Biography
Martin Luther King, Jr. and His Birthday
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Jacqueline Woodson, Silver Press
. A glimpse of Martin's childhood and adult life is beautifully depicted in this work. The bus boycott, a solid explanation of Jim Crow Laws, and people working together in solidarity to combat race prejudice are tastefully depicted. This work, beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper, comes highly recommended for shared reading before the Dr. King holiday celebration.
Coming Home
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Floyd Cooper, Philomel Books
. This is the author's first attempt as a writer, and he does it well. Better known for his masterful illustrations, Cooper has researched and provided a beautiful brief look at the life of Langston Hughes. He explains how Langston incorporated the rhythms of people and places he experienced in his poetry and writing overall. This book serves as a terrific prelude to the reading of Langston's Hughes works in class.
Fiction
Don't Be My Valentine
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Joan M. Lexau, Harper Trophy
. Amy Lou always wants to help Sam out when Sam doesn't want to be bothered. She also wants Sam to be her valentine! Sam knows just what to do to change her mind! Albert, his good friend, goes along with the plan—or does he?! The sequence of events that follow results in hysterical laughter from eager listeners. This book motivates children to treat people nicely—and to create rhymed verses and zany messages for weeks thereafter!
Chicken Sunday
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Patricia Polacco, Scholastic Inc., NY (1988)
. Patricia, Stewart, and Winston are accused by a neighborhood milliner of pelting his hat-shop door with raw eggs. The threesome did not perpetrate the unspeakable act of vandalism, but it's hard to convince that store owner otherwise. When the three explain their dilemma to Grandma Eula Mae Walker, she has doubts. But Grandma steps out on faith and trust, encouraging the youngsters to defend their reputation. The outcome is unexpectedly triumphant, and children cheer at the end of this heartwarming Easter story.
Miss Tizzy
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Libba Moore Gray, Simon and Schuster
. Neighborhood residents think elderly Miss Tizzy is somewhat peculiar, but like a child at play, she embraces and savors every moment of life. She shares her exuberance with the neighborhood children, who love her dearly. Miss Tizzy takes ill, and the beautiful interaction that transpires between her and the children epitomizes the meaning of giving. This book warms the heart, and lets us know you're never too young or too old to give a bit of yourself and share love! This book is a wonderful read for Valentine's Day, Grandparents Day, and in a Social Studies unit on relationships; it can also be incorporated into the teaching of pattern/calendar skills, for it emphasizes the days of the week.
The Magic Guinea Pig
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Tricia Springstubb, Morrow Junior Books
. This wonderful short story gives Halloween characters a new twist! Mark, a little boy, can't get anything right. Just once, he wishes things could work out the way he wants them to. Coincidentally, he encounters a witch who happens to have the same lot. Their zany encounter results in a delightfully hilarious sequence of events that empower Mark to recognize, "giving your best is often good enough!" Get ready for encore requests from every student.
Chita's Christmas
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Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, Bradbury Press
. This book, based on the recollection of the author's Baltimorian childhood and stories shared by family members over the years, takes a glimpse at the spirit of Christmas as celebrated long ago. The reading of this work can spin off into hands-on Math (making waffles and cookies from scratch), Art (creating holiday ornaments), and Social Studies (comparing life past and present) activities.
Imani's Gift at Kwanzaa
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Denise Burden Patmon, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
. Imani has a dilemma. The karamu (a feast and family gathering held on the last day of Kwanzaa) is about to be held, and a family friend—Enna, a little girl with whom she does not get along—has been invited to the celebration. Loving oneself and reaching out to others is a value fostered by those who embrace the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles of Kwanzaa). Will Imani? This book also provides background information on the meaning and significance of Kwanzaa in the lives of African-Americans.
Informational Fiction
Kwanzaa
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A. P. Porter. Carolrhoda Books
. This book takes a detailed look at a major African-American cultural holiday. Created in 1966 by an Urban Studies and African American Heritage Professor and scholar, Dr. Malauna Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days, from December 25 - January 1 and is grounded in the Nguzo Saba. This book highlights those principles, symbols, terminologies and activities held during each day. A great Social Studies inclusion resource.
Kwanzaa
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Deborah M. Newton-Chocolate, Children's Press
. This book provides a simplified overview of the Kwanzaa celebration and is perfect for beginning readers.
