by Margarita Engle
Spanning the years 1850–1899, Engle's poems construct a narrative woven around the nation's Wars for Independence. The poems are told in alternating voices, though predominantly by Rosa, a "freed" slave and natural healer destined to a life on the lam in the island' s wild interior.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World
by Mildred Pitts Walter
Sure, he can catch a greased pig at a local rodeo, but can he bake biscuits? Ten-year-old Justin struggles to "feel like a guy" in a family dominated by females.
Sure, he can catch a greased pig at a local rodeo, but can he bake biscuits? Ten-year-old Justin struggles to "feel like a guy" in a family dominated by females.
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
by Langston Hughes
Like the steady and determined flow of a river, this poem carries readers along as Hughes draws a metaphorical connection between the waterways of the world and African-American culture.
Like the steady and determined flow of a river, this poem carries readers along as Hughes draws a metaphorical connection between the waterways of the world and African-American culture.
The Rock and the River
by Kekla Magoon
True to the young teen’s viewpoint, this taut, eloquent first novel will make readers feel what it was like to be young, black, and militant 40 years ago, including the seething fury and desperation over the daily discrimination that drove the oppressed to fight back.
True to the young teen’s viewpoint, this taut, eloquent first novel will make readers feel what it was like to be young, black, and militant 40 years ago, including the seething fury and desperation over the daily discrimination that drove the oppressed to fight back.
Mare's War
by Tanita S. Davis
On a parent-mandated cross-country road trip with Mere, their unpredictable grandmother, 15-year-old Octavia and 17-year-old Tali make the transformation from complaining, self-absorbed teens to observant, supportive family members. Mere promises not to smoke if the sisters promise not to use earphones on their way to a family reunion. And then she begins to tell her life story.
On a parent-mandated cross-country road trip with Mere, their unpredictable grandmother, 15-year-old Octavia and 17-year-old Tali make the transformation from complaining, self-absorbed teens to observant, supportive family members. Mere promises not to smoke if the sisters promise not to use earphones on their way to a family reunion. And then she begins to tell her life story.
My People
by Langston Hughes
Illustrator Smith's artful images engage in a lyrical and lively dance with Langston Hughes's brief ode to black beauty. Dramatic sepia portraits of African Americans—ranging from a cherubic, chubby-cheeked toddler to a graying elder whose face is etched with lines-are bathed in shadows, which melt into black backgrounds.
Illustrator Smith's artful images engage in a lyrical and lively dance with Langston Hughes's brief ode to black beauty. Dramatic sepia portraits of African Americans—ranging from a cherubic, chubby-cheeked toddler to a graying elder whose face is etched with lines-are bathed in shadows, which melt into black backgrounds.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Kids will love the colorful language of the Old West, and the bold and dynamically rendered scenes of the heroic Reeves capturing the bad guys. And, they'll learn how the lawman - who was both greatly respected and feared - used his wits and intelligence, courage and character to bring more than 3,000 criminals to justice with fewer than 14 deaths in the line of duty.
Kids will love the colorful language of the Old West, and the bold and dynamically rendered scenes of the heroic Reeves capturing the bad guys. And, they'll learn how the lawman - who was both greatly respected and feared - used his wits and intelligence, courage and character to bring more than 3,000 criminals to justice with fewer than 14 deaths in the line of duty.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Girl Who Hated Books
by Manjusha Pawagi
Meena is more than a reluctant reader. She abhors books. Even though her parents are avid bibliophiles and her house is filled with reading material, the girl refuses to open a book. Her only ally is Max, the family cat, who has been book phobic ever since an atlas fell on his tail. Only a household accident that sends volumes flying and characters cascading out of books can change Meena's mind.
Meena is more than a reluctant reader. She abhors books. Even though her parents are avid bibliophiles and her house is filled with reading material, the girl refuses to open a book. Her only ally is Max, the family cat, who has been book phobic ever since an atlas fell on his tail. Only a household accident that sends volumes flying and characters cascading out of books can change Meena's mind.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Moishe's Miracle
by Laura Krauss Melmed
On the night before Hanukkah, in the poor village of Wishniak, milkman Moishe's sharp-tongued wife, Baila, scolds him for being too generous with their hungry neighbors. Now they have no money to buy eggs and flour to make the traditional Hanukkah latkes. Moishe escapes to the cowshed to sleep in peace. When he awakens, he finds that his cows can speak to him: "MOO-oishe! MOO-oishe!" They inform him that he has been given a magical gift, a pan that, when set upon the fire totally empty, will produce as many latkes as he wishes. The gift comes with a warning, though. Only Moishe must use it. But what harm could it really do if Baila uses it just one time?
Buy it
Twas the Night Before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore
The classic Christmas narrative poem!
Buy it
Listen to the poem (animated video)
The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
Late one Christmas Eve, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole!
Buy it
Listen to Lou Diamond Phillips read this story online
Visit the official Polar Express website
Monday, December 21, 2009
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
by Bob Barner
This book provides an animated and informational look at some of our favorite little insect friends.
Buy it
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Adventures of Marco Polo
by Russell Freedman
He claimed to have seen rocks burn, bandits command sandstorms, lions tamed with a look, and sorcerers charm sharks while divers gathered pearls on the ocean floor. Marco Polo shook Europe with descriptions of the world he'd seen on his epic journey to the court of Kublai Khan.
Buy it
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Olive, the Other Reindeer
by Vivian Walsh
Instead of the lyric, ``All of the other reindeer,'' Olive the pup hears something else on the radio: ``Olive, the other reindeer.'' She concludes that she is to be Santa's canine helper, so heads up to the North Pole, to join the Christmas Eve flight.
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Listen to Gene Autry's original "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
A Light in the Darkness
by Aaron Zevy
Josh and Willy are next door neighbors and best friends. When a rock is thrown through the window of Josh's house while his family is celebrating Hanukah, it is young Willy who is able to rally the street in support.
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