Black Heroes of the Wild West

Written By: James Otis Smith Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson For Ages: 7 years & Up Language: English Topics Covered: History, Black Historical Figures, Wild West, Colonization, Violence, Alcohol, Summary: This graphic novel is SO cool! It’s broken into 3 chapters, each covering a Black historical figure that lived out in the west. First, we learn…

The Undefeated

Written by: Kwame Alexander Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson For ages: 7 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Black Identity & Culture, Resilience, Trailblazers, History, Oppression, Enslavement.  Summary:  Honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to review The Undefeated.  It’s beautiful and powerful and required reading.  For #sweetsandsocialjustice this week I’ve paired some baked donuts and the oh-so-trendy whipped coffee (seriously…

Henry’s Freedom Box, A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Written by: Ellen Levine Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson For ages: 7 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Enslavement, Underground Railroad, Historical  Figures, Historical Fiction, Family, Friendship, Abolition.  Summary: This book is heart wrenching.  Very little happens in this story that is positive besides gaining freedom, and it gives a very real look at Henry’s life while being enslaved.  There are…

Day 12: Featuring Fabulous Illustrators!

Day 12, and it’s all about illustrators today!  We had a pretty tough time narrowing it down, because every artist has their own unique style and artistic twist, which makes it so difficult to choose favorites!  Without further ado, here are our favorite book illustrations: Vashti Harrison Part author – Illustrator – filmmaker Vashti Harrison is…

Thunder Rose

Written by: Jerdine Nolen Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson For ages: 5-10 years Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Feminism, Love, Family, Acceptance, Folklore.  Summary: This book tells the tale of Rose, a baby born during a thunderstorm in the Old West.  This magical child sits right up and grabs a ball of lightning to hold over her shoulder, and begins to…