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1. New Comment from Fellow Blogger--and Books For Black History Month

Hey, everyone, we have a comment from a friend over at the Guys Read blog regarding the Evil Bunny Lagomorph video:


Wow, now that video was weird. I agree with you, that had HUGE teeth.
Funny though....

Rick Ze Dragon

Guys Read

Thanks, Rick. You're right about those teeth. I would keep watching my back, Bill. You never know when it would sneak up on you "with sharp, nasty teeth!"
I also wanted to let you know that I have updated the list of books we've talked about. Check it out under the links on the left-hand side of the page. The list can be printed, so print one and impress your friends, parents, teachers, media specialists, and librarians.

Speaking of books, here are some I've liked that relate to Black History Month. Yes, I know that February is almost over but I thought that I'd make a contribution now and apologize for bieng so late. But the real reason is that I get very busy here; sometimes so busy that I don't have time to read chapter books!! Imagine that--too busy in a library to read! That's like working for Domino's and never getting to taste the pizza! (I worked for Domino's once and always made sure I got some pizza!!!) I don't mind, though, because I'm busy helping kids find things they need and that's a good feeling. Anyway, I said all that to let you know that I was trying to read this book for Black History Month but never found time until the last couple of days.

It's Uncle Shamus by James Duffy. (No picture available) The setting is Shanty Town, a row of run-down shacks on a dirt road. Akers Johnson has lived in one of those shacks with his mom ever since his dad ran off. It's not much of a life--his shoes fall apart and there's no money for new ones. Every night they have canned soup and beans for supper. Then one day an old blind black man moves into one of those shacks. He used to live there more than thirty years ago--so why would anyone want to come back there? And he seems to have plenty of money--where did it come from? Why does he hire Akers to show him around town and why is he so curious to know exactly where everything is? The author doles out just enough information about his mysterious past to made you keep reading. Then you really want to keep going after you find out the whole story and get involved in the plans Shamus has for Akers. I will tell you this much--one of the keys to the story was that "if a black man came walking by...[he] didn't even see him." The story is good and you'll learn about friendship and the importance of doing the right thing, even if it's 35 years later. If you don't, you could end up to be like Buddy Dupois.

Here is another good book for Black History Month:
Pappy's Handkerchief by Devin Scillian. It's a picture book, sure, but some picture books are meant for older readers. Besides, this book is part of the Tales of Young Americans series, which are not written for little kids. This story is fictional but based on a true historical event--the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1899. Young Moses and his family run an outdoor fish stand in Baltimore in 1899. It's March, the weather is freezing, and they aren't selling enough to make a living. One of their friends reads them a newspaper article which says that the government will give land free in the Oklahoma Territory to anyone who will farm it for five years. Everyone wonders if the government would give free land to black people, but the newspaper says it's for anyone. So it's worth a try. The trouble is, they have to be there by April 22. To do that, they've got to get the money to buy a wagon and then make the long journey to Oklahoma from Baltimore. Once they get there, they find hundreds of other people lined up to race out and claim land. Will the family be able to get to an area fast enough? Then their wagon crahses down a gully and Moses's father breaks his leg. Was the long journey for nothing? You will hardly stand the suspence as you read to find out. This is a terrific book that you'll really enjoy!!

Here are some others. I won't discuss them at length because it would take all day but, believe me, these are all powerful books full of people, places, and scenes that you won't ever forget. I've read them all and they've been among the best I've ever come across.

The Wagon by Tony Johnston; illustrated by James Ransome

King Mitchell; illustrated by James Ramsome



Very great picture books meant, once again, for older readers. I talked about them on the December 18, 2007 post.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor



Some of you may have read this before; it shows up on a lot of school lists--and with good reason!!! This story of an African-American family trying to get through hard times and discrimination in rural Mississippi during the 1930's is one that will hit your heart and gut. I've read it twice and never got bored either time.


The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
Another one of the best books I've ever read. An African-American family in Flint, Michigan in 1963 finds that the older brother is starting to hang out with a bad crowd. The father decides that the best thing to do is take the family to spend the summer with the aunt who lives in the country outside Birmingham, Alabama. They are caught in a famous historical incedent that changes not only thier lives, but the whole United States. It's funny, it's moving, it's one you've got to read!
Well, let me apologize again for taking so long to get this posted, but then, these books are good any time of year. Besides, some things that are highlighted for a month should be celebrated all year, right?
Carl

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2. Another Interview! This One With James Ransome

Hey Guys, Carl yet again. We've got another interview from one the Truly Fantastic Four who came to the Novello festival in October. This time we have the great illustrator James Ransome, who's done the artwork for some really great books. James is the second to the right, wearing the blue shirt.





Why do you think it's cool for boys to read?

I think we all enjoy stories, whether we’re male or female. The story-telling you have in books unlike movies or television allows you to go into the character’s mind. Knowledge and being informed is also cool.

Is it cool for boys to write/draw? Why?

I would have thought it was cool to draw. It’s often seen as “magical.” There’s always something special about being able to make lines and shapes turn into images. I think it’s kind of the ultimate cool thing to do to impress people. Also, art is a means of communicating. Sometimes we find that if we have a difficult time with words, we can use art to communicate our ideas.


Who was your favorite comic book character when you were a boy? Do you have a favorite character now?

My all time favorite has disappeared from our comic book shelves: the Master of Kung Fu. If you can imagine a combination of Bruce Lee and James Bond tied into one, that’s the Master of Kung Fu. I just loved the drawings in these comic books. I would say that today, my favorite is Batman. I’ve grown to really appreciate the Dark Knight. I love it that he doesn’t truly have superhuman strength, but relies on his wit and inventions to fight evil.

What is your favorite sport? FOOTBALL!

What do you like to do for fun?

Nothing special;, listening to music of being with friends. I still enjoy playing football, and I have a group of guys that get together on Saturdays and play for fun.

What is the favorite book you have written?

I have favorites I’ve illustrated: Satchel Paige, Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl and Uncle Jed’s Barbershop.

Which do you like better--cheeseburgers or pizza? What do you like on them?

I’m a cheeseburger person.



Thanks, James. Let show you a few of the books he's illustrated:


Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell.
Jed, the only black barber in the county, tries to save enough money to open his own barbershop but, back in the day, that was hard for a man like Jed. Really good story.




The Wagon by Tony Johnston.

A powerful book. A young slave boy, raised in the Carolinas, dreams of being free. Does it ever happen? Could it ever happen?




The Jukebox Man by Jacqueline K. Ogburn.


I love this book! Takes me back to the days of jukeboxes with vinyl records. A young girl follows her grandfather as he goes around repairing jukeboxes. She gets to try them out with him in his reapair shop.



And if you would like to visit his website, click here. As for why I was sleepy last Friday, just wait a few days and I'll tell you! There was a good reason, Bill!

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