Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism

Book SynopsisHere is a story of Alice Coachman, the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.When Alice Coachman was a girl, most White people wouldn't even shake her hand. Yet when the King of England placed an Olympic medal around her neck in 1948, he extended his hand to Alice in congratulations. Standing on a podium in London's Wembley Stadium, Alice was a long way from the fields of Georgia where she ran barefoot as a child. With a record-breaking leap, she had become the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. This inspirational picture book is perfect to celebrate Women's History Month or to share any day of the year.Trade Review"Lang brings her subject's early years to life through small details. . . . Cooper's pastels keep to a brown, grainy palette, recalling the Georgia dirt on which the track star ran as a child." —School Library Journal"From the hardships of her Georgia childhood through the 1948 London Olympics at which she won gold and became a legend, this biography stands out for the lesser-known details it includes (e.g. Coachman's dance performance aboard the London-bound ship). Cooper's grainy sepia-hued pastels are striking; endnotes with more about Coachman and the historic 1948 Olympics support the thorough text." —The Horn Book

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Book Synopsis*Discover the important history of California’s migrant workers and their strike for fair wages during the Delano grape strike in the 1960’s*Learn about Latino civil rights activist César Chávez and Filipino-American labor organizer Larry Itliong*From Sibert award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner Here is the gripping story of the Grape Strike that stirred a nation, as well as the rise of Latino civil rights activist César Chávez and the United Farm Workers of America. In the 1960’s, while the United States was at war and racial tensions were boiling over, Filipino-American workers were demanding fair wages and decent living conditions in California’s vineyards. When the workers walked off the fields in September 1965, the great Delano grape strike began. Did the signing of labor contracts with growers in 1970 mean an end to the problems of the American field laborers, or was it a short-lived truce? This nonfiction book for young readers follows the five-year long strike and also provides details about César Chávez and the United Farm Workers. Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner’s riveting text, complemented by black-and-white archival photographs and the words of workers, organizers, and growers, tells the powerful history.Trade Review★ "While a number of books celebrating Cesar Chavez are available for younger children, few titles provide more in-depth coverage for olders readers. This informative volume offers a detailed, nuanced discussion of the man and the California agricultural workers' movement . . . Well researched, well sourced, and clearly written, this book is an excellent resource for young people." -- Booklist, starred review★ "A skillful, compelling account of the complicated history of Cesar Chavez and the farm workers movement, set in the context of the social and political tensions of the times . . . With an appealing design and many black-and-white photographs, this paints a vivid, detailed picture of an important labor movement and its controversial yet inspiring leader." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "Brimner's comprehensive history of the United Farm Workers (UFW) begins not with Cesar Chavez but with the action of a group of Filipino farm workers who walked off the California fields in 1965. He combines the little-known story of the Filipino workers, a significant segment of migrant farm workers, with that of Chavez and the Hispanic workers, whose actions have received far more attention . . . Brimner's inclusion of information about the Filipino workers who began the movement, quotes and balanced discussion of Chavez's strengths and weaknesses provides a fresh perspective on the movement, making this book a first-purchase choice for middle-level researchers." -- School Library Journal, starred review" . . . Brimner's compelling narrative, complete with both textual and visual primary sources, is up to the task. The layout is inviting with swatches of green and purple to complement the dominant black-and-white color scheme and well-placed maps and photos, while brief Spanish translations of selected quotes, titles, and epigraphs are incorporated . . . " -- The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisWhat if a school''s mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue. A perfect book for future changemakers and activists seeking contemporary stories about systematic racism and empowering kids ages 10+ to fight for justice in their communities.In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An 8th grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye?s mascot should stay or change.Now six middle schoolers?all with different backgrounds and beliefs?get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly.Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.An empowering middle-grade novel, Mascot is sure to inspire readers and start conversations in classrooms and communities across the country."Waters and Sorell''s plain spoken verseis always sharp and direct." ?The New York Times Book Review?The kids and I are so grateful forthis gift you both have given to teachers, kids, and our world.? ?Ms. Corgill, 5th Grade Teacher, Alabama A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023 ANew York Public Library Best Book of 2023 A National Public Radio "Books We Love" title of 2023

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Book SynopsisOn June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the White government. The story's events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book serves as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector's daily life and untimely death. Heartbreaking and relevant, this powerful story gives voice to an ordinary boy and sheds light on an event that helped lead to the end of apartheid.

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Book SynopsisDemonstrating the power of protest and standing up for a just cause, here is an exciting tribute to the educators who participated in the 1965 Selma Teachers'' March.Reverend F.D. Reese was a leader of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. As a teacher and principal, he recognized that his colleagues were viewed with great respect in the city. Could he convince them to risk their jobs--and perhaps their lives--by organizing a teachers-only march to the county courthouse to demand their right to vote? On January 22, 1965, the Black teachers left their classrooms and did just that, with Reverend Reese leading the way. Noted nonfiction authors Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace conducted the last interviews with Reverend Reese before his death in 2018 and interviewed several teachers and their family members in order to tell this story, which is especially important today.

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Book SynopsisRobert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Winner“An engaging and accessible account” for young readers about the Freedom Riders who led the landmark 1961 protests against segregation on buses (School Library Journal) On May 4, 1961, a group of thirteen black and white civil rights activists launched the Freedom Ride, aiming to challenge the practice of segregation on buses and at bus terminal facilities in the South.The Ride would last twelve days. Despite the fact that segregation on buses crossing state lines was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1946, and segregation in interstate transportation facilities was ruled unconstitutional in 1960, these rulings were routinely ignored in the South. The thirteen Freedom Riders intended to test the laws and draw attention to the lack of enforcement with their peaceful protest. As the Riders traveled deeper into the South, they encountered increasing violence and opposition. Noted civil rights author Larry Dane Brimner relies on archival documents and rarely seen images to tell the riveting story of the little-known first days of the Freedom Ride. Trade Review★ “An engaging and accessible account . . . presents a straightforward narrative approach to the subject that will appeal to readers. The stark, black-and-white design of the text emphasizes the directness of the prose, while the riveting, full-page photos and descriptive captions enhance the reading experience . . . an essential part of civil rights collections and a worthy addition to all nonfiction shelves.” —School Library Journal, starred review ★ “Brimner, whose books on the civil rights era include Birmingham Sunday (2010) and Black and White (2011), presents a tightly focused, present-tense account of what happened during the May 1961 Freedom Rides. Presented on spacious pages with striking design, the many large, archival black-and-white photos transport readers back in time. While the introductory and concluding sections offer helpful summaries of four major Supreme Court rulings on segregation from 1896 to 1960 and short biographies of the 13 Freedom Riders, the heart of the book is its straightforward, concise, day-by-day reporting of the journey. A memorable presentation of inherently dramatic and historically significant events.” —Booklist, starred review “Sibert Honor-winning author Brimner (Black and White, 2011) explores the first Freedom Ride in May 1961 . . . Brimner does an excellent job giving the necessary context for the events, and the day-by-day focus provides dramatic tension for the narrative. Useful backmatter includes biographical sketches, bibliography, source notes, index, and picture credits. Richly illustrated with period photographs and strikingly designed, this is a clear, accessible depiction of a major story in the civil rights movement.” —Kirkus Reviews “A superb overview of Freedom Summer, Brimner’s merger of history with photographs imparts the drama and significance of the Freedom Ride of 1961. A powerful message about daring and persistence . . . Crucial to the even-handed writing of the text is a controlled tone, free of unnecessary accusations and sensationalism… Brimner’s organization of print, video, and website source material . . . stress to young readers the elements of bias-free research. An essential addition to public and middle school libraries, the gripping history of the Freedom Summer promotes understanding of a turning point in U.S. race relations.” —VOYA “Readers will get a true sense of the violence and fear that the riders were subject to the closer they got to their destination. Thanks to well-placed b&w historical photos, the discrimination, confrontations, and violence surrounding this Freedom ride are clearly depicted. Simply written, the text succinctly describes the events of the trip . . . This volume will serve as an excellent resource on this historic event and its participants.” —School Library Connection “Using a straightforward, present-tense narrative and a diary-style format . . . this [is a] well-researched and accessible account of a precedent-setting protest.” —Publishers Weekly “Brimner’s presentation—with its oversized trim and photographs, and its dramatic black and white layout—is well suited for readalouds and use by readers of diverse ages, reading levels, and backgrounds. This title should spring off the nonfiction shelves and into the attention of middle-school readers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “Brimner’s narrative summarizes and recounts the highlights of those violent, turbulent days, but the main attraction of this book is its photographs. A striking and spacious book design with black-and-white images provides immediacy.” —The Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisWhen Mildred and Richard Loving are arrested, jailed, and exiled from their home simply because of their mixed-race marriage, they must challenge the courts and the country in order to secure their civil rights.Richard Perry Loving and Mildred Jeter Loving wanted to live out their married life near family in Virginia. However, the state refused to let them — because Richard was white and Mildred was black. After being arrested and charged with a crime, the Lovings were forced to leave their home — until they turned to the legal system. In one of the country's most prominent legal battles, Loving v. Virginia, the Lovings secured their future when the court struck down all state laws prohibiting mixed marriage. Acclaimed author Larry Dane Brimner's thorough research and detailed reconstruction of the Loving v. Virginia case memorializes the emotional journey towards marriage equality in this critical addition to his award-winning oeuvre of social justice titles.Trade ReviewA Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the YearA NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book★ "Well researched and written as a clear, cohesive narrative, the book portrays the Lovings as a quiet couple who had grown up in a small, racially mixed community and simply wanted to be left alone. Quotes from the Lovings, their attorneys, and court proceedings are used judiciously, while large, well-captioned photos of people and documents bring the drama more sharply into focus. A concise, well-organized account of the landmark Loving v. Virginia case, its significance, and the people at the heart of the story." —Booklist, starred review"An overview of the landmark 1967 case of Loving v. Virginia that legalized interracial marriage in the United States. Brimner presents the facts in no-nonsense prose while providing context for the couple’s plight: The history of segregation, the impact of the civil rights movement, and background on the judicial system are woven throughout. This thoroughly researched, attractively designed work is rich with primary sources, making history tangible. Brimner adds another strong text to his growing oeuvre of social justice–themed informational texts." —Kirkus Reviews"[Larry Dane] Brimner discusses the [Loving v. Virgina] case and its legal intricacies as it made its years-long journey through the court system...then segues...to the impact Loving v. Virginia had on defending the right to non-heterosexual marriage, a separate but closely related battle that ultimately cited that precedent to secure marriage equality to couples regardless of gender." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Brimner provides an accessible, succinct introduction to the legal arguments and issues of Loving v. ­Virginia. Recommended for all middle and high school collections." —School Library Journal "Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred Jeter, a woman of African and Native ancestry, loved each other and wanted to get married. But that was against the law in Virginia in the 1960s. Brimner weaves together their personal stories...with the larger legacy of prejudice and bigotry in the Jim Crow South. The book is enhanced by black-and-white photographs throughout; candid shots of Richard and Mildred are particularly effective, characterizing the couple as an especially tender and affectionate one. A final chapter explains how this case set the stage for the marriage equality activism at the turn of the twenty-first century that enabled LGBTQ people to marry whom they wish." —The Horn Book "This book reveals not only the details of the case involving the interracial marriage between Richard and Mildred but also all types of marriage equality regardless of race, sexuality, or gender. The precedent set by Loving v. Virginia continues to affect decisions made today regarding marriage equality." —School Library Connection

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Book SynopsisThis chilling and harrowing account tells the story of the Scottsboro Boys, nine African-American teenagers who, when riding the rails during the Great Depression, found their lives destroyed after two white women falsely accused them of rape. Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner explains how it took more than eighty years for their wrongful convictions to be overturned.In 1931, nine teenagers were arrested as they traveled on a train through Scottsboro, Alabama. The youngest was thirteen, and all had been hoping to find something better at the end of their journey. But they never arrived. Instead, two white women falsely accused them of rape. The effects were catastrophic for the young men, who came to be known as the Scottsboro Boys. Being accused of raping a white woman in the Jim Crow south almost certainly meant death, either by a lynch mob or the electric chair. The Scottsboro boys found themselves facing one prejudiced trial after another, in one of the worst miscarriages of justice in U.S. history. They also faced a racist legal system, all-white juries, and the death penalty. Noted Sibert Medalist Larry Dane Brimner uncovers how the Scottsboro Boys spent years in Alabama's prison system, enduring inhumane conditions and torture. The extensive back matter includes an author's note, bibliography, index, and further resources and source notes.Trade ReviewAn ALSC Notable Children's Book * A Kirkus Reviews Best Book * A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People * Nominee for the 2021-2022 South Carolina Book Award★ "Brimner revisits the history of injustice in America... (and) has extensively researched the heartbreaking story of the suffering and stolen futures of nine African American teens falsely accused of the rape of two white women in Alabama in 1931, laying all the facts on the table in a concise, gripping volume. The engaging, easy-to-follow text will draw readers into a historical account that mirrors many of today's headlines.... (t)he parallels between the perils the Scottsboro Boys endured and current news stories show the continued relevance of this history, making this a must-have for both school and public libraries. Engaging and historically accurate; highly recommended." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "Brimner, who won the 2018 Sibert Award for his book Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961 now looks at the case of the Scottsboro boys... Brimner has his work cut out for himself in telling this complicated story... (and) gives the narrative both heft and heart. The book's design uses black-and-white photos to good advantage. A solid look at a noteworthy event that touched upon many aspects of U.S. society." -- Booklist, starred review★ "Tightly wound, compelling, and comprehensive, Brimner’s meticulously documented narrative re-creates the menacing atmosphere of Depression-era segregated courtrooms, atrocious carceral facilities, and a riven public. Extensive quotations offer a sense of each historical figure’s character, from the boys on trial and their accusers to the officials handling cases and the captivated press. The text is enhanced with plentiful photographs, period news accounts and ephemera, and helpful sidebars offering broader context. Brimner draws parallels between the Scottsboro boys and present situations, reminding readers how far we’ve come—and how we continue to come up short. This masterly account of an egregious episode in American history is (and will remain) vital reading. An essential acquisition." -- School Library Journal, starred review"Brimner’s skillful use of quotes... give the tale an engrossing urgency and pulls the events out of history books and into a compelling narrative. The mostly chronological format is easily accessible...(t)his has obvious curricular use, but it might also serve as a discussion-starting comparison between historical and current racial inequalities in the justice system." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"This is an emotionally wrenching story... (and) a needed book in any school library, for it shows the dangers of unfettered racism." -- School Library Connection

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Book SynopsisIn this dramatic Civil War story, a courageous enslaved fugitive teams with a cunning Union general to save a Union fort from the Confederates–and triggers the end of slavery in the United States. This is the first children''s nonfiction book about a Black unsung hero who remains relevant today and to the Black Lives Matter movement. On the night Virginia secedes from the Union, three enslaved men approach Fortress Monroe. Knowing that Virginia''s secession meant they would be separated from their families and sent farther south to work for the Confederacy, the men decided to plead for sanctuary. And they were in luck. The fort''s commander, Benjamin Butler, retained them--and many more that followed--by calling them contraband of war. Butler depended on the contrabands to provide information about the Confederates. He found the perfect partner in George Scott, one of the contrabands, whose heroism saved the fort from enemy hands. And, it was the plight of the contrabands that convinced President Lincoln that slavery MUST be abolished and inspired him to write his Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebellious states.

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Book SynopsisSet in Zimbabwe, Rutendo Tavengerwei’s unforgettable novel offers a beautiful and honest look at adolescence, friendship, and the capacity for courage.  For fifteen-year-old Shamiso, hope is nothing but a leap into darkness. Grief-stricken and confused after her father’s mysterious death in a car crash, Shamiso moves with her mother from England to Zimbabwe in order to pick up the pieces—returning to an extended family and a world she hardly remembers. For Tanyaradzwa, a classmate whose life has been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, hope is the only reason to keep fighting. As an unexpected friendship blossoms between them and the two girls navigate the increasingly uncertain political situation in Zimbabwe, Tanyaradzwa helps Shamiso confront her fear of loss.

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Book SynopsisDiscover New York Times bestseller Samira Ahmed’s romantic, sweeping adventure through the streets of Paris told in alternating narratives that bridge centuries, continents, and the lives of two young Muslim women fighting to write their own stories.   Smash the patriarchy. Eat all the pastries.  It’s August in Paris and 17-year-old Khayyam Maquet—American, French, Indian, Muslim—is at a crossroads. This holiday with her parents should be a dream trip for the budding art historian. But her maybe-ex-boyfriend is ghosting her, she might have just blown her chance at getting into her dream college, and now all she really wants is to be back home in Chicago figuring out her messy life instead of brooding in the City of Light. Two hundred years before Khayyam’s summer of discontent, Leila is struggling to survive and keep her true love hidden from the Pasha who has “gifted” her with favored status in his harem. In the present day—and with the company of Alex, a très charmant teen descendant of Alexandre Dumas—Khayyam searches for a rumored lost painting, uncovering a connection between Leila and Alexandre Dumas, Eugène Delacroix, and Lord Byron that may have been erased from history. Echoing across centuries, Leila and Khayyam’s lives intertwine, and as one woman’s long-forgotten life is uncovered, another’s is transformed.

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Book SynopsisHollywood, the mid-1960s. President Kennedy has been assassinated, the country's civil rights movement is in full swing, and teenager Nate Berrigan is a television sitcom star.But Nate's onscreen life looks nothing like the real thing, which stars abusive, addicted parents instead of swooning teenage girls. On top of that, Nate's questioning his sexuality, and his boss is a demanding monster.The pressure would get to anyone. Fortunately Nate has Tai Atua, his costar… and maybe the love of his life. As the boys slowly fall for each other, Nate tries to believe in the possibility of his own happiness. Tai could be his savior, pulling Nate away from the precarious knife-edge he's balancing on.Of course, he could also be his undoing. Because if anyone finds out about their relationship, Nate's whole life will come crashing down around him. If that happened, Nate couldn't live with himself….

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Book SynopsisNOW IN PAPERBACK! ★ “Encourages empathy and understanding while spotlighting underrepresented history, and providing an example of how young people can take action. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal (starred) ★ “Well-crafted and wonderfully fresh.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)ALSC Notables Selection Capitol Choices Selection Kirkus Best Book of the Year CCBC Choices Selection It’s the summer of 1976. You’re having an amazing family holiday, one where everyone is there and all 18 of you are squeezed into one house. All of sudden it's 4 o'clock in the morning and there's banging and yelling and screaming. The police are in the house pulling people out of bed ...' Sofia is like most 12-year-old girls in New Zealand. How is she going to earn enough money for those boots? WHY does she have to give that speech at school? Who is she going to be friends with this year? It comes as a surprise to Sofia and her family when her big brother, Lenny, starts talking about protests, “overstayers”, and injustices against Pacific Islanders by the government. Inspired by the Black Panthers in America, a group has formed called the Polynesian Panthers, who encourage immigrant and Indigenous families across New Zealand to stand up for their rights. Soon the whole family becomes involved in the movement. Told through Sofia’s diary entries, with illustrations throughout, Dawn Raid is the story of one ordinary girl living in extraordinary times, learning how to stand up and fight.

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Book SynopsisA poetic tribute to the victims of the racially motivated church bombing that served as a seminal event in the struggle for civil rights. In 1963, the eyes of the world were on Birmingham, Alabama, a flashpoint for the civil rights movement. Birmingham was one of the most segregated cities in the United States. Civil rights demonstrators were met with police dogs and water cannons. On Sunday, September 15, 1963, members of the Ku Klux Klan planted sticks of dynamite at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which served as a meeting place for civil rights organizers. The explosion killed four little girls. Their murders shocked the nation and turned the tide in the struggle for equality. A Jane Addams Children's Honor Book, here is a book that captures the heartbreak of that day, as seen through the eyes of a fictional witness. Archival photographs with poignant text written in free verse offer a powerful tribute to the young victims.Trade Review★ "A gorgeous memorial to the four killed on that horrible day, and to the thousands of children who braved violence to help change the world." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "Filled with emotion. . . . This is a book that should be in every library collection." --Library Media Connection, starred review★ "An intimate experience. . . . An emotional read, made even more accessible and powerful by the viewpoint of the child narrator." --School Library Journal, starred review

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Book Synopsis★★★★ FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! New from the award-winning author/illustrator team behind Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop! Who was Coretta Scott King? Her black-veiled image at the funeral of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was moving and iconic. This book introduces readers to the woman behind the veil—a girl full of spunk and pluck, bravery and grit.“Corrie, you are a brave soldier. I don’t know what I would do without you.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Much more than just a wife, Coretta Scott King was Martin’s partner in the fight for justice. It wasn’t always easy. From an early age, she stood strong against white violence toward her family in the South, and against discrimination as a music student in the North. Coretta found her voice as a classical singer, but she struggled mightily to speak out as an activist in the face of men who thought she should be seen and not heard. But she never wavered. When Martin died, it was Coretta who carried on the struggle, and preserved his legacy so that his voice would be heard by future generations. This important story, told in poetry and prose, is a riveting introduction to an important and instrumental figure in the history of activism and civil rights. Awards for Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop… Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book • School Library Journal Best Book of the Year • Booklist Editors' Choice • Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book • Booklist Top 10 Diverse Books for Middle Grade or Older Readers • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best BooksTrade ReviewA 2023 Horn Book Fanfare BookCenter for the Studies of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 20232023 Eureka! Nonfiction Childrens’ Honor Award A Chicago Public Library Best Book"[A] stirring introduction to a woman who stood strong before and after her husband’s 1968 assassination...Alternating between poems and prose, Duncan’s text is informative as well as emotionally powerful, with a sense of cosmic destiny about Coretta’s future with Martin sprinkled throughout...Christie’s illustrations similarly range from dreamlike images to real-life documentation." —The New York Times Book Review★ "Duncan depicts Coretta’s path through both verse and prose; the many poetic forms she employs reflect the complexities of her subject’s life, and the strong prose gives a clear picture of her determined personality. Christie’s impressionistic mixed-media watercolor illustrations are stunning, beginning with the powerful cover that immediately commands attention. Exuding emotion, each image perfectly complements the intriguing text." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "Coretta Scott King gets her due recognition in this comprehensive, creative, and radiant picture book biography...Alternating between spreads of poetry and prose, the clever structure balances the delivery of both emotion and information, and the poems themselves vary significantly in form, deftly matching the tone of Coretta’s experiences at each age. Unexpected allure is added by the recurring celestial imagery related to both Coretta and Martin, which Duncan explains is based on the couple’s belief that their marriage was 'divinely appointed—beyond earthly perimeters.' Christie’s mixed media watercolor art uses a vibrant, warm color palette and is stunningly emotive in depicting the details of a storied lifetime." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review★ "In a sophisticated, poetic biography in picture-book form, Duncan alternates double-page spreads featuring prose or poems in a variety of forms that highlight Coretta Scott King's accomplishments...Duncan's reverent tone gleams thanks to an effective combination of forthright prose and eclectic poetic forms. Christie conveys the highlights of Coretta's life story in vivid and engaging watercolor renderings." —The Horn Book, starred review★ "A marvelous tribute to the activist, singer, and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Duncan crafts a captivating look at the life and legacy of Coretta Scott King...Duncan’s narrative emphasizes King’s strength and bravery, and how she inspired her husband to make difficult choices for the cause. The text’s musicality recall’s King’s vocalist background...Gorgeous text and resplendent illustrations present a nuanced picture book biography for all shelves." —School Library Journal, starred review"Duncan's picture-book biography emphasizes the personal strengths and virtues that make CSK a civil rights icon in her own right, in addition to being MLK's life partner. Duncan uses a variety of poetic styles, ranging from acrostics and haiku to free verse, that walk readers chronologically through key moments in CSK’s life, while the prose passages generally provide wider historical context. Christie's mixed-media, watercolor illustrations appear on every spread, depicting cited events and individuals, conveying the emotions of those involved, and providing important setting details." —Booklist"Blending poetry and prose to chart the path of Coretta Scott King (1927–2006), Duncan and Christie portray a person who was formidable from her earliest years." —Publishers Weekly"Coretta's Journey eloquently blends poetry and prose to tell the life story of civil rights activist, Coretta Scott King. This powerful picture book biography is organized chronologically and includes dates to help readers place the events in history. Duncan incorporates quotes into the narrative and poems as she describes the life and accomplishments of the fearless and steady civil rights leader, mother and wife. Christie's mixed media watercolor illustrations evoke a range of emotions from joy and wonder to determination and grief. Rich back matter includes photographs, a timeline and author's note. Coretta's Journey is a recommended purchase for upper elementary and middle grade readers. Look for the title to appear on awards lists in the coming months!" —The Nonfiction Detectives"Coretta's Journey should be read by any young person who wants to understand Coretta Scott King's essential contribution to her husband's extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Her courage and dedication were evident both before and after she met Martin. She chose to be a wife and mother but was always Coretta."—Dr. Clayborne Carson, historian and founding director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University“Coretta’s Journey is complete with compelling prose and vivid illustrations. Alice Faye Duncan seamlessly weaves historical facts together to show that by some universal, divine source, Coretta’s marriage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. allowed them both to actualize their life callings to advance civil and human rights.” —Daphene R. McFerren, executive director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis

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Book SynopsisThis YA biography-in-verse of six important Black Americans from different eras, including Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, chronicles the diverse ways each fought racism and shows how much—and how little—has changed for Black Americans since our country’s founding.Full of daring escapes, deep emotion, and subtle lessons on how racism operates, A LONG TIME COMING reveals the universal importance of its subjects’ struggles for justice. From freedom seeker Ona Judge, who fled her enslavement by America’s first president, to Barack Obama, the first Black president, all of Shepard’s protagonists fight valiantly for justice for themselves and all Black Americans in any way that they can. But it is also a highly personal book, as Shepard — whose maternal grandfather was enslaved — shows how the grand sweep of history has touched his life, reflecting on how much progress has been made against racism, while also exhorting readers to complete the vast work that remains to be done.Trade ReviewA 2023 School Library Journal Best BookA 2023 Booklist Editors' Choice A 2023 Kirkus Best BookTexas Topaz Nonfiction Reading ListFinalist, SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction Text for Older Readers★ "These narratives will also give young people a new understanding of how the subjects became exceptional forces for racial freedom...Meticulously researched and organized...Shepard creatively argues through captivating poetic history that racial justice is the long struggle in this country and that we are still working toward who ''we' is in this more perfect union. A must ­purchase." —School Library Journal, starred review★ "Rooting the events presented in documented history, Shepard distills them into concentrated bursts of truth... Christie’s section-heading black-and-white scenes are as starkly powerful as the poems. The information presented is kaleidoscopic rather than comprehensive; readers will come away with clear senses of who these individuals were and what motivated them, while formidable backmatter...provides avenues for them to fill in the gaps. Electrifying." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "In this substantive nonfiction history in verse, Shepherd depicts the lives of six Black Americans who 'tilted the country’s moral arc toward liberty, freedom, and justice.' The poetry is always engaging, at times unwieldy, at times electric in its power. Highly recommended for both personal reading and curricular study." —Booklist, starred review★ “This is a highly readable work of creative nonfiction told in five story-poems–flash lines of verse, prose, and quotes–anchored in historical facts The individual poems are impressionistic, and many have a rhythm that would work well when read aloud.” —Youth Service Book Review"In this biography in verse, Shepard presents thoroughly researched portraits of six historical Black figures...Shepard makes each subject both distinct and connected; repetitive phrases and similar stylistic structures thread through the book, underscoring an arc of history that has lurched toward racial justice in fits and starts, taking one step back as many times as it moved forward." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“A Long Time Coming is an unflinching, thoughtful, instructive, and beautiful rendering of the African American journey from slavery to freedom and beyond. Students of all ages will benefit from reading it.”—Randall Kennedy, Michael R. Klein Professor at Harvard Law School and author of Say It Loud! On Race, Law, History, and Culture“Ray Anthony Shepard takes readers on an epic journey along Freedom’s road. As they encounter conquering souls like Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and President Obama, readers will finish the book bolstered with understanding and feelings of inspiration and joy.”—Alice Faye Duncan, author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop“In powerful prose poetry, Ray Anthony Shepard recounts the lives and audacity of Black leaders from Harriet Tubman and Frederic Douglass to Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama. Learning about them together gives this history of our country’s sins and the people who fought for justice the gravitas it deserves. I pray that this book—painful, revealing, and ultimately inspiring—will disprove forever ‘the lie,’ as Shepard puts it perfectly, ‘that people are color-coded into winners and losers.’ It is a long time coming.”—Deborah Heiligman, author of Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith“An exquisite historical tapestry, A Long Time Coming, weaves the lives of six heroes to create unflinchingly detailed documentation of American strength, suffering, and survival. Approachable, quick, and brimming with dynamic storytelling. Depth of research shines as Shepard graciously sheds new light on the lives of these heroes.”—Angela Joy, author of Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

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Book SynopsisThe topics of inclusion and exclusion are explored through the adventures of a slug who wants to stay the night in the new ?Hotel for Bugs? but is told that he can?t because the hotel is only for bugs.A new hotel for bugs has just opened, and the local bugs are so excited! When the doors open, they marvel at the decorations, check out the buffet, and lounge by the pool and spa. Soon, a slug enters the building and asks for a room, but the manager tells him that the hotel is only for bugs. The sad slug leaves, and the bugs point out to the manager that even the bugs are all different?and even stranger than the slug! Some of the bugs have ears on their knees, roll poop, and taste flowers with their feet. Can they convince the manager that the hotel is for everyone, not just bugs?

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Book SynopsisFrom acclaimed author Tonya Bolden comes the story of a teen girl becoming a woman on her own terms against the backdrop of widespread social change in the early 1900s. Savannah Riddle is lucky. As a daughter of an upper class African American family in Washington D.C., she attends one of the most rigorous public schools in the nation--black or white--and has her pick among the young men in her set. But lately the structure of her society--the fancy parties, the Sunday teas, the pretentious men, and shallow young women--has started to suffocate her. Then Savannah meets Lloyd, a young West Indian man from the working class who opens Savannah's eyes to how the other half lives. Inspired to fight for change, Savannah starts attending suffragist lectures and socialist meetings, finding herself drawn more and more to Lloyd’s world. Set against the backdrop of the press for women’s rights, the Red Summer, and anarchist bombings, Saving Savannah is the story of a girl and the risks she must take to be the change in a world on the brink of dramatic transformation.Trade ReviewPoetic, breathtaking, descriptive and fast-paced. . . . An excellent choice for YA historical fiction shelves. * School Library Journal, starred review, on INVENTING VICTORIA *Seamlessly weaves aspects of black history into the detailed narrative. . . . Victoria emerges as a fully realized character, a product of all her experiences. The depiction of Washington, D.C.'s African-American elite is rich and complex . . . A compelling and significant novel. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on INVENTING VICTORIA *Bolden captures the period with meticulous detail. . . . [An] engrossing coming-of-age story. * The Horn Book Magazine on INVENTING VICTORIA *The rich descriptions of people and life in early America will fascinate readers as the book introduces them to this widely overlooked population in history. * Booklist on INVENTING VICTORIA *Readers will fall in love with Bolden's gentle lyricism as she unflinchingly unfolds a difficult story. * Shelf Awareness, starred review, on CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK *Bolden . . . bravely concludes this concise, moving story with a historically accurate and horrifying ending. * Publishers Weekly, starred review, on CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK *The well-executed premise, a compelling love story, and unique historical details will appeal to fans of Ruta Sepetys’s Salt to the Sea . . . This moving and engrossing portrayal of a little-known historical tragedy belongs on all YA shelves. * SLJ, starred review, on CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK *A poetic, raw, and extraordinary imagining of a little-known, shameful chapter in American history. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK *With keen insight, Bolden mines a lesser-known historical event and brings the human cost vividly to life . . . Bolden’s trenchant, powerful novel is a strong testament to the many lost lives that certainly did--and still do--matter. * Booklist, starred review, on CROSSING EBENEZER CREEK *

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