Banks, Valerie.
Kwanzaa coloring Book
. Los Angeles: Sala Enterprises, 1985. Contains a variety of pictures relating to the African celebration of Kwanzaa along with appropriate explanations. Valuable for learning of African traditions and building of positive values.
Comer, James.
Beyond Black and White
. New York: Quandrangle Books, 1972. Provides clear picture of development of racism in the United States with an analysis of its effect on both black and white Americans.
Gutman, Herbert G.
The Black Family in Slavery & Freedom 1750-1925
. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976. Gives a more accurate picture of the African-American family and the forces affecting it. Excellent reference for teacher.
Harris, Middleton.
The Black Book
. New York: Random House, 1974. A pertinent collection of photographs, sketches, and text. Traces the history of African-Americans showing us the accomplishments of craftsmen, artists, performers, inventors, and everyday people. Also, shows the harsher side of life in forceful manner.
Hughes, Langston.
Selected Poems
. New York: Random House, 1959. Contains a wide selection of poems by Langston Hughes relating to the family and African-American history. Appropriate for teacher and students.
Jacobs, Harriet.
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
. Cambridge: Howard University Press, 1987. This autobiography traces the heroic flight of Harriet Jacobs from slavery to freedom. Of particular importance to this unit, Ms. Jacobs’ story illustrates the support of family and friends, even in the face of tremendous danger.
Lanker, Brian.
I Dream a World
. New York: Stewart, Tabori & Cheng, 1989. A photographic collection of African-American women “who changed America”. Each picture is accompanied by a brief biographical sketch along with a page of comments by each woman, often referring to her family roots. A must for any school and/or classroom library.
McElroy, Guy C. Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1990.
Facing History—Black Image in American Art 1790-1940
. Presents historical view of African-Americans as they are portrayed in American Art. Accompanying text gives appropriate historical background. Should be part of school and/or classroom library.
Randall, Dudley.
The Black Poets
. New York: Bantam Books, 1971. An anthology of poems by African-American poets beginning with “Folk Poetry” and progressing to poets of the 1960’s. Presents an excellent historical picture through poetry.
Stowe, Harriet Beecher.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
. New York: Harper & Row, 1958. Historically significant novel. Despite the many stereotypes presented, there are many sections that present positive situations and could bring the facts of history alive for fifth graders if presented objectively.