based on a poem Kwame Alexander wrote in 2008. The author writes in the Afterword, “I wanted to establish from the very beginning that much of what I’m talking about in this poem, so much of American history, has been forgotten, left out of the textbooks, and that to truly know who we are as a country, we have to accept and embrace all of our woes and wonders.”
Curriculum Notes: school library, Black history
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Versify
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book is based on a poem Kwame Alexander wrote in 2008. The author writes in the Afterword, “I wanted to establish from the very beginning that much of what I’m talking about in this poem, so much of American history, has been forgotten, left out of the textbooks, and that to truly know who we are as a country, we have to accept and embrace all of our woes and wonders.”
Curriculum Notes: school library, Black history
Title: Trombone Shorty
Author: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2015
Summary: This book is written by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. He tells the story of how he got his nickname from his big brother, where he got his first trombone, and the time he performed with Bo Diddley in his hometown on New Orleans. He returns to New Orleans every year to perform in the same places he did as a kid growing up.
Curriculum Notes: Music, New Orleans, school library
Author: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2015
Summary: This book is written by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. He tells the story of how he got his nickname from his big brother, where he got his first trombone, and the time he performed with Bo Diddley in his hometown on New Orleans. He returns to New Orleans every year to perform in the same places he did as a kid growing up.
Curriculum Notes: Music, New Orleans, school library
Title: Preaching to the Chickens, The Story of young John Lewis
Author: Jabari Asim
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: Every great leader must start somewhere. John Lewis started with preaching to the chickens on his family’s farm. He learned to speak for those who could not speak for themselves. The written words of this book rely upon the actual recollections of John Lewis himself and the love of his chickens growing up in Alabama.
Curriculum Notes: John Lewis, Civil Rights, U.S. Government,
SEL: Practice, getting started, working hard
Author: Jabari Asim
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: Every great leader must start somewhere. John Lewis started with preaching to the chickens on his family’s farm. He learned to speak for those who could not speak for themselves. The written words of this book rely upon the actual recollections of John Lewis himself and the love of his chickens growing up in Alabama.
Curriculum Notes: John Lewis, Civil Rights, U.S. Government,
SEL: Practice, getting started, working hard
Title: Northbound, A Train Ride out of Segregation
Author: Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Michael is taking his first train ride from segregated Alabama to Cincinnati, Ohio with his grandmother. When the “whites only” signs come down as he travels on the train, Michael is allowed to explore the train with his friend from the "Whites Only" car, Bobby Ray.
Curriculum Notes: Civil Rights, SEL friendship, lawsuits based in discrimination and travel
Author: Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Michael is taking his first train ride from segregated Alabama to Cincinnati, Ohio with his grandmother. When the “whites only” signs come down as he travels on the train, Michael is allowed to explore the train with his friend from the "Whites Only" car, Bobby Ray.
Curriculum Notes: Civil Rights, SEL friendship, lawsuits based in discrimination and travel
Title: Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Agate Publishing
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: This book is an all-encompassing memoir of the author’s trips to the barber shop as a kid growing up on the southside of Chicago. Mr. Barnes states in the author’s notes “I wanted to capture that moment when black and brown boys all over American visit ‘the shop.’”
Curriculum Notes: school library, author study https://derrickdbarnes.com/
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Agate Publishing
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: This book is an all-encompassing memoir of the author’s trips to the barber shop as a kid growing up on the southside of Chicago. Mr. Barnes states in the author’s notes “I wanted to capture that moment when black and brown boys all over American visit ‘the shop.’”
Curriculum Notes: school library, author study https://derrickdbarnes.com/
Title: I am Every Good Thing
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: “This is a powerful celebration of Black boyhood, countering many of the negative messages that a racist society puts forth about African-American boys. Here they are adventurous, polite, inquisitive, playful, creative, artistic, athletic, brave, and worthy.” Booklist starred (August 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 22))
Curriculum Notes: SEL, school library
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: “This is a powerful celebration of Black boyhood, countering many of the negative messages that a racist society puts forth about African-American boys. Here they are adventurous, polite, inquisitive, playful, creative, artistic, athletic, brave, and worthy.” Booklist starred (August 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 22))
Curriculum Notes: SEL, school library
Title: The King of Kindergarten
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: It is the first day of kindergarten and the hero in this story is going to be the King of Kindergarten. He is ready to rule his kindergarten kingdom with kindness and courage from the bus to school to the bus home.
Curriculum Notes: first day few days of kindergarten, school library
Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: It is the first day of kindergarten and the hero in this story is going to be the King of Kindergarten. He is ready to rule his kindergarten kingdom with kindness and courage from the bus to school to the bus home.
Curriculum Notes: first day few days of kindergarten, school library
Title: Knock Knock, My Dad’s Dream for Me
Author: Daniel Beaty
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2013
Summary: Every morning, a boy wakes up to his father’s knock at his door until one day the knock never comes. The boy waits and waits for a letter to come. Then one day it arrives.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: absent parents, illustrator study https://www.bryancollier.com/php.html
Author: Daniel Beaty
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2013
Summary: Every morning, a boy wakes up to his father’s knock at his door until one day the knock never comes. The boy waits and waits for a letter to come. Then one day it arrives.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: absent parents, illustrator study https://www.bryancollier.com/php.html
Title: A Story About Afiya
Author: James Berry
Illustrator: Anna Cunha
Publisher: Lantana
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Afiya has one white dress that she wears everywhere. Each day it collects the memories of the day and every morning is it clean and ready to be worn again.
Curriculum Notes: poetry month, school library
Author: James Berry
Illustrator: Anna Cunha
Publisher: Lantana
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Afiya has one white dress that she wears everywhere. Each day it collects the memories of the day and every morning is it clean and ready to be worn again.
Curriculum Notes: poetry month, school library
Title: No Small Potatoes, Junius G. Groves and his Kingdom in Kansas
Author: Tonya Bolden
Illustrator: Don Tate
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Junius George Groves worked hard to own his plot of land in Kansas where he grew potatoes. He grew more potatoes than anyone and he became known as "The Potato King." The Groves family worked the land and eventually they grew cabbage, carrots, and corn. Julius G also hired farmhands, built a park, a community, a church, and a grocery store in the Great Kaw Valley of Kansas.
Curriculum Notes: After the Civil War, potatoes, Junius George Groves, school library
Author: Tonya Bolden
Illustrator: Don Tate
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Junius George Groves worked hard to own his plot of land in Kansas where he grew potatoes. He grew more potatoes than anyone and he became known as "The Potato King." The Groves family worked the land and eventually they grew cabbage, carrots, and corn. Julius G also hired farmhands, built a park, a community, a church, and a grocery store in the Great Kaw Valley of Kansas.
Curriculum Notes: After the Civil War, potatoes, Junius George Groves, school library
Title: Moses
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication Year: 2006
Summary: This fictional story about Harriet Tubman provides an account of what it might have been for Harriet’s first time escaping to the North with God by her side, encouraging her on the way to free soil. She then returns to the South and brings her family North. She trusts in God and herself to lead many to freedom.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication Year: 2006
Summary: This fictional story about Harriet Tubman provides an account of what it might have been for Harriet’s first time escaping to the North with God by her side, encouraging her on the way to free soil. She then returns to the South and brings her family North. She trusts in God and herself to lead many to freedom.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad
Title: Freedom over me, Eleven Slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life by Ashley Bryan.
Author: Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: “Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away.” (https://ashleybryancenter.org/books.html)
Curriculum Notes: poetry
Author: Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: “Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away.” (https://ashleybryancenter.org/books.html)
Curriculum Notes: poetry
Title: Me & Mama
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Publisher: A Denene Millner Book
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: “I want to be everywhere Mama is,” the Little says as she narrates the love she has for her mother from breakfast in the morning until bedtime at night.
Curriculum Notes: school library
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Publisher: A Denene Millner Book
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: “I want to be everywhere Mama is,” the Little says as she narrates the love she has for her mother from breakfast in the morning until bedtime at night.
Curriculum Notes: school library
Title: My Hair is a Garden
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: MacKenzie was getting teased about her hair at school. She knew the first place to go to get help with her hair was Miss Tillie’s house. Miss Tillie’s talks MacKenzie and the reader through the steps to take care of her hair by showing her the beauty of her hair like a garden.
Author: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: MacKenzie was getting teased about her hair at school. She knew the first place to go to get help with her hair was Miss Tillie’s house. Miss Tillie’s talks MacKenzie and the reader through the steps to take care of her hair by showing her the beauty of her hair like a garden.
Title: All Because you Matter
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: The book begins with the journey of a young couple preparing for their child to be born. The child begins to grow and notices his skin, his hair, and his dreams. All along the way, the author writes "all because you matter.” Then, there will be hard times and harder times. The boy questions if he matters. "Will all the events happening today matter?" are layered into the pages. In the end, the child is joined by his family and friends “all because you matter.” The author writes this book to provide all parents with a starting point for conversations about the racial climate in this country as stated in the author’s notes of this book.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, school library
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: The book begins with the journey of a young couple preparing for their child to be born. The child begins to grow and notices his skin, his hair, and his dreams. All along the way, the author writes "all because you matter.” Then, there will be hard times and harder times. The boy questions if he matters. "Will all the events happening today matter?" are layered into the pages. In the end, the child is joined by his family and friends “all because you matter.” The author writes this book to provide all parents with a starting point for conversations about the racial climate in this country as stated in the author’s notes of this book.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, school library
Title: Zuri Ray Tries Ballet
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Sharon Sordo (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In progress (March 2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Sharon Sordo (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In progress (March 2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Before She Was Harriet
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A poem illustrated to highlight the life of Harriet Tubman from her later days as a suffragist to her early days as a conductor on the Underground Railroad to her days as an enslaved girl named Araminta.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, poetry, Underground Railroad
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A poem illustrated to highlight the life of Harriet Tubman from her later days as a suffragist to her early days as a conductor on the Underground Railroad to her days as an enslaved girl named Araminta.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, poetry, Underground Railroad
Title: Just a Lucky So and So, The Story of Louis Armstrong
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book illustrates the childhood and career beginnings of Louis Armstrong who revolutionized the world of jazz with his own jazz singing and trumpet playing style.
Curriculum Notes: music, Louis Armstrong, jazz
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book illustrates the childhood and career beginnings of Louis Armstrong who revolutionized the world of jazz with his own jazz singing and trumpet playing style.
Curriculum Notes: music, Louis Armstrong, jazz
Title: Counting the Stars: The story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: Raúl Colón
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book illustrates the childhood years of a young Katherine Johnson and her love of math to her early years at NASA and the launch of John Glenn into space.
Curriculum Notes: Math, school library, NASA, space
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: Raúl Colón
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book illustrates the childhood years of a young Katherine Johnson and her love of math to her early years at NASA and the launch of John Glenn into space.
Curriculum Notes: Math, school library, NASA, space
Title: Overground Railroad
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 020
Summary: This book illustrates the story of many Blacks who left the South on a train during the Great Migration. As the cities pass, the Whites Only signs are removed on the train as a family starts their new life in New York City.
Curriculum Notes: Black history, Underground Railroad, school library
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Year: 020
Summary: This book illustrates the story of many Blacks who left the South on a train during the Great Migration. As the cities pass, the Whites Only signs are removed on the train as a family starts their new life in New York City.
Curriculum Notes: Black history, Underground Railroad, school library
Title: The Power of Her Pen, The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist, Ethel L. Payne
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: John Parra (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 2020
Summary: In Progess (March 2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: John Parra (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 2020
Summary: In Progess (March 2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Bunheads
Author: Misty Copeland
Illustrator: Setor Fiadzigbey
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Misty Copeland tells the story of her young self’s first ballet class, as she learned the story of the ballet Coppelia, and how she was cast in her first ballet as the toymaker’s doll Swanilda.
Curriculum Notes: School library, SEL
Author: Misty Copeland
Illustrator: Setor Fiadzigbey
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Misty Copeland tells the story of her young self’s first ballet class, as she learned the story of the ballet Coppelia, and how she was cast in her first ballet as the toymaker’s doll Swanilda.
Curriculum Notes: School library, SEL
Title: Firebird
Author: Misty Copeland
Illustrator: Christopher Myers
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Misty Copeland writes this book in verse form and speaks directly to the young reader who wants to grow up to be a ballerina just like her. Her words of encouragement are surrounded by illustrations with strips of various shades of one color from page to page that leads up to and reflects her signature role of the Firebird.
Curriculum Notes: SEL – encouragement, School library
Author: Misty Copeland
Illustrator: Christopher Myers
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: Misty Copeland writes this book in verse form and speaks directly to the young reader who wants to grow up to be a ballerina just like her. Her words of encouragement are surrounded by illustrations with strips of various shades of one color from page to page that leads up to and reflects her signature role of the Firebird.
Curriculum Notes: SEL – encouragement, School library
Title: The Ring Bearer
Author: Floyd Cooper
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Jackson is worried about being the ring bearer for his mama’s wedding. He practices and practices. When the time comes, he learns more about himself than he ever knew.
Curriculum Notes: School Library
Author: Floyd Cooper
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Jackson is worried about being the ring bearer for his mama’s wedding. He practices and practices. When the time comes, he learns more about himself than he ever knew.
Curriculum Notes: School Library
Title: Birth of the Cool, How Miles Davis Found his Sound
Author: Kathleen Cornell Berman
Illustrator: Keith Henry Brown
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book is written in verse and chronicles the life of trumpet legend Miles Davis from his childhood to his early career of playing jazz and finding his trumpet sound.
Curriculum Notes: music, poetry
Author: Kathleen Cornell Berman
Illustrator: Keith Henry Brown
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: This book is written in verse and chronicles the life of trumpet legend Miles Davis from his childhood to his early career of playing jazz and finding his trumpet sound.
Curriculum Notes: music, poetry
Title: Parker Looks Up, An Extraordinary Moment
Author: Parker Curry & Jessica Curry
Illustrator: Brittany Jackson
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Parker loved to dance and she loved to go to the museum with her best friend Gia. They loved to see feather and flowers and tutus at the museum. Until one visit, Parker looks up to see a portrait of Michelle Obama and everything changes.
Curriculum Notes: Michelle Obama, Obama presidency, visiting a museum
Author: Parker Curry & Jessica Curry
Illustrator: Brittany Jackson
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Parker loved to dance and she loved to go to the museum with her best friend Gia. They loved to see feather and flowers and tutus at the museum. Until one visit, Parker looks up to see a portrait of Michelle Obama and everything changes.
Curriculum Notes: Michelle Obama, Obama presidency, visiting a museum
Title: Magnificent Homespun Brown, A Celebration
Author: Samara Cole Doyon
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: A poem set to illustrations speaking to and illustrating all the shades of brown from feathery brown to secret brown, amber brown to radiant brown, creamy brown to thundering brown. All the multilayered shades of brown to reflect racial/ethnic heritage that come together in the author and the people that she loves.
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, Love this book!
Author: Samara Cole Doyon
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: A poem set to illustrations speaking to and illustrating all the shades of brown from feathery brown to secret brown, amber brown to radiant brown, creamy brown to thundering brown. All the multilayered shades of brown to reflect racial/ethnic heritage that come together in the author and the people that she loves.
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, Love this book!
Title: Island Born
Author: Junot DÍaz
Illustrator: Leo Espinosa
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Lola has a class assignment to sketch the Dominican Republic, but she was only a baby when she moved. Her cousin, Leticia, and her ask the people in their neighborhood what the island was like as they walk home from school. Lola listens to the stories of music, food, and the bright colors. She sketches picture that appear on the pages of this books as they walk home. At home, Lola asks members of her family and neighbors as they talk about the beaches, the hurricanes, and a legend of a monster.
Curriculum Notes: Introduce country reports or interviewing people
Author: Junot DÍaz
Illustrator: Leo Espinosa
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Lola has a class assignment to sketch the Dominican Republic, but she was only a baby when she moved. Her cousin, Leticia, and her ask the people in their neighborhood what the island was like as they walk home from school. Lola listens to the stories of music, food, and the bright colors. She sketches picture that appear on the pages of this books as they walk home. At home, Lola asks members of her family and neighbors as they talk about the beaches, the hurricanes, and a legend of a monster.
Curriculum Notes: Introduce country reports or interviewing people
Title: Rap a Tap Tap, Here’s Bojangles -Think of That
Author: Leo and Diane Dillon
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
Publication Year: 2002
Summary: This book is a fun and dance-filled introduction to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, one of the greatest tap dancers of all time.
Curriculum Notes: music, dancing, short vowel a, early reading
Author: Leo and Diane Dillon
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
Publication Year: 2002
Summary: This book is a fun and dance-filled introduction to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, one of the greatest tap dancers of all time.
Curriculum Notes: music, dancing, short vowel a, early reading
Title: You Can Do It!
Author: Tony Dungy
Illustrator: Amy June Bates (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Little Simon Inspirations
Publication Year: 2008
Summary: This book is narrated by the author who grew up in a home where his parents encouraged all his siblings to dream big. His little brother, Linden, could not find a dream of his own until one day his tooth hurt, and he had to visit the dentist.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, follow your dreams, career day, school library
Author: Tony Dungy
Illustrator: Amy June Bates (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Little Simon Inspirations
Publication Year: 2008
Summary: This book is narrated by the author who grew up in a home where his parents encouraged all his siblings to dream big. His little brother, Linden, could not find a dream of his own until one day his tooth hurt, and he had to visit the dentist.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, follow your dreams, career day, school library
Title: Bird
Author: Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Shadra Strickland
Publisher: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Publication Year: 2008
Summary: Mehkai likes to draw pictures of birds and other things he sees in his neighborhood. He enjoys spending time with his Uncle Son. His brother, Marcus, was on a different path and one day he never returned.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: loss of a loved one, school library, addiction
Author: Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Shadra Strickland
Publisher: Lee & Low Books Inc.
Publication Year: 2008
Summary: Mehkai likes to draw pictures of birds and other things he sees in his neighborhood. He enjoys spending time with his Uncle Son. His brother, Marcus, was on a different path and one day he never returned.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: loss of a loved one, school library, addiction
Title: The Baby on the Way
Author: Karen English
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: Jamal asks his grandma if she was ever a little girl. Grandma tells him of the day she was born as the 10th child of the family.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: New Siblings
Author: Karen English
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: Jamal asks his grandma if she was ever a little girl. Grandma tells him of the day she was born as the 10th child of the family.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: New Siblings
Title: Mama Africa!
Author: Kathryn Erskine
Illustrator: Charly Palmer
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Miriam Makeba spoke out against Apartheid in her home country of South Africa. She did this through her songs and her actions until she escaped to Europe. She continued to sing about what was happening in South Africa to European and American audiences. She spoke to the United Nations about South Africa. She continued to sing and bring attention to the injustices in South Africa which led to the end of Apartheid.
Curriculum Notes: Apartheid, South Africa, Nelson Mandela
Author: Kathryn Erskine
Illustrator: Charly Palmer
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Miriam Makeba spoke out against Apartheid in her home country of South Africa. She did this through her songs and her actions until she escaped to Europe. She continued to sing about what was happening in South Africa to European and American audiences. She spoke to the United Nations about South Africa. She continued to sing and bring attention to the injustices in South Africa which led to the end of Apartheid.
Curriculum Notes: Apartheid, South Africa, Nelson Mandela
Title: Boogie, Boogie Y'all
Author: C.G. Esperanza
Illustrator: C.G. Esperanza
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (March 2023
Curriculum Notes:
Author: C.G. Esperanza
Illustrator: C.G. Esperanza
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (March 2023
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Not Quite Snow White
Author: Ashley Franklin
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Tameika loves to sing, dance, and perform. She would love to perform onstage and now she has an opportunity to audition for a Snow White musical at her school. She is very excited to audition until she overhears students talking how she couldn’t be Snow White for she is too tall, too chubby, and too brown. But this doesn't stop her from living her dream of starring in the school musical.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, celebrating our strengths, teaching encouragement.
Author: Ashley Franklin
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Tameika loves to sing, dance, and perform. She would love to perform onstage and now she has an opportunity to audition for a Snow White musical at her school. She is very excited to audition until she overhears students talking how she couldn’t be Snow White for she is too tall, too chubby, and too brown. But this doesn't stop her from living her dream of starring in the school musical.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, celebrating our strengths, teaching encouragement.
Title: When the Schools Shut Down
Author: Yolanda Gladden, Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
Illustrator: Keisha Morris
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2022
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Yolanda Gladden, Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
Illustrator: Keisha Morris
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2022
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Change Sings, A Children's Anthem
Author: Amanda Gorman
Illustrator: Loren Long (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Viking
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: A picture book written in verse. A girl plays her guitar as she speaks of change, big and little, in her community. As she plays, she speaks of the change she wants to see in the world and that change starts with yourself.
Curriculum: Poetry month, community, activism, school library
Author: Amanda Gorman
Illustrator: Loren Long (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Viking
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: A picture book written in verse. A girl plays her guitar as she speaks of change, big and little, in her community. As she plays, she speaks of the change she wants to see in the world and that change starts with yourself.
Curriculum: Poetry month, community, activism, school library
Title: Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Author: Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Bedtime is not always easy with vanquishing monsters, choosing a bedtime story, saying goodbye until morning, and turning out the lights. Then, a trip to the kitchen and bathroom are needed before returning to someone else's bed.
Curriculum Notes: school library, bedtime story
Author: Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Bedtime is not always easy with vanquishing monsters, choosing a bedtime story, saying goodbye until morning, and turning out the lights. Then, a trip to the kitchen and bathroom are needed before returning to someone else's bed.
Curriculum Notes: school library, bedtime story
Title: Princess and the Peas
Author: Rachel Himes
Illustrator: Rachel Himes
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A modern version of the fairy tale Princess and the Pea set in the 1950’s. Ma Sally’s son, John, has decided he wants to get married. However, she cannot have her son marry a woman who cannot cook as good as she can. Ma Sally comes up with a plan to find the best woman, cook, and wife for her son.
Curriculum Notes: fairy tales, school library
Author: Rachel Himes
Illustrator: Rachel Himes
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: A modern version of the fairy tale Princess and the Pea set in the 1950’s. Ma Sally’s son, John, has decided he wants to get married. However, she cannot have her son marry a woman who cannot cook as good as she can. Ma Sally comes up with a plan to find the best woman, cook, and wife for her son.
Curriculum Notes: fairy tales, school library
Title: Steamboat School
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Ron Husband
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book is a fictional story inspired by Reverend John Berry Meachum’s steamboat school in Missouri during the 1840’s, sometimes called the “Floating Freedom School” (Author’s Notes).
Curriculum Notes: school, 1840’s, school library
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Ron Husband
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book is a fictional story inspired by Reverend John Berry Meachum’s steamboat school in Missouri during the 1840’s, sometimes called the “Floating Freedom School” (Author’s Notes).
Curriculum Notes: school, 1840’s, school library
Title: The Oldest Student, How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Mary was born enslaved on an Alabama plantation. She was then freed. She had 3 children, 2 marriages, out-lived all of her family and decided to learn to read at the age of 116 years old. This book is based on the life of Mary Walker who lived to be 121 years old.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: never too old to learn something new, school library
Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Mary was born enslaved on an Alabama plantation. She was then freed. She had 3 children, 2 marriages, out-lived all of her family and decided to learn to read at the age of 116 years old. This book is based on the life of Mary Walker who lived to be 121 years old.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: never too old to learn something new, school library
Title: That is my Dream!
Author: Langston Hughes
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Publisher: Random House
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: This book illustrates the poem “That is My Dream,” by Langston Hughes.
Curriculum Notes: Langston Hughes, Poetry, Civil Rights
Author: Langston Hughes
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Publisher: Random House
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: This book illustrates the poem “That is My Dream,” by Langston Hughes.
Curriculum Notes: Langston Hughes, Poetry, Civil Rights
Title: I Promise
Author: Lebron James
Illustrator: Nina Mata
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 2020
Summary: This book is written in verse form with "I promise" beginning each page to encourage kids to be respectful, work hard, practice good sportsmanship, stand up for others, and to be themselves. The theme of this book, written by Lebron James himself, is to strive for greatness in everything you do and "above all else, finish school (Author's Notes)."
Curriculum Notes: SEL: Do you best, preparing for something difficult, school library
Author: Lebron James
Illustrator: Nina Mata
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 2020
Summary: This book is written in verse form with "I promise" beginning each page to encourage kids to be respectful, work hard, practice good sportsmanship, stand up for others, and to be themselves. The theme of this book, written by Lebron James himself, is to strive for greatness in everything you do and "above all else, finish school (Author's Notes)."
Curriculum Notes: SEL: Do you best, preparing for something difficult, school library
Title: All Different Now, Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
Author: Angela Johnson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: The story captures what it might have felt for the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas to learn they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Written in a simple verse with each word carefully selected and each picture meticulously painted to send the words and the emotions off the pages and onto the reader.
Curriculum Notes: Juneteenth, Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln, poetry, Illustrator study http://eblewis.com/books/
Author: Angela Johnson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: The story captures what it might have felt for the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas to learn they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Written in a simple verse with each word carefully selected and each picture meticulously painted to send the words and the emotions off the pages and onto the reader.
Curriculum Notes: Juneteenth, Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln, poetry, Illustrator study http://eblewis.com/books/
Title: A Sweet Smell of Roses
Author: Angela Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: This book was written to commemorate all the children who marched in the Civil Rights Movement (Author’s Notes). It is a story of two sisters who sneak out of their house to join a march with Dr. King in their hometown. The illustrations take the reader into the crowd and give a perspective of a peaceful march. This book will inspire the reader to continue to protest peacefully and to stand up for what they believe.
Curriculum Notes: peaceful protesting, childrens’ march, Civil Rights Movement
Author: Angela Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: This book was written to commemorate all the children who marched in the Civil Rights Movement (Author’s Notes). It is a story of two sisters who sneak out of their house to join a march with Dr. King in their hometown. The illustrations take the reader into the crowd and give a perspective of a peaceful march. This book will inspire the reader to continue to protest peacefully and to stand up for what they believe.
Curriculum Notes: peaceful protesting, childrens’ march, Civil Rights Movement
Title: Salt in his Shoes
Author: Deloria Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: Even the greatest of all time needs to start somewhere in their profession. For Michael Jordan, it might have been with salt in his shoes. When Michael and his brother continue to lose basketball games on the playground, Michael wishes he could grow taller. His mother suggests putting salt in his shoes and some prayer. With some more practice and a little salt, Michael wins that basketball game on the playground for his team.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: practice, don’t give up, work hard, determination
Author: Deloria Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: Even the greatest of all time needs to start somewhere in their profession. For Michael Jordan, it might have been with salt in his shoes. When Michael and his brother continue to lose basketball games on the playground, Michael wishes he could grow taller. His mother suggests putting salt in his shoes and some prayer. With some more practice and a little salt, Michael wins that basketball game on the playground for his team.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: practice, don’t give up, work hard, determination
Title: Black is a Rainbow Color
Author: Angela Joy
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book is written in a rhymical prose. It thoughtfully explores what the Black experience means to a child with the young narrator’s personal experience with the color black. Then moving toward historical and cultural events, each line emphasizes the positive connotations of the word. Booklist starred (March 15, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 14))
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, Black history, SEL: be proud, pages of Black history in the back with more great ideas for classrooms
Author: Angela Joy
Illustrator: Ekua Holmes
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book is written in a rhymical prose. It thoughtfully explores what the Black experience means to a child with the young narrator’s personal experience with the color black. Then moving toward historical and cultural events, each line emphasizes the positive connotations of the word. Booklist starred (March 15, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 14))
Curriculum Notes: Poetry, Black history, SEL: be proud, pages of Black history in the back with more great ideas for classrooms
Title:The Wooden Camel
Author:Wanuri Kahiu
Illustrator: Manuela Adreani (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Lantana Publishing
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Etabo wants to race camels. When, others make fun of him, he prays to Akuj the Sky God who says, “Your dreams are enough.” Etabo does feel his dreams are enough. He does not give up and discovers that his dreams are enough for now.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, never give up
Author:Wanuri Kahiu
Illustrator: Manuela Adreani (Outside Culture)
Publisher: Lantana Publishing
Publication Year: 2017
Summary: Etabo wants to race camels. When, others make fun of him, he prays to Akuj the Sky God who says, “Your dreams are enough.” Etabo does feel his dreams are enough. He does not give up and discovers that his dreams are enough for now.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, never give up
Title: John Henry
Author: Julius Lester
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Year: 1994
Summary: The tale of John Henry as written and illustrated based on the Black folk ballad “John Henry”.
Curriculum Notes: American folktales, illustrator study https://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html
Author: Julius Lester
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Year: 1994
Summary: The tale of John Henry as written and illustrated based on the Black folk ballad “John Henry”.
Curriculum Notes: American folktales, illustrator study https://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html
Title: C is for Country
Author: Lil Nas X
Illustrator: Theodore Taylor III
Publisher: Penguin RandomHouse
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Lil Nas X
Illustrator: Theodore Taylor III
Publisher: Penguin RandomHouse
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Jayden's Impossible Garden
Author: Mélina Mangal
Illustrator: Ken Daley
Publisher: Strive Publishing
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Mélina Mangal
Illustrator: Ken Daley
Publisher: Strive Publishing
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress (3/2023)
Curriculum Notes:
Title: The Bench
Author: Meghan Markel
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: A picture book illustrated to a poem written by the Duchess. The Bench follows the relationships of several fathers and sons with the various benches that fathers will rest on as their sons continue to grow and experience the world. The sons always returning to the bench where their father sits for comfort, coaching, love, and encouragement.
Curriculum Notes: poetry, school library
Author: Meghan Markel
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: A picture book illustrated to a poem written by the Duchess. The Bench follows the relationships of several fathers and sons with the various benches that fathers will rest on as their sons continue to grow and experience the world. The sons always returning to the bench where their father sits for comfort, coaching, love, and encouragement.
Curriculum Notes: poetry, school library
Title: These Hands
Author: Margaret H. Mason
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Publication Year: 2011
Summary: Joseph’s grandpa tells all the things his hand can help Joseph learn, but Grandpa’s hands were not allowed to make bread at the Wonder Bread Factory. At the end, Joseph tells all the things he learned from his grandpa’s hands, including making bread.
Curriculum Notes: school library, Civil Rights stories
Author: Margaret H. Mason
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Publication Year: 2011
Summary: Joseph’s grandpa tells all the things his hand can help Joseph learn, but Grandpa’s hands were not allowed to make bread at the Wonder Bread Factory. At the end, Joseph tells all the things he learned from his grandpa’s hands, including making bread.
Curriculum Notes: school library, Civil Rights stories
Title: Going Down Home with Daddy
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: PeachTree
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Lil’ Alan and his family attend a weekend reunion at Granny’s house in the country. This book was inspired by the author’s own heritage and her husbands.
Curriculum Notes: customs and traditions, school library, https://www.kellystarlinglyons.com/books/index.html author study, https://danielminter.net/ Illustrator/artist study
Author: Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: PeachTree
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Lil’ Alan and his family attend a weekend reunion at Granny’s house in the country. This book was inspired by the author’s own heritage and her husbands.
Curriculum Notes: customs and traditions, school library, https://www.kellystarlinglyons.com/books/index.html author study, https://danielminter.net/ Illustrator/artist study
Title: What is Given from the Heart
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: April Harrison
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: James and his Mama had a rough year. A member of their church loses everything in a fire. James thinks long and hard about what the little girl in the family might need and his gift is perfect.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: giving, caring, kindness
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: April Harrison
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: James and his Mama had a rough year. A member of their church loses everything in a fire. James thinks long and hard about what the little girl in the family might need and his gift is perfect.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: giving, caring, kindness
Title: Seven Spools of Thread, A Kwanzaa Story
Author: Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: This story was written especially for Kwanzaa (Beginning of Book). Seven brothers in a village in Ghana constantly argued. After their father passes, the village Chief speaks of their inheritance. The brothers must make gold out of spools of silk thread, or they will not receive what their father had left them. They decide to weave a beautiful, colorful cloth that they sell for gold. They also share their weaving talents with the people of their village so they can sell their cloth for gold as well.
Curriculum Notes: Kwanzaa, giving, cooperation, Ghana
Author: Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Publication Year: 2000
Summary: This story was written especially for Kwanzaa (Beginning of Book). Seven brothers in a village in Ghana constantly argued. After their father passes, the village Chief speaks of their inheritance. The brothers must make gold out of spools of silk thread, or they will not receive what their father had left them. They decide to weave a beautiful, colorful cloth that they sell for gold. They also share their weaving talents with the people of their village so they can sell their cloth for gold as well.
Curriculum Notes: Kwanzaa, giving, cooperation, Ghana
Title: Don’t Touch My Hair
Author: Sharee Miller
Illustrator: Sharee Miller
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Aria loves her hair. People love her hair and she loves the compliments. However, she doesn’t love people touching her hair without permission and imagines going far away. Then, she gets lonely and decides to come back and establish her boundaries of consent for touching her hair.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, consent, boundaries, asking permission, compliments, school library
Author: Sharee Miller
Illustrator: Sharee Miller
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Aria loves her hair. People love her hair and she loves the compliments. However, she doesn’t love people touching her hair without permission and imagines going far away. Then, she gets lonely and decides to come back and establish her boundaries of consent for touching her hair.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, consent, boundaries, asking permission, compliments, school library
Title: My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World
Author: Malcolm Mitchel
Illustrator: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: Henley has school homework to find his favorite book. However, he would rather be doing something else besides reading. He goes to the public library and a bookstore to find his favorite book. His mother tells him “the best stories can be found inside ourselves.” This gives him an idea.
Curriculum Notes: writing narrative stories, school library
Author: Malcolm Mitchel
Illustrator: Michael Robertson
Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.
Publication Year: 2021
Summary: Henley has school homework to find his favorite book. However, he would rather be doing something else besides reading. He goes to the public library and a bookstore to find his favorite book. His mother tells him “the best stories can be found inside ourselves.” This gives him an idea.
Curriculum Notes: writing narrative stories, school library
Title: Saturday
Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Today is Saturday! It is Ava’s favorite day because she gets to do things with her mom. However, this Saturday doesn’t go as planned.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: making the best of what happens, school library
Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Today is Saturday! It is Ava’s favorite day because she gets to do things with her mom. However, this Saturday doesn’t go as planned.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: making the best of what happens, school library
Title: Thank You, Omu!
Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Omu is making stew for dinner as the smell wafts out the window into the neighbors. Omu receives several “knock knocks” on her door as the people of the community stop by until all the stew is gone. Then, there is one last visitor with a surprise for Omu.
Curriculum Notes: community, kindness, onomatopoeia
Author: Oge Mora
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: Omu is making stew for dinner as the smell wafts out the window into the neighbors. Omu receives several “knock knocks” on her door as the people of the community stop by until all the stew is gone. Then, there is one last visitor with a surprise for Omu.
Curriculum Notes: community, kindness, onomatopoeia
Title: Kick Push, Be Your Epic Self
Author: Frank Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Publication Date: 2022
Summary: In Progress, 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Frank Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Publication Date: 2022
Summary: In Progress, 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Nelson Mandela
Author: Kadir Nelson
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books imprint of HarperCollins
Publication Year: 2013
Summary: Kadir Nelson narrates and illustrates the life of Nelson Mandela from his childhood to being elected South Africa’s new president to building a better future for the country.
Curriculum Notes: Apartheid, South Africa, Nelson Mandela
Author: Kadir Nelson
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books imprint of HarperCollins
Publication Year: 2013
Summary: Kadir Nelson narrates and illustrates the life of Nelson Mandela from his childhood to being elected South Africa’s new president to building a better future for the country.
Curriculum Notes: Apartheid, South Africa, Nelson Mandela
Title: Lubaya’s Quiet Roar
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Illustrator: Philemona Williamson
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Lubaya likes to spend time drawing and listening. She is rarely the center of attention. She enjoys drawing on paper where ever she can find it, even on the back of old posters from a protest. Then, one day her parents need to march again with the posters. Lubaya’s drawing on the back highlight what the world could be and her artwork makes a statement that day.
Curriculum Notes: school library, current events
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Illustrator: Philemona Williamson
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: Lubaya likes to spend time drawing and listening. She is rarely the center of attention. She enjoys drawing on paper where ever she can find it, even on the back of old posters from a protest. Then, one day her parents need to march again with the posters. Lubaya’s drawing on the back highlight what the world could be and her artwork makes a statement that day.
Curriculum Notes: school library, current events
Title: Hewitt Anderson’s Great Big Life
Author: Jerdine Nolen
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: The tale of Hewitt Anderson was inspired by the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Hewitt is very small, and his parents are very big, giant big, in fact. They worried about Hewitt being so small. They decide to have him practice survival skills in his giant world, until one day, he proves how small he can be to survive in his oversized world.
Curriculum Notes: versions of fairy tales, school library
Author: Jerdine Nolen
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book
Publication Year: 2005
Summary: The tale of Hewitt Anderson was inspired by the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Hewitt is very small, and his parents are very big, giant big, in fact. They worried about Hewitt being so small. They decide to have him practice survival skills in his giant world, until one day, he proves how small he can be to survive in his oversized world.
Curriculum Notes: versions of fairy tales, school library
Title: Sulwe
Author: Lupita Nyong’o
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young People
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Sulwe was born the color of midnight (page 4). She did not look like her family and the kids teased her for the color of her skin. Then, one night a magical journey on a star changes everything for Sulwe. She is now able to see her beauty and her strength for she belongs.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: finding the beauty within yourself, illustrator study https://www.vashtiharrison.com/
Author: Lupita Nyong’o
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young People
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: Sulwe was born the color of midnight (page 4). She did not look like her family and the kids teased her for the color of her skin. Then, one night a magical journey on a star changes everything for Sulwe. She is now able to see her beauty and her strength for she belongs.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: finding the beauty within yourself, illustrator study https://www.vashtiharrison.com/
Title: Duke Ellington, The Piano Prince and his Orchestra
Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication Year: 1998
Summary: This book takes the reader back to The Cotton Club during the Harlem renaissance in 1927. It is Duke Ellington’s first of many performances there. Then, onto his most famous suite Black, Brown, and Beige at Carnegie Hall in 1943.
Curriculum Notes: Harlem Renaissance, author/illustrator study
Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication Year: 1998
Summary: This book takes the reader back to The Cotton Club during the Harlem renaissance in 1927. It is Duke Ellington’s first of many performances there. Then, onto his most famous suite Black, Brown, and Beige at Carnegie Hall in 1943.
Curriculum Notes: Harlem Renaissance, author/illustrator study
Title: The Little Mermaid
Author: Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This reinvented fairy from Jerry Pinkney is about Melody, a Little Mermaid with a beautiful voice. Melody wants to be friends with a girl on the shore. The Sea Witch seeks her out and offers to give her legs for her voice. Melody agrees and she becomes friends with the girl, Zion. However, she must return to the sea to save her family from the evil sea witch.
Curriculum Notes: fairy tales, friendship, school library
Author: Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This reinvented fairy from Jerry Pinkney is about Melody, a Little Mermaid with a beautiful voice. Melody wants to be friends with a girl on the shore. The Sea Witch seeks her out and offers to give her legs for her voice. Melody agrees and she becomes friends with the girl, Zion. However, she must return to the sea to save her family from the evil sea witch.
Curriculum Notes: fairy tales, friendship, school library
Title: You Matter
Author: Christian Robinson
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: From the smallest plankton in the ocean to the astronauts far from home and the first to the last, you matter.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: You matter, illustrator study https://www.theartoffun.com/
Author: Christian Robinson
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: From the smallest plankton in the ocean to the astronauts far from home and the first to the last, you matter.
Curriculum Notes: SEL: You matter, illustrator study https://www.theartoffun.com/
Title: A Voice Named Aretha
Author: Katheryn Russell-Brown
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book illustrates and narrates the life of Aretha Franklin from her childhood to the present day.
Curriculum Notes: music class, school library
Author: Katheryn Russell-Brown
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book illustrates and narrates the life of Aretha Franklin from her childhood to the present day.
Curriculum Notes: music class, school library
Title: I got the School Spirit
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book follows a girl on her first day of school from brushing her teeth to riding the bus, from stories to lunch and recess. Then home again, wondering what the next day will bring.
Curriculum Notes: first day of school, Onomatopoeia
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book follows a girl on her first day of school from brushing her teeth to riding the bus, from stories to lunch and recess. Then home again, wondering what the next day will bring.
Curriculum Notes: first day of school, Onomatopoeia
Title: I got the Rhythm
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: A girl leaves her house with her mother and uses all of her senses to find the rhythm. Once she finds the rhythm, she uses hands, fingers, hips, knees, and toes to dance to it while the kids around her join her in dance.
Curriculum Notes: music, Onomatopoeia
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2014
Summary: A girl leaves her house with her mother and uses all of her senses to find the rhythm. Once she finds the rhythm, she uses hands, fingers, hips, knees, and toes to dance to it while the kids around her join her in dance.
Curriculum Notes: music, Onomatopoeia
Title: Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman
Author: Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Year: 1996
Summary: This book interwoven with historical facts and fiction, narrates a story of an 8-year-old Harriet Tubman, also known as Minty at this time, as she stands up for herself, learns about following the North star, and thinks about her first attempt to run away from the plantation in Maryland where she was enslaved with her family.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, separating fact from fiction
Author: Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Year: 1996
Summary: This book interwoven with historical facts and fiction, narrates a story of an 8-year-old Harriet Tubman, also known as Minty at this time, as she stands up for herself, learns about following the North star, and thinks about her first attempt to run away from the plantation in Maryland where she was enslaved with her family.
Curriculum Notes: Harriet Tubman, separating fact from fiction
Title: Hidden Figures, The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Publisher: Harper
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book illustrates the real-life careers of 4 black woman at NASA from 1943 to 1967 and their individual contributions to the U.S. Space program during a time when the country was segregated. Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden were all very good at math. Each woman worked at NASA during a different phase and had a different specialty in their math skills. Together, they were each a hidden contribution to NASA's mission to land a man on the moon.
Curriculum Notes: Space, NASA, math
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Publisher: Harper
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: This book illustrates the real-life careers of 4 black woman at NASA from 1943 to 1967 and their individual contributions to the U.S. Space program during a time when the country was segregated. Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden were all very good at math. Each woman worked at NASA during a different phase and had a different specialty in their math skills. Together, they were each a hidden contribution to NASA's mission to land a man on the moon.
Curriculum Notes: Space, NASA, math
Title: Radiant Child
Author: Javaka Steptoe
Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat from his early art as a kid to the beginning of his life as a famous artist. This story is told through the art of the illustrator, Javaka Steptoe, who was greatly inspired by Basquiat’s art and life.
Curriculum Notes: the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Author: Javaka Steptoe
Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Year: 2016
Summary: This book tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat from his early art as a kid to the beginning of his life as a famous artist. This story is told through the art of the illustrator, Javaka Steptoe, who was greatly inspired by Basquiat’s art and life.
Curriculum Notes: the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Title: Nana Akua Goes to School
Author: Tricia Elam Walker
Illustrator: April Harrison
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s school, however, she doesn’t want the other kids to laugh at her Nana Akua. Together they plan their presentation to with a quilt to speak about the culture of the Akan people of Ghana through stories and face painting.
Curriculum Notes: African studies, Ghana, country study
Author: Tricia Elam Walker
Illustrator: April Harrison
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s school, however, she doesn’t want the other kids to laugh at her Nana Akua. Together they plan their presentation to with a quilt to speak about the culture of the Akan people of Ghana through stories and face painting.
Curriculum Notes: African studies, Ghana, country study
Title: Harlem’s Little Blackbird, The Story of Florence Mills
Author: Renée Watson
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Random House
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book is a biography of the life of Florence Mills. Florence was known as Harlem’s Little Blackbird in the 1920’s. She began singing as a child in Washington, D.C., then she moved to Harlem in New York City. There she danced and sang, performed on the East Coast and the West Coast, and in Broadway plays until her death in 1927.
Curriculum Notes: Harlem Renaissance, 1920’s, segregation
Author: Renée Watson
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Random House
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: This book is a biography of the life of Florence Mills. Florence was known as Harlem’s Little Blackbird in the 1920’s. She began singing as a child in Washington, D.C., then she moved to Harlem in New York City. There she danced and sang, performed on the East Coast and the West Coast, and in Broadway plays until her death in 1927.
Curriculum Notes: Harlem Renaissance, 1920’s, segregation
Title: R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book illustrates and narrates the highlights of Aretha Franklin’s life through key descriptive, vocabulary words spelled out on each page mirroring her hit song “Respect” from 1967.
Curriculum Notes: author study https://cbweatherford.com/
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Year: 2020
Summary: This book illustrates and narrates the highlights of Aretha Franklin’s life through key descriptive, vocabulary words spelled out on each page mirroring her hit song “Respect” from 1967.
Curriculum Notes: author study https://cbweatherford.com/
Title: Shirley Chisholm Dared, The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress
Author: Alicia D. Williams
Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
Publication year: 2021
Summary: In Progress, 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Alicia D. Williams
Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
Publication year: 2021
Summary: In Progress, 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Each Kindness
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: Chloe does not want to be friends with the new girl in class, Maya. Then, one day Maya doesn’t return to school.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, kindness, author study https://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin
Publication Year: 2012
Summary: Chloe does not want to be friends with the new girl in class, Maya. Then, one day Maya doesn’t return to school.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, kindness, author study https://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/
Title: The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: The author speaks directly to the reader. There will be days when you feel like an outsider. It might take a lot of courage to walk into a room and be different. Remember to share your story and others will meet you halfway. This is the day you begin.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, illustrator study https://rafaellopez.com/
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin
Publication Year: 2018
Summary: The author speaks directly to the reader. There will be days when you feel like an outsider. It might take a lot of courage to walk into a room and be different. Remember to share your story and others will meet you halfway. This is the day you begin.
Curriculum Notes: SEL, illustrator study https://rafaellopez.com/
Title: The Other Side
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: G.P. Putnum’s Sons
Publication Year: 2001
Summary: Clover’s mama tells her to stay on her side of the fence, until a white girl named Annie starts sitting on the fence. Clover decides to finally join her hoping one day someone will tear the fence down and they won’t have to sit on it anymore.
Curriculum Notes: Civil Rights Movement, friendship
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Publisher: G.P. Putnum’s Sons
Publication Year: 2001
Summary: Clover’s mama tells her to stay on her side of the fence, until a white girl named Annie starts sitting on the fence. Clover decides to finally join her hoping one day someone will tear the fence down and they won’t have to sit on it anymore.
Curriculum Notes: Civil Rights Movement, friendship
Title: Everybody in the Red Brick Building
Author: Anne Wynter
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Author: Anne Wynter
Illustrator: Oge Mora
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2021
Summary: In Progress 3/2023
Curriculum Notes:
Title: Grandpa Cacao, A Tale of Chocolate, From Farm to Family
Author: Elizabeth Zunon
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: A father and daughter bake a chocolate cake as the father tells of his father’s cacao farm in the Ivory Coast, Africa and how the cacao pods were harvest and sold to make chocolate.
Curriculum Notes: Chocolate, ‘how to’ activity, Ivory Coast, Africa
Author: Elizabeth Zunon
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Publication Year: 2019
Summary: A father and daughter bake a chocolate cake as the father tells of his father’s cacao farm in the Ivory Coast, Africa and how the cacao pods were harvest and sold to make chocolate.
Curriculum Notes: Chocolate, ‘how to’ activity, Ivory Coast, Africa
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