February is Black History Month. Here are a few fantastic books you can check out at MPL to appreciate African-American authors and stories throughout the year.
Mama Africa! : how Miriam Makeba spread hope with her song by Kathryn Erskine; illustrations by Charly Palmer
The big bed by Bunmi Laditan; pictures by Tom Knight
Dragons in a bag [sound recording] by Zetta Elliott
Young, gifted and black : meet 52 black heroes from past and present words by Jamia Wilson; illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
The Stars Beneath our Feet by David Barclay Moore
Shaking things up : 14 young women who changed the world by Susan Hood
Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
My hair is a garden written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Mommy’s khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Memphis, Martin, and the mountaintop : the sanitation strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Little leaders : bold women in black history by Vashti Harrison
Black Girl Magic by Mahogany L. Browne; art by Jess X. Snow
If you want to learn more, the Brown Bookshelf is a nice resource for selecting works featuring Black voices. During February, the contributors will highlight a different children’s author every day.
The Coretta Scott King Award is given each year to authors and illustrators whose books celebrate African-American culture and human values. Check out the CSK award blog to find children’s books by African-American authors and illustrators.
We Need Diverse Books is a great website for learning more about the importance of diversity in children’s literature and finding new authors.
Miss Tess
