An Opinion and Book Highlight
We live in a country and world that still struggles with why we celebrate Black History during an allotted time of year. Listening to colleagues and peers over the years that do not share my ethnic background, I find that they feel separating our history to be celebrated is unnecessary and actually arrogant in thinking that "we" should have our own month to publicly acknowledge our accomplishments when no other groups do this (this is actually not true i.e., Women's History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month). My answer to their position is this: celebrating black history during one month is something that I wish we did not have to do, but because our contributions and accomplishments fail to adequately be included in mainstream media and academic textbooks We Must have Black History Month. I know that it is a little early to discuss something that will take place in February, but planning ahead will not do any harm.
Charles R. Smith (Author), Shane W. Evans (illustrator)
28 Days is a beautifully illustrated timeline of significant events in black history. The author eloquently uses quotes, poetic prose, and even eulogies to convey the moments highlighted in the book. Inquisitive readers will appreciate the short biographies and "more information" snippets that that are used to extend the learning experience. What I like most about this book is the diversity within black history that the author and illustrator capture to share with readers. Lesser known moments are featured in this work as well. Educators and parents can read one event each day of February with young learners or read it in one sitting if time permits. This was an enjoyable read for me and I hope it is for you too. Enjoy and Happy Reading!!!
Other New Black History Picture Books:
My Name is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth, Ann Turner (January, 2015)
Harlem Renaissance Party, Faith Ringgold (January, 2015)
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America, Carole Boston Weatherford (February, 2015)
Harlem Renaissance Party, Faith Ringgold (January, 2015)
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America, Carole Boston Weatherford (February, 2015)
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch, Chris Barton (April, 2015)
Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, an Artist in Harlem, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts (June, 2015)
Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Jonah Winter (July, 2015)
Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box, Michael S. Bandy (July, 2015)
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton, Don Tate (September, 2015)
Sail Away, poems by Langston Hughes, art by Ashley Bryan (September, 2015)
Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, an Artist in Harlem, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts (June, 2015)
Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Jonah Winter (July, 2015)
Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box, Michael S. Bandy (July, 2015)
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton, Don Tate (September, 2015)
Sail Away, poems by Langston Hughes, art by Ashley Bryan (September, 2015)
