All of the books listed below have some portion which could be read or shown to students, so I am listing all of my references. My annotation gives more specific information regarding each book's primary target.
Andrews, William Gates, editor.
Slave Narratives
. New York: Literary Classics of the United States, Inc., 2000.
Contains a number of slave narratives, including the narratives of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Jacobs. This text contains information that would make the teacher more knowledgeable about the period of enslavement. Small excerpts could be read to students in order to increase their understanding of the period.
Bial, Raymond.
The Underground Railroad
. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
This text contains a number of authentic pictures of actual places and artifacts, including a doll, related to the Underground Railroad. These and excerpts from the text would enrich student understanding of the period.
Coles, Robert.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
. New York: Scholastic Press, 1995.
Presents the experiences surrounding the integration of Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana by Ruby Bridges an African American first grader. Excellent companion to the film of the same name. Gives students a vivid picture of school integration during the Civil Rights Movement.
Hine, Darlene Clark and Kathleen Thompson.
A Shining Thread of Hope
. New York: Broadway Books, 1998.
This text gives the teacher a detailed look at the historical and personal roles played by African American women from the seventeenth century until the 1990's. A must read for teachers of this unit. Contains some material which may be shared directly with student, including photographs of African American women who played a role in United States history.
Howard, Nancy Shroyer
. Jacob Lawrence American Scenes, American Struggles
. Worcester, Massachusetts: Davis Publications, Inc., 1996.
Besides including paintings related to slavery, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and John Brown, this book discusses Lawrence's life and painting techniques. Includes activities for children but will be used primarily for discussion of his vivid representations.
Lawrence, Jacob
. Harriet and the Promised Land
. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1968.
Through his paintings, Lawrence tells the story of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. A simple verse accompanies the pictures. An excellent supplement to information on Tubman.
Lester, Julius.
To Be A Slave
. New Your: Dell Books, 1968.
Contains both direct quote from former slave and edited material. Excepts read to students will help to give them a realistic picture of life during enslavement.
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux.
Almost to Freedom
. New York: Scholastic Press, Inc., 2003.
Narrated by a homemade doll, this story tells more about flight from enslavement and the role played by strong African American women.
Porter, Connie.
Meet Addy An American Girl
. Middleton, Wisconsin: Pleasant Company Publications, 1993.
Though forced to leave her brother and little sister behind, Addy and her mother escape from slavery when her father is sold to another plantation. Story illustrates the quiet strength of Addy's mother.
Ransom, Candice.
Liberty Street
. New York: Walker and Company, 2003.
Narrated by a young Black girl who escapes to Canada, this book exposes students to two strong African American women.
Ringgold, Faith.
Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky
. New York: Crown, 1992.
Cassie's imaginary flight connects her with Harriet Tubman and a firs hand tour of the Underground Railroad. Students gain information on Harriet and the Underground Railroad and a look at Faith Ringgold's illustrations.
Ringgold, Faith.
Dinner at Aunt Connie's House
. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1993.
Melany and her cousin Lonnie meet twelve famous African American women who come to life from paintings made by Aunt Connie. Presents African American women successful in the roles they played. Further exposure to Faith Ringgold's art work.
Ringgold, Faith, Linda Freeman, and Nancy Roucher.
Talking to Faith Ringgold
. New York, 1996.
Aimed at children, this books talks with Faith about her life and career. Contains many colorful pictures of her paintings and photographs related to her life.
Ringgold,Faith.
Tar Beach
. New York: Dragonfly Books, 1996.
Cassie takes another imaginary flight from the roof of her Harlem tenement. She glides over the city of New York where she claims various sights. Contains more colorful illustrations by Ringgold.
Tatum, Beverly Daniel.
"Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?"
New York: Basic Books1997.
Aimed at adults, this text examines the development of racial identity in children. Provides an excellent foundation for understanding the implication that the material in this unit could have upon students.
Taylor, Mildred.
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
. New York: Puffin Books, 1976.
Through the eyes of a nine year old girl, we gain a vivid picture of Black-white relations in rural Mississippi during the early 1930's. Excerpts from this text are used as part of this unit to illustrate the role of strong African American women in family and community.
Taylor, Mildred.
The Gold Cadillac
. New York: Bantom Skylark Books, 1967.
An African American family driving from Chicago to Mississippi in a new Cadillac face the anger and hatred their car attracts. Shows students some of the conditions that prompted Civil Rights action. Unit focuses on strengths of the mother.
