Informational Fiction
Corn Rows
,
Camille Yarborough, Coward Books.*
Tightly curled, thick textured hair—Sister's getting her hair braided, and Great Grandma and Mama pass down their family's history and cultural traditions in griot form with the twisting of each strand. (Throughout Africa, the griot—usually an elder—retains and passes down ancestral information, historic and cultural events, and moral traditions of their people through storytelling.) Through
Corn Rows
, children learn about the oral tradition of black folk and the importance of transferring one's cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
Moja Means One
,
Muriel Feelings, Puffin Pied Piper
. Swahili, a language widely spoken throughout Africa, is introduced in this Caldecott-award-winning work. More than a basic counting book,
Moja Means One
helps children understand that Africa is the original homeland for millions of Blacks who live in the United States, Europe, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. A great complement to a counting lesson and Social Studies Unit.
Masai and I
,
Virginia Kroll, Four Winds Press
*. Linda, an elementary school student, learns about the beautiful Masai people of East Africa. The classroom lesson leaves an indelible impression, for even while fast asleep, Linda envisions what it would be like to be a Masai child. A bonding develops. Linda awakens, marveling at the possibility that a trace of Masai ancestry runs through her veins. Masai and I awakens readers to understand and celebrate the kinship of black folk throughout the world, and sheds light on why many black people in America embrace the classification African-American.
Kofi and His Magic
,
Maya Angelou, Clarkson Potter Book Publishers
. Kofi, a seven-year old weaver's apprentice, resides in Bonwire, a West African city renowned for its creation of Kente cloth. With his magical powers, Kofi introduces young readers to Ghanian culture, the scenic beauty of his homeland and other portions of West Africa. Eye-catching photos serve as a rich accompaniment to the storyline (and many children see a bit of themselves in the people depicted). Kofi and His Magic is an outstanding Social Studies/Geography resource, empowering children to
envision their dreams and make magic!
My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me
,
Maya Angelou, Clarkson Potter Book Publishers
. Thandi, a Ndebele girl from South Africa, shares the simplistic beauty of her culture in this photographically-illustrated narrative. Through this work, children experience a contrast between African lifestyles and traditions past and present. The book encourages youngsters to take pride in family traditions, passing them down through generations. A terrific Social Studies/Geography resource, this story can be used as a springboard to help youngsters identify cultural traditions within their own family circles.
The Middle Passage: White Ships/Black Cargo
,
Tom Feelings, Dial Books.*
Tom Feelings worked closely with a world-renowned African History scholar, Professor John Henrik Clarke, to create this beautifully illustrated text. His powerful sketches portray the trek of black people from West African shores across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. The gruesome journey, known as the Middle Passage, is an often unhighlighted aspect of the slave trade: Explicit details of the horrendous journey, provided by Dr. Clarke in the Introduction, are "must-read items," particularly for those unfamiliar with this segment of the slave trade. Because Feelings' artistic work speaks for itself, no text accompanies the illustrations. One finds, however, that children provide the storyline as each page is turned. (This year was the first time I've every introduced this work to young readers. I was spellbound by the sense of humanity stirred among little ones when they experienced it.) This is an invaluable resource for the classroom and school library.
More Than Anything Else
,
Marie Bradby, Orchard Books.*
At one time in America's past, blacks were not allowed to read. This story appears to take place during the end of slavery, a time when southern blacks were still not allowed the privilege of deciphering words on paper. Booker, its main character, is in actuality young author/educator/vocational advocate Booker T. Washington. (The scene is set in the salt mines of West Virginia, where during the slave era, young Washington labored with his family. History notes that while he was still a small boy, a group of slaves—among them young Booker—were gathered together by their master to listen to the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Booker was moved by the reading and the reaction of his people; he marveled at how words could stir the soul. Although this aspect of history is not included in
More Than Anything Else
, those who have learned about the life of this famous American, know that after working long hours in those mines, Booker assiduously attempted and successfully learned to read!) The use of this book in classroom settings is self-explanatory. Truly an asset to the classroom and school library collection.
Follow The Drinking Gourd
,
Jeanette Winter, Alfred J. Knopf
. Many people abhorred the dehumanizing institution of slavery, and not all who battled against its injustices were of African descent.
Follow The Drinking Gourd
, a suspense-filled tale grounded in historic truth, is about Peg Leg Joe, a legendary conductor of the Underground Railroad. The conductor lends a hand to Molly and James, two enslaved blacks whose family members are about to be sold at a slave auction. He teaches them a song, "Follow The Drinking Gourd," that sounds like a simple folk tune often sung by those in bondage. (A song sheet is contained in this book, so those who capably play a piano or use their vocal chords can create an unforgettable Music/Language Arts/Social Studies experience for young people!) The medley actually contained hidden lyrics that serve as a road map to freedom. Those who adhere to its lyrics may escape! Will Molly, James, and their family, with the help of this freedom fighter, be successful in their journey Canadian shores? Your children will want to find out! (This book is perfect for inclusion in an African-American Heritage Social Studies Unit and/or for shared reading during Kwanzaa.)
Black Like Kyra, White Like Me
,
Judith Vigna, Albert Whitman and Company
. Christy, an elementary school aged youngster, befriends Kyra and learns that her new friend's family wants to move out of their neighborhood. Christy informs Kyra that there are homes for sale in her community. Kyra's parents learn of the housing availability, and shortly thereafter purchase a new home a few doors down from Christy. But something unexpected happens, and the two girls discover that racism is a contagious social ill too often perpetuated by adults. Despite race prejudice, their friendship prevails. (This year, I included
Black Like Kyra, White Like Me
as one of our shared readings during a Social Studies unit on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream. It was refreshing and hopeful to see that children have no qualms asserting their feelings about race prejudice. One of my students, Shadaria, asserted, "We should learn to "hug-anotha." Shadaria and her classmates clarified and agreed that "we should learn to love one another, respect one another, and get to know one another for who we are, not because of how we look on the outside or because of what some silly people say!")
Pink and Say
,
Patricia Polacco, Philomel Press
. This story takes place during the Civil War. Sheldon Russell Curtis (Say), a 15-year old white union soldier originally from Ohio, lies wounded and alone on a Southern battlefield. Pincus Aylee (Pink), a young black man and union soldier of about the same age, comes to his aid. Pink's original Georgia home, once a slave plantation, is nearby. The two reach Pink's battle-scarred abode to find temporary shelter in the welcoming arms of Pink's mother, Moe Moe Bey. The two's encounter becomes a cultural learning exchange and treasured friendship, that despite the story's unanticipated ending, stands the test of time. "Remembering the past and those who have touched our lives" and "recognizing the oneness of mankind to create a positive tomorrow for us all" are the moving themes that permeate this work.
Pink and Say
is a must-have item for the classroom and school library collection.
Black Misery
,
Langston Hughes, Oxford Norton Press
.*
Misery is sitting on the front of the bus because it is the first available seat and you want to watch the driver shift gears, but the driver refuses to drive because, big as day, the sign reads "COLOREDS SIT IN THE REAR . . ."
This book takes an emotional look at the 50s-60s era through the eyes of a child. Although many students' parents may not have experienced episodes such as those depicted herein, certainly their grandparents or some other family member may have. This book is wonderful for inclusion in a Social Studies unit, with the brotherhood of man as a central focus.
The Old, Old Man and the Very Little Boy
,
Kristine L. Franklin, Atheneum Books
.* In African culture, wisdom and history are handed down orally by the elder. Although young people listen to those 70 and older, first-hand experience often brings their reality to the forefront. A very old man and a very little boy who daily stops to visit are the main characters of this story. Their melodically heartwarming tale—set in a quaint West African village—presents the reality that each of us, from the littlest child to the oldest family member, is part of a rhythmic circle of life.
Non-Fiction
Black Heroes From A to Z
,
Wade Hudson, Scholastic
.* Black people from all walks of life have contributed greatly to American society and America's history overall. This encyclopedic-type resource highlights 26 contributors to History, Science and the Arts.
Poetry
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
,
James Weldon Johnson, Scholastic, Inc
. This poetic work is better known in song as the Negro National Anthem. Its author was a well-respected civil rights leader, lawyer, teacher and principal, and journalist during the late 1800s to the early 1900s. He and his brother created
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
as a testimonial to the trials and triumphs of Black Americans, past, present and future. Through vivid illustrations, the reason for its creation is brought to life. This book can be readily incorporated into Social Studies, Language Arts and Music-related activities.
Brown Angels
,
Walter Dean Myers, Harper Collins
.* Accompanied by lithographic photos, this work depicts the lifestyle of black families during the early 1900s.
Brown Angels
provides children with an opportunity to pinpoint similarities between lifestyles past and present. A perfect read for Social Studies and Language Arts units.
Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea
,
Joyce Carol Thomas, Harper Collins
.* This extraor-dinary poetry collection, beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper, empowers students to cherish our past, our families, and where we come from, and to affirm ourselves, our dreams and goals, and our place in the world.
Black Is Beautiful
,
Ann McGovern, Scholastic Books
*. Beautiful black and white photography brings this poetic work to life and symbolically depicts why black is beautiful.
Pass It On: African-American Poetry for Children
,
Selected by Wade Hudson, Scholastic, Inc
.* The Harlem Renaissance produced great writers, and the 60's and 70's movement sparked a resurgence of powerful literary works from black authors. The works of quite a few poets of these periods are included in this beautifully illustrated book.
Daddy's Girl
by Linda Michelle Baron,
Midway
by Naomi Long Madgett,
Passenger
by Countee Cullen,
Harriet Tubman
by Eloise Greenfield,
The Dream Keeper, Dream Variation
and
My People
by Langston Hughes, and
Listen Children
by Lucille Clifton are selected favorites.
Honey, I Love
,
Eloise Greenfield, Thomas Y. Crowell
. A series of catchy, rhythmic verses, and touching prose depicting excerpts in life from one little girl's point of view are contained in this collection. Ms. Greenfield, as always, captures the interest of her readers through life experiences with which any child can relate.
Nathaniel Talking
,
Eloise Greenfield, Black Butterfly Children's Books
. A projection of life experiences from a nine year old's point of view, I consider this a wonderful complement to
Honey, I Love
. Each poem captures the interest of readers not only because of the subject matter, but because of the motif. Hip Hop (Nathaniel Talking) and jazz (Daddy's Blues) are among the favorites in this poetry collection. (This year, a first-grade colleague and I videotaped our students' role-played version of these two works, performed in a jazz /rap motif: the language arts activity was hilariously exciting for all participants. You can really get creative with this book!)
