A magazine spread about migrant workers moved then-porter Gordon Parks to buy a camera and teach himself the craft. He sensed injustice, particularly "the unfairness of segregation" and soon learned to tell its story through the lens. His skilled shots eventually landed in major magazines, their first captures by a black photographer. An impactful way to show how the efforts of one man can give vo ...

Beautiful free verse tells a story, both from individual perspectives and in general, that is punctuated with moving mixed-media illustrations. An unforgettable reading experience based on the experience of the author and her family.

While this is meant to honor the role of the black soldier during World War I, the irony in some of the text's prose and the saturated dark illustrations bring it just short of a celebration. Jim Reese, the charismatic leader of the band of musical players, eventually-turned Harlem Hellfighters - the 369th Infantry Regiment, embodied the soulful passion, talent, bravery, courage, and plight of thi ...

In this powerful story, Levine weaves together the extraordinary events in the life of Henry "Box" Brown, who as a young boy hid in a wooden crate in one of the most amazing escapes using the Underground Railroad. Full color.

When normal-sized Hewitt is born into the Anderson family--a family of giants--the Andersons' lives are turned upside-down. It's up to Hewitt to show all the generations of the Andersons the power of being small. Full color.

Shetterly highlights an important segment in US History by focusing on four intelligent ladies whose skill earned them places in what is now NASA. Their acceptance into this program was blocked, at first, because misguided beliefs about their skin color and gender prohibited their participation. Context, setting, and a timeline of events is beautifully conveyed and displayed for readers to underst ...

Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new illustrated chapter book series J.D. has a big problem--it's the night before the start of third grade and his mom has just given him his first and worst home haircut. When the steady stream of insults from the entire student body of Douglass Elementary becomes too much for J.D., he takes matters ...

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, J ...

"This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash." -- Kirkus Reviews Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes ba ...

Illustrated in rich colors, Lester's folksy retelling of a popular African-American folk ballad has warmth, tall tale humor, and boundless energy. A Caldecott Honor Book.

When his best friend, Gloria, receives a new bicycle, seven-year-old Julian spends the summer avoiding her because of his fear of bikes.

Precious little Jillian suffers from extreme shyness and will talk to only a few, select friends and never in class. Her loving grandmother has always encouraged her to open up to others, but Grandmother died last year. Jillian’s shyness has only worsened. Enter a bold, but sensitive 5th grade teacher! Only she can see Jillian’s intelligence and sensitivity. Throughout the year she brilliantly ...

Ten-year-old Justin is glad when his grandfather invites him to his ranch for the summer. Justin's sure he can get away from all the women and do some actual men's work. But back at the ranch, Justin learns some unexpected lessons. Illustrations.

The Blast to the Past gang gets the chance to impact civil rights when they meet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and give him their vote of confidence in this fourth book in the Blast to the Past series. It's another exciting Monday for Abigail, Zack, Jacob, and Bo--they are going to jump back to the past to meet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! The kids need to convince Dr. King not to get discouraged a ...

Reading is fun, but it is even more fun with friends. This delightful story celebrates the simple joy of stories and the power they have to bring together family and friends. It encourages families to stop and make reading a regular part of their routine and to enjoy the time together. Simple and relatable this is a story that gives voice to the very youngest of readers and celebrates the formatio ...

Zuri Jackson wants readers to meet her friend, Danitra Brown, the "most splendiferous girl in town." In 13 spirited rhymes, Zuri narrates an unforgettable portrait of the many ways in which friends bring out the best in each other. Full color.

During a heavy rainstorm in 1930s rural Mississippi, a ten-year-old white boy sees a bus driver order all the black passengers off a crowded bus to make room for late-arriving white passengers. Then, in the driving rain, disaster strikes and Jeremy witnesses a shocking end to the day's drama.

"Achievement is one thing. Achieving while overcoming challenges that would defeat most others is something else, and that's what comes through in Misty Copeland's story."

Lyrical text describes Harriet Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her North to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of slavery. This is a moving portrait of one of the most inspiring figures of the Underground Railroad--a woman who would take 19 subsequent trips back South without being caught.

First grader Harry and Mr. George Baker, an African-American jazz drummer, share a special bond revealed through Harry's descriptive, first-person observations. The biggest connection the two share is that they're both learning to read. Full color.