February is Black History Month and to celebrate we’re sharing five of our favorite books that honor the history and legacy of African Americans.
If you work with kids in need, you can find these and other great titles to celebrate Black History Month on the First Book Marketplace.
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull
Before Wilma Rudolph was five years old, polio had paralyzed her left leg. Everyone said she would never walk again. But Wilma refused to believe it. Not only would she walk again, she vowed, she’d run. And she did run—all the way to the Olympics, where she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals in a single olympiad. This dramatic and inspiring true story is illustrated in bold watercolor and acrylic paintings by Caldecott Medal-winning artist David Diaz.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier
This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier’s stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. Marshall. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight…for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age–and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns about love for herself and the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.
*Book descriptions shown are publisher descriptions and have not been written by First Book.
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On Saturday, volunteers from across the country joined First Book on the National Mall in Washington DC to celebrate President Obama’s National Day of Service by providing 15,000 brand-new books to DC-area children from low-income families.
Click here to see photos of the event, including pictures of volunteers, political leaders, and even a few celebrities.
First Book was one of seven nonprofits featured at the event, highlighting the idea of community service in such areas as education, the environment and support for military families.
??Each volunteer packed two books into a bag, and decorated bookplates with personal messages.
The books, including “Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Doreen Rappaport, were provided thanks to the generous support of our friends at KPMG, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, through its KPMG’s Family for Literacy program.
The bags will be distributed in the coming days to students throughout DC, thanks to First Book’s partnership with the American Federation of Teachers.
Even if you weren’t able to join us on the National Mall, you can still bring new books to kids in need. Click here to donate to our National Day of Service Virtual Book Drive. Every $2.50 provides one new books to a child in need.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport (Illustrated by Bryan Collier)
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Doreen Rappaport is known for her ground-breaking approach to multicultural history and stories for young readers. In her many award-winning books, she brings attention to not-yet-celebrated Americans, along with well-known figures.
A former teacher of music and reading, Doreen knows how to capture children’s attention. Her dynamic formats engage even the most reluctant readers.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children’s Books.
We Are The Many: A Picture Book of American Indians, introduces the accomplishments of sixteen distinguished American Indians.
Her classic Escape From Slavery presents the history of the Underground Railroad through adventure stories.
The Boston Coffee Party introduces children to a neglected event in history books and shows the active roles played by women during the Revolutionary War.
About the illustrator:
Bryan Collier, award-winning author and illustrator, has illustrated numerous children’s books, including Rosa by Nikki Giovanni which was awarded a Coretta Scott King Award and a Caldecott Honor. He also won a Coretta Scott King Award for Uptown, his first attempt at both writing and illustrating. Collier’s latest book he illustrated, Dave The Potter, was just awarded a Caldecott Honor as well.
About the book:
Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up in a place where people used words that made him feel bad. This beautifully illustrated, award-winning book shows how Martin used words to fight for equal rights for black people.
When Martin was growing up, he saw the words “Whites Only” all over town. But he remembered the words of his mother, “You are as good as anyone.”
Doreen Rappaport has taken the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and woven in her own to create a captivating yet completely accessible book for young readers.
This definitive picture book biography of Dr. Martin L
40 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed outside his Memphis hotel room. He died before I was born, and even though I never got to see him speak live, his powerful words, passion, and eloquence have always resonated with me and inspired me.
That's why of all the children's books written about Dr. King, I love Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the best. In this pictoral biography, Ms. Rappaport weaves Dr. King's own words into the story of his life. This is one of the only books I've seen that really reaches out to young children and explains his story in a way that is easily understood and captivating.
Bryan Collier's illustrations are gorgeous. I particularly think the stained glass end papers in the back that represent the coming together of races and colors are stunning.
Each time I read the book, I am moved to tears by the tragedy at his loss but am also inspired at the book's message that inspires children to dream big. This book belongs in every family's library.
