By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 11, 2012
In celebration of African American History month, I discovered some especially moving books to share with The Children’s Book Review. Fighting for justice and equality through solidarity and courage, these books uncover the truth of the African American experience whether it’s during the time of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement or even today.
By Kadir Nelson
In truly stunning paintings, Nelson follows the trajectory of the African-American experience in all of its harrowing and haunting glory. Beginning with slavery and ending with the civil rights movement, he gently describes the events to enlighten and as he explains in his gentle prologue, “make some things known before they’re gone for good.” You’ll find more details on Nelson’s remarkable book in these two stories from NPR and The New York Times and additional notes from the publisher. (Ages 8-11. Publisher: HarperCollins)
By Margaree King Mitchell; illustrated by James E. Ransome
It’s almost incredible to recall that Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong were not allowed as audience members in many of the theaters where they performed sold-out, standing-room-only shows. In Mitchell’s story, a small-town woman with a magnificent voice decides to bring her granddaughter along on tour. Although they are harassed, refused service and even payment from one stage manager, Grandmama keeps singing to inspire and bring people together with courage and the power of her conviction. (Ages 5-9. Publisher: HarperCollins)
By Shane W. Evans
In this eloquent book by Shane W. Evans, author of Underground, he recounts the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His bold illustrations depict families as they make their way to the Lincoln
Published by Amistad Collins an Imprint of Harper Collins 2009/32 pages/Ages 9 and up
Link @ Publisher:
http://www.harpercollins.com/books/We-Troubled-the-Waters-Ntozake-Shange?isbn=9780061337352&HCHP=TB_We+Troubled+the+WatersI first have to express the power that this book has on the reader. The bold and almost touchable pictures exude emotion---passion. On each page is a poem sharing the history of civil rights, the feelings of African Americans, the leaders that gave their all for freedom, the everyday life of African Americans.
There are a couple of photographs that could be too disturbing for a young child. My 7 year old granddaughter would be upset by them, but then explanation will be necessary to any child being read this book.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute
My daughter’s 4th grade class is celebrating Black History Month in the most wonderful way by creating a version of Kente cloth. While it’s traditionally made with silk and cotton interweaving threads, her class used pens, paints, and colored pencils to create theirs.
Kente cloth is believed to have originated from the Akan people in West Africa*. The designs are traditionally bright, geometric, and bold. Additionally, the colors and shapes are usually symbolic of historic events, family trees, the seasons, and proverbs. (The Smithsonian Institute has wonderful information online about their “Ghanaian Kente and African American Identity” exhibition)
Making Kente cloths in your library is just one of many ideas to celebrate Black History Month. Texas Library Club has a wonderful list of books, songs, and activities – including a way of making Kente cloths by weaving strips of paper together.
We’d also love to recommend these books for your Black History Month displays:
And you can also download our Black History Month Classroom Kit.
What are you doing at your library to celebrate Black History Month? We’d love to hear your ideas (or even photos of any displays you’ve created)!
* As a former librarian, I have to share this disclaimer: I got my information from Wikipedia.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
When Grandmama Sings
We March
