Thursday, June 23, 2016

Freed and Un-Forgotten

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued a press release sharing the completion of the Freedmen’s Bureau digital indexing project they sponsored, making the records available that were collected following the civil war and the emancipation of enslaved persons in the U.S.  The records of the Freedmen’s Bureau provide a glimpse into the stories of those freed and their families.  Millions of slaves across the country were “freed” as a result of the 13th amendment in 1865 and the government set out to aid black citizens who were expected to go out and make a life for themselves after being held in bondage for more than 400 years.  This would be later known as the reconstruction or the reconstruction era.  Reconstruction resulted in the election of blacks in political offices and provided land ownership opportunities to some, but it was short lived and lasted for only 15 years.  Little is widely known about this period in American history and it is especially hard to find nonfiction or fiction books for young people that address the topic.  We went on a hunt to discover what is available for this audience. The list is inclusive of books that directly address reconstruction or the pursuit of freedom and equal rights following the civil war by lesser known heroes.  We hope to expand the list in the future as more titles are released.  If you would like to read the press release announcing the project completion of the Freedman’s Bureau project take a look here: Freedmen's Bureau Project  
Each title is linked to GoodReads , a site that includes reader reviews and links to find books in your local library, bookstore, or online book seller. Happy Reading!



Thursday, June 16, 2016

2016 Releases You May Have Missed





It can be hard to keep up with all of the new books that are released each year for young people. We have you covered.  Here are a few book releases that you may have missed that represent young people and/or were written or illustrated by persons of African descent.  Each title listed is linked to GoodReads, a site that includes reader reviews and links to find books in  your local library, bookstore, or online book seller.  Happy Reading!



PICTURE BOOKS


Kenya's Art Trice, Linda

Looking for Bongo Velasquez, Eric

Malaika's Costume Hohn, Nadia L.

Don't Call Me Grandma Micheaux Nelson, Vaunda

In Plain Sight: A Game Jackson, Richard

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville Miller, Pat Zietlow

The Stone Thrower Richardson Richardson, Jael Ealey

Mr. Okra Sells Fruits and Vegetables Daley,  Lashon




OLDER READERS (Tween/Teen)

As Brave As You  Reynolds, Jason

Booked Alexander, Kwame



Saturday, June 4, 2016

Muhammad Ali: A Champion for All



Growing up as a young person I never actually saw an Ali fight, but I knew exactly who he was and how much he meant to the black community in America and around the world.  I often heard his famous one line comments and phrases from family members, friends, and entertainers on television.  "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee..."  "I'm so mean, I make medicine sick." "I am the Greatest..."  His infectious spirit was undeniable and everyone took notice.  Ali was not only great in the ring, but he was a champion for civil rights for black persons and was not afraid to stand tall, strong, and outright against anything that opposed this.  The man formally known as Cassius Clay took the entire world by storm with his fists, footwork, and fight for good will to be done to all, especially those who were treated unfairly on the North American shores.  Although we are posting about this great man just after his death, we know that this is a perfect opportunity to introduce him to young readers who may be interested in knowing more about who he was with the gloves on AND off.  Check out our book suggestions for young and older readers below.  Each link is connected to Goodreads where you can find a full description of the title.

Happy Reading!

Picture Books
 
Twelve Rounds to Glory (2007) Smith, Charles R.
The Champ (2007) Bolden, Tonya
Muhammad Ali: The People's Champion (2009) Myers, Walter Dean
I Shook Up the World: The Incredible life of Muhammad Ali (2003) Ali, Maryum
 
Young Readers
 
Who is Muhammad Ali (2014)  Buckley, Jr., James
Muhammad Ali: The King of the Ring-a Graphic Novel (2012) Helfand, Lewis
Ali: An American Champion (2014) Denenberg, Barry 

Teens

The Greatest: Muhammad Ali (2001) Myers, Walter Dean
Muhammad Ali: I Am the Greatest (2010) Mickols Jr., John