Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma

English 4-8 Music Historical Figures Immigration Collective Action Joanna Ho & Teresa Martinez summary I’m confident that you’ve seen this gorgeous book floating around on the internet, and I’m here to try and add my two cents to campaign for why you need this book. Playing at the Border weaves together a specific event when…

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

English 4-8 Historical Figure Musicians Black Culture & Identity Modern Black Freedom Struggle/Civil Rights Movement Protest Activism Traci N. Todd & Christian Robinson summary It’s safe to say that we all love Nina Simone right? Her powerful voice and even more powerful lyrics gives me shivers when listening and I would definitely choose to time…

Queer (Words of Change Series): Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas

English 12 & Up LGBTQ Experiences Activism Quote Collection Inspiration Coco Romack summary The newest edition of the Words of Change series is out now, and just in time for Pride month! Queer is a small volume that includes photos and quotes from LGBTQ activists, and embodies the spirit of rebellion within the queer community….

Earth Squad: 50 People who are Saving the Planet

english MG & Up Climate Justice Historical Figures Trailblazers STEM Activism Community Alexandra Zissu & Nhung Lê summary For #SweetsAndSocialJustice this week, I want to kickoff what I’ve been calling in my brain an Earth Day social justice bonanza. Make sure you look for the earth icon I’ve put on the photo to be able…

Little People Big Dreams Musician Roundup: Aretha, Prince, & Elton.

Written & Illustrated by:  Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Illustrators: Amy Blackwell (Aretha) Cachetejack (Prince) Sophie Beer (Elton) For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures Women in Music Musicians Trailblazers Black Culture & Identity   Summary: Nobody can deny that the Little People Big Dreams series has been an international sensation, and with good reason….

Stompin’ at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums

Written & Illustrated by:  Moira Rose Donohue & Laura Freeman For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures Musicians Jazz Black Culture & Identity Trailblazers   Summary:  Tippity-Tappity Scritchedy-Scratchedy, William Henry “Chick” Webb was always on the drums…even when he didn’t own any! Diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis and accidentally falling down some stairs when…

The ABC’S of Black History

English 5 years and up Historical Figures Activism Black Culture & Identity Trailblazers Rhyming & Literacy Black Joy Rio Cortez & Lauren Semmer   As soon as I saw this book, I had an inkling it would be phenomenal. I don’t think I was prepared for just how beautiful it is. Alphabet books can be…

A Black Woman Did That

Written By: Malaika Adero Illustrated by: Chanté Timothy For Ages: YA (Middle grades and up) Language: English Topics Covered: Black Culture & Identity, Historical Figures, Growing Up, Women in Leadership, Feminism, Racism. Summary: Before I get into heaping praise on this book, let me make clear that this book is about women but it’s for…

Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People who Made History

Written By: Sarah Prager Illustrated by: Sarah Papworth For Ages: 8 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures, LGBTQ Community, Own Voices, Activism, BIPOC Narratives, Black Identity & Culture, Global Community. Summary: This book is phenomenal! I can’t explain how much the world needs this book, and especially the queer community. Flipping through…

Black Music Greats: 40 inspiring icons

Written by: Olivier Cachin Illustrated by: Jérôme Masi For ages: Middle Grades, ages 8 and up Language: English Topics Covered: Black Culture & Identity, Music, History, American History, Trailblazers, Women in Music, Non-Fiction.  Summary:  This is a beautiful and amazing book that takes the reader on a winding journey of music history! The layout of the book makes it easy to…