It’s Juneteenth! This year I have a roundup of some books for younger readers less familiar with Juneteenth and a cookbook that will provide everything you need for a Juneteenth cookout, and at any gathering all year. If you’re looking for more information about Juneteenth and the historical context around June 19, 1865, check out…
Category: African Culture and Identity
Top 5 Books I Read in April
If you’re looking for a quick monthly roundup, check out the best 5 books I read in April! Tap any photo to read the entire review As someone who regularly tells people to push past uncomfortable feelings and have important conversations with young people, having a developmentally appropriate definition to assist with teaching new vocabulary…
Blog Tour: Smile With African Style feat. Q&A with Mylo Freeman!
English 3-6 years African Clothing Friendship Coming tomorrow… Today I’m taking part in a blog tour on behalf of the Macy series, and specifically spotlighting the story Smile With African Style published by Cassava Republic Press, which is based in Nigeria. Smile With African Style is a sweet story that introduces young readers to different…
Learning About Africa: 2 Reads
English 5+ African Culture & Identity Historical Figures African Countries summary Can you recall what you learned about Africa when you were in school? I can. We learned all of the countries and then had a test where we had to fill in a map in 7th grade. That’s it. We didn’t learn about historical…
The People Remember
English & Swahili 4+ Black Culture & Identity History Enslavement Forced Migration Empowerment Activism Ibi Zoboi & Loveis Wise summary The People Remember is on an entirely separate plane of existence from other books. It combines the best aspects from different genres and produces a breathtaking experience. Poetry, history, narrative arcs & illustrations that should…
The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition
English YA & Up History Historical Figures Civil Rights Movement Modern Black Freedom Struggle Activism Social Movements Jeanne Theoharis & Brandy Colbert summary I love Rosa Parks. So much. I’m that insufferable person that will talk about how simplified her narrative has become when referring to the Modern Black Freedom Struggle/Civil Rights Movement of the…
Hair: Books for Joy, Confidence & Empowerment
English Wanda has some Xhosa 4-8 years Hair Joy Sikhism Own Voices Self-Confidence & Empowerment Black Joy See each book The dominant white culture in our society has strict, Eurocentric standards for what constitutes as appropriate and professional. These are books that push back on that narrative, and embrace the uniqueness of the strands that…
answering the cry for freedom: stories of african americans and the american revolution
English YA & Up History Enslavement Colonization Revolution Gretchen Woelfle & R. Gregory Christie Summary: For #SweetsAndSocialJustice this week, I looked into what the colonizers would be baking in the area where I live (what is now called Massachusetts). Fruit, maple syrup, and molasses were all popular ingredients. This made me go on a deep…
If Dominican Were a Color
English & 4-8 years Afro-Dominican Identity Own Voices Dominican Republic Poetry Self-Love Sili Recio & Brianna McCarthy Summary: If Dominican Were a Color is a beautiful book that describes aspects of life in the DR as well as pays homage to their strong roots in Africa, as it is “estimated that 73% of the population…
Root Magic
Written & Illustrated by: Eden Royce For ages: MG Language: English & some Gullah Topics Covered: History Own Voices Magic Police Harassment Summary: If a book is about magic and/or witches, I’m definitely reading it. Root Magic is a beautiful blend of ancestral connection, growing self-confidence, and addresses racism and police harassment in addition to other…