This month is Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month! We love exposing children to new cultures through reading, so we’ve compiled a new list of books written by and about Pacific Islanders.
Coincidentally, May 4-10th is also Children’s Book Week! Why not celebrate both the Pacific Islands and children’s books at once?
How the B-52 Cockroach Learned to Fly by Lisa Matsumoto
On the island of Oahu, Kimo, a brave young cockroach, dreams of a better life for all roaches. Tired of living in the garbage, Kimo sets off on his quest to prove that roaches deserve a respected place in the insect kingdom. Lisa Matsumoto’s story and Michael Furuya’s paintings bring to life a delightful and humorous tale about the unusual habits of Hawaiis most feared household pest, the giant B-52 cockroach. This is a story to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. (Lehua Inc)
From Hawaii comes the electrifying tale of Nanaue, who has to balance his yearning for Dad’s guidance with his desire for Mom’s nurturing. The New York Times declares this book “especially appealing to boys who long to be just like Dad.” (Toon Books)
The Girl in the Moon Circle, like the cover drawing, shows Samoan life through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl called Samoana. Though young, Samoana is perceptive, not much escapes her analysis. She tells us about school, church, friends, family violence, having refrigerators and television for the first time, Chunky cat food, a Made-in-Taiwan, Jesus, pay day, cricket, crushes on boys, incest, legends and many other things. Her observations offer a compelling look at Samoan society. Often fiction allows authors to tell truths that otherwise would be too painful; Sia Figiel is uninhibited. Her prose, in English and Samoan, hurtles readers toward the end of the book. Sia Figiel, herself, has mesmerized audiences around the Pacific Islands with readings from The Girl in the Moon Circle. (Institute of Pacific Studies)
Once Upon a Time in Aotearoa explores a world where mythological characters and stories become part of everyday life. Old and new worlds co-exist, cultures mingle and magic happens. Familiar characters appear, but in these versions the gods live in a contemporary world and are motivated by human concerns. In this perplexing world, characters connect with each other and find ancient wisdom that carries them through.(HUIA Publishers)
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month! This yearly recognition was created to pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are integral to its future success.
Modern Day Turkey
As such, it made sense for us to feature Asian countries as our focus of exploration this month. For the month of May, we will journey to the Persian region and explore Iran and Turkey! The Persian Empire is one of the most fascinating civilizations in ancient history. While modern day Persia is known as Iran, many countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan were all part of ancient Persia. Our exploration this month will dive into modern day Persia while exploring the history and culture of ancient Persia.
I have always said that an integral part of our mission here at Atlas Book Club is to showcase the diversity that exists within cultures, thereby shattering “the single story.” Our book selections for this month do just that! One selection celebrates the tradition of storytelling and poetry and is based on a character from the Shahnameh, a poem that took over 30 years to write and is one of the greatest epics of world literature. Another is a modern day story of a tween girl who must adjust to life in America after departing her home country of Iran. Our youngest will get a simple yet lovely story of hope in these uncertain times while our oldest group will go on an epic adventure that sprawls across Turkey, West Africa and Europe during the 16th century.
May boxes ship out in a couple of weeks. Join us if you can. It’s not too late!
Every month we choose a new and unique book for each of our subscription boxes, but have you ever wondered about the sequels to those books? We’ve made a list of all the books we’ve featured so far with a sequel or trilogy so that you can continue the series!
If you’d like to purchase the box with the book we’ve featured don’t forget to use code ABCSPRINGBREAK at check out for 10% off your first order. Don’t wait! Discount ends April 30th.
Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince and King Shaka: Zulu Legend
by Luke W. Molver, Mbongeni Malaba (Foreword by)
A time of bloody conflict and great turmoil. The slave trade expands from the east African coast. Europeans spread inland from the south. And one young boy is destined to change the future of southern Africa. This retelling of the Shaka legend explores the rise to power of a shrewd young prince who must consolidate a new kingdom through warfare, mediation, and political alliances to defend his people against the expanding slave trade.
Shaka has fought his brother to the death for rulership of the Zulu. Now king of the southern chiefdoms, Shaka seeks to uplift his people, consolidate alliances, and expand the reach of his power. But challenges both external and internal threaten his rule. A rogue military unit exacts revenge on its enemies. Land-hungry Europeans arrive and ingratiate themselves with Shaka, even while plotting their own path to power. And closer to home, Shaka’s own brothers conspire in secret.
The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Case
by Alexander McCall Smith
Have you ever said to yourself, Wouldn’t it be nice to be a detective?
This is the story of an African girl who says just that. Her name is Precious.
When a piece of cake goes missing from her classroom, a traditionally built young boy is tagged as the culprit. Precious, however, is not convinced. She sets out to find the real thief. Along the way she learns that your first guess isn’t always right. She also learns how to be a detective.
The Mystery of Meerkat Hill
Precious wants to be a detective when she grows up. She is always practicing at being a detective by asking questions and finding out about other people’s lives. There are two new students in her class, a girl called Teb and a boy called Pontsho. She learns that they are brother and sister, and—even more exciting—that Pontsho has a clever pet meerkat named Kosi.
One day, Teb and Pontsho’s family’s cow disappears. Precious helps them look for clues to find the cow. But getting the cow back home will require some quick thinking and help from an unexpected source.
The Mystery of the Missing Lion
Young Precious gets a very special treat. She gets a trip to visit her Aunty Bee at a safari camp. While there she makes a new friend, a boy named Khumo, and meets an actor-lion named Teddy, who is starring in a film. When Teddy disappears, Khumo and Precious will brave hippos and
Akissi: Tales of Mischiefand Akissi: More Tales of Mischief
by Marguerite Abouet, Mathieu Sapin (Illustrator)
Poor Akissi! The neighborhood cats are trying to steal her fish, her little monkey Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan, and she’s nothing but a pest to her older brother Fofana. But Akissi is a true adventurer, and nothing scares her away from hilarious escapades in her modern African city.
Jump into the laugh-out-loud misadadventures of Akissi in these girls-will-be-girls comics, based on author Margeurite Abouet’s childhood on the Ivory Coast.
Inspired by her childhood on The Ivory Coast, writer Marguerite Abouet takes readers on even more hilarious adventure in Akissi: Volume 2. Lessons learned along the way include being friends with people you don’t like, standing up for yourself, and dealing with the consequences of your actions.
The high spirited and mischievous Akissi returns for more “girls will be girls” adventures on the Ivory Coast in these previously untranslated stories.
Free Comic Book Day was yesterday, May 2, 2020! At Atlas Book Club, we’re highlighting the graphic novels we’ve featured in our past boxes so you can celebrate visual storytelling too!
Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince and King Shaka: Zulu Legend
by Luke W. Molver, Mbongeni Malaba
December 2019 Soar Box (ages 12yrs+) – South Africa
A time of bloody conflict and great turmoil. The slave trade expands from the east African coast. Europeans spread inland from the south. And one young boy is destined to change the future of southern Africa. This retelling of the Shaka legend explores the rise to power of a shrewd young prince who must consolidate a new kingdom through warfare, mediation, and political alliances to defend his people against the expanding slave trade. (Catalyst Press)
January 2020 Nest Jr. Box (ages 7-9 years) – China
When Kai grows tired of her bookish mum not being adventurous enough for a Brownstone, she decides to seek out the mischievous and rebellious Monkey King – who she’s always been told to stay away from. Will he bring her the adventure she craves, or will he cause her more trouble than he’s worth?
Read the latest story from the mythical Brownstone’s family vault where we venture to China and learn about the story of the Monkey King, meet magical gods, taste powerful peaches and see that maybe our heroes aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. (Nobrow Ltd)
Akissi: Tales of Mischiefand Akissi: More Tales of Mischief by Marguerite Abouet, Mathieu Sapin (Illustrator)
April 2020 Nest Box (ages 9-12 years) – Ivory Coast
Poor Akissi! The neighborhood cats are trying to steal her fish, her little monkey Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan, and she’s nothing but a pest to her older brother Fofana. But Akissi is a true adventurer, and nothing scares her away from hilarious escapades in her modern African city.
Jump into the laugh-out-loud misadadventures of Akissi in these girls-will-be-girls comics, based on author Margeurite Abouet’s childhood on the Ivory Coast. (Nobrow Ltd)
Today marks the commencement of Ramadan, one of the most significant months in the Islamic faith. Ramadan is a 30 day period during which Muslims engage in ritual fasting, from dawn to sunset. The practice of fasting is present in various religions around the world. For example, Lent is the Christian practice of fasting and sacrifice for forty days. Additionally, in Judaism, worshipers fast for 25 hours during Yom Kippur, as an act of atonement. Fasting is a time for Muslims to devote themselves to God and to reconnect spiritually through prayer and worship. Ramadan also emphasizes drawing closer to family members and friends. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with The Festival of Breaking of the Fast, Eid. Learn More
The devotion and sacrifice of Islam are part of what makes it such a beautiful religion. As such, it is unfortunate that children’s literature, in particular, lacks the representation of Muslim characters and narratives that accurately portray challenges and daily life of Muslims. Children’s book author, Rukhsana Khan explains some of these issues in the article “Muslims in Children’s Books | Up for Discussion” published in the School Library Journal. She expresses frustration at the adoption, by authors, of simplistic approaches to stories featuring Muslim characters, the reliance on shallow stereotypes, and how such an approach does little to create genuine understanding.
Accurate and insightful children’s literature about Muslims is fundamentally important in creating a diverse collection of children’s literature. According to the Pew Research Center, “Islam is the second-largest religion in the world” and 24% of the global population identifies as Muslim. Additionally, there are 3.45 million Muslims in the United States alone as of 2017 and this number has been growing at a rate of roughly 100,000 per year. As such, it is vitally important that Muslim children, who make up a significant part of the world population, not only see themselves represented in literature but are visible and understood by children who have different religious and cultural backgrounds. Research has shown that a diverse worldview encourages children to be more empathetic and culturally aware of the people around them. As shown in the study by Cohen and Peery, students who read texts about Muslim women began to dispel their preconceived assumptions. These students ultimately had “more fair and realistic” perceptions of Muslim women afterward.
The state of children’s literature featuring Muslim characters has certainly improved over the years. The emerging diverse landscape of literature is wonderful to witness as more books become available that not only serve as mirrors for Muslim children, but also serve as windows for them. Books that showcase different types of Muslim characters are important so that children of all backgrounds can learn about the rich diversity that exists within that culture.
We’d like to showcase some of these books which depict more realistic and truer narratives of Muslim people written by the people who would understand those experiences best, Muslim writers. Happy reading and wishing all who celebrate, Ramadan Kareem!
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, Hatem Aly (Illustrator), S. K. Ali (With)
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab—a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Paired with Hatem Aly’s beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are. (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)
Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom.
Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days (Tilbury House Publishers)
Amal has big dreams, until a nightmarish encounter . . .
Twelve-year-old Amal’s dream of becoming a teacher one day is dashed in an instant when she accidentally insults a member of her Pakistani village’s ruling family. As punishment for her behavior, she is forced to leave her heartbroken family behind and go work at their estate.
Amal is distraught but has faced setbacks before. So she summons her courage and begins navigating the complex rules of life as a servant, with all its attendant jealousies and pecking-order woes. Most troubling, though, is Amal’s increasing awareness of the deadly measures the Khan family will go to in order to stay in control. It’s clear that their hold over her village will never loosen as long as everyone is too afraid to challenge them—so if Amal is to have any chance of ensuring her loved ones’ safety and winning back her freedom, she must find a way to work with the other servants to make it happen.This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself. (HarperCollins Publishers)
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before.
But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
This lyrical, life-affirming story is about losing and finding home and, most importantly, finding yourself. (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Azad’s debut YA fantasy is set in a city along the Silk Road that is a refuge for those of all faiths, where a young woman is threatened by the war between two clans of powerful djinn.
Fatima lives in the city of Noor, a thriving stop along the Silk Road. There the music of myriad languages fills the air, and people of all faiths weave their lives together. However, the city bears scars of its recent past, when the chaotic tribe of Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population—except for Fatima and two other humans. Now ruled by a new maharajah, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, and by their commander, Zulfikar.
But when one of the most potent of the Ifrit dies, Fatima is changed in ways she cannot fathom, ways that scare even those who love her. Oud in hand, Fatima is drawn into the intrigues of the maharajah and his sister, the affairs of Zulfikar and the djinn, and the dangers of a magical battlefield.
Nafiza Azad weaves an immersive tale of magic and the importance of names; fiercely independent women; and, perhaps most importantly, the work for harmony within a city of a thousand cultures and cadences. (Scholastic Inc.)
Today, Earth Day celebrates its 50th anniversary! The movement was formed in 1970 by a then 25-year-old graduate student named Denis Hayes. Earth Day gained national recognition for its mission to enact change to protect the environment and its natural resources. The movement’s main goals are to get people actively involved in conservation efforts, whether that’s through voting for legislation that protects the environment or monitoring and changing your own patterns so that you can shrink your carbon footprint.
It may be hard to get involved or to feel as though you cannot maximize your impact during this time of social distancing, but there are still things you can do from home. You can cut back on your power usage, avoid food waste by cooking only what you’ll eat at a time, or enjoy a day outside, being thankful for the earth we have! Earth Day Live is being held online today so you can learn more about conservation efforts on the official Earth Day website. The site also provides a link to some cool simulators like this one where you can find your foodprint, how much energy is needed to produce your tasty plate of pasta or your favorite cereal.
An important aspect of Earth Day is education. Educating yourself about the changes the earth is going through is an important step to affecting change. You can use the information you’ve learned to inform others and use your voice when the time comes to support conservation policies to help protect our resources. Check out this list of environmentally friendly books you and your kids can enjoy together. We hope you like them as much as we do.
You’re Snug With Me by Chitra Soundar, Poonam Mistry (Illustrator)
At the start of winter, two bear cubs are born, deep in their den in the frozen north. “Mama, what lies beyond here?” they ask. “‘Above us is a land of ice and snow.” “What lies beyond the ice and snow?” they ask. “The ocean, full of ice from long ago.” And as they learn the secrets of the earth and their place in it, Mama Bear whispers, “You’re snug with me.” (Lantana Publishing)
As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her—from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time. (Lee and Low Books)
Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, Judy Pedersen (Illustrator)
A Vietnamese girl plants six lima beans in a Cleveland vacant lot. Looking down on the immigrant-filled neighborhood, a Romanian woman watches suspiciously. A school janitor gets involved, then a Guatemalan family. Then muscle-bound Curtis, trying to win back Lateesha. Pregnant Maricela. Amir from India. A sense of community sprouts and spreads.
Newbery-winning author Paul Fleischman uses thirteen speakers to bring to life a community garden’s founding and first year. The book’s short length, diverse cast, and suitability for adults as well as children have led it to be used in countless one-book reads in schools and in cities across the country.
Seedfolks has been drawn upon to teach tolerance, read in ESL classes, promoted by urban gardeners, and performed in schools and on stages from South Africa to Broadway.
The book’s many tributaries—from the author’s immigrant grandfather to his adoption of two brothers from Mexico—are detailed in his forthcoming memoir, No Map, Great Trip: A Young Writer’s Road to Page One. (HarperCollins Publishers)
Fourteen-year-old March Wong knows everything there is to know about trees. They are his passion and his obsession, even after his recent falls—and despite the state’s threat to take him away from his mother if she can’t keep him from getting hurt. But the young autistic boy cannot resist the captivating pull of the Pacific Northwest’s lush forests just outside his back door. (Amazon Publishing)
Happy National Poetry Month! Whether you and your young ones love writing poetry or just reading it, there are so many diverse and beautiful books of poetry out now for children! We’ve compiled a list of some poetry collections for every age group. We’re sure you and your children will find something you love. Happy browsing!
Great for Hatch readers!
We Sang You Home by Richard Van Camp, Julie Flett (Illustrator)
In this sweet and lyrical board book from the creators of the bestselling Little You, gentle rhythmic text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones.
Internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp teams up with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett for a second time to create a stunning board book for babies and toddlers. (Orca Book Publishers)
The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)
Before the universe was formed, before time and space existed, there was . . . nothing. But then . . . BANG! Stars caught fire and burned so long that they exploded, flinging stardust everywhere. And the ash of those stars turned into planets. Into our Earth. And into us. In a poetic text, Marion Dane Bauer takes readers from the trillionth of a second when our universe was born to the singularities that became each one of us, while vivid illustrations by Ekua Holmes capture the void before the Big Bang and the ensuing life that burst across galaxies. A seamless blend of science and art, this picture book reveals the composition of our world and beyond — and how we are all the stuff of stars. (Candlewick Press)
When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano, Julie Morstad (Illustrator)
december 29
and i woke to a morning
that was quiet and white
the first snow
(just like magic) came on tip toes
overnight
Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano’s skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad’s charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry. (Roaring Book Press)
Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems by Eloise Greenfield, Leo and Diane Dillon (Illustrator)
An ALA Notable Children’s Book, Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems includes sixteen poems that tell of love and the simple joys of everyday life, seen through the eyes of a child: playing with a friend, skipping rope, riding on a train—or keeping Mama company till Daddy gets back.
Each of these sixteen “love poems” is spoken straight from the perspective of a child. Riding on a train, listening to music, playing with a friend…each poem elicits a new appreciation of the rich content of everyday life. The poems are accompanied by both portrait and panorama drawings that deepen the insights contained in the words.
This beloved book of poetry is a Reading Rainbow Selection and the winner of George C. Stone Center for Children’s Books’ Recognition of Merit Award. (HarperCollins US)
Harlem: A Poem by Walter Dean Myers, Terry Deary, Christopher A. Myers (Illustrator)
Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and James Baldwin have sung their songs about Harlem. Now Newbery Honor author Walter Dean Myers joins their chorus in calling to life the deep, rich and hope-filled history of this community. Christopher Myers’ boldly assembled art resonates with feeling and tells a tale all its own. The words and pictures together connect readers of all ages to the spirit of Harlem in its music, art, literature, and everyday life. Author and illustrator tour. (Scholastic Inc)
In this follow-up to Newbery-winner The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage. Twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read.
This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse by poet Kwame Alexander bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action and emotion of a World Cup match! Now in paperback. (HMH Books)
With a Star in My Hand: Ruben Dario, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle
As a little boy, Rubén Darío loved to listen to his great uncle, a man who told tall tales in a booming, larger-than-life voice. Rubén quickly learned the magic of storytelling, and discovered the rapture and beauty of verse.
A restless and romantic soul, Rubén traveled across Central and South America seeking adventure and connection. As he discovered new places and new loves, he wrote poems to express his wild storm of feelings. But the traditional forms felt too restrictive. He began to improvise his own poetic forms so he could capture the entire world in his words. At the age of twenty-one, he published his first book Azul, which heralded a vibrant new literary movement called Modernismo that blended poetry and prose into something magical.
In gorgeous poems of her own, Margarita Engle tells the story of this passionate young man who revolutionized world literature. (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.
Includes 7 new poems, including “Brown Girl Dreaming”. (Penguin Young Readers Group)
One of my personal heros is Wangari Maathai. Born in Nyeri, a rural area of Kenya, in 1940, Wangari Muta Maathai led such an extraordinary life of service. I learned about Dr. Maathai and her work about ten years ago and I immediately felt connected to her. She was an African woman, a biologist, and an environmental conservationist doing work that she believed in and was passionate about; we had so much in common and I just felt a familiar kinship with her.
Dr. Maathai studied in the United States, Germany and Kenya. She eventually returned to Kenya where she introduced the idea of planting trees as a way to help Kenyans improve their quality of life and to combat deforestation and its impact on the environment. She launched this grassroots movement, consisting mostly of women groups, and helped them plant trees on their farms, in schools and church compounds. And so the Greenbelt Movement was born. Founded in 1977, this movement has gone on to plant over 51 million trees all over Africa!
There are numerous books and websites that cite Dr. Maathai’s many accomplishments in great detail, so I won’t do that here. I will highlight that she was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree in the late 1970s. And in 2004, she became the first environmentalist and the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize for her work!
My main intention here is to highlight this phenomenal woman and introduce her to an audience who may not know much about her. Just take a moment to consider this – an African woman, born in a rural village in Kenya, accomplished all of the above in the 70s at a time when most girls and women in Africa did not have the opportunity, much less the right, to a formal education. Also consider that an African woman had the foresight and wisdom to not only recognize the impact of deforestation on our environment, back in the 70s when environmental conservation and caring about climate change was not the norm, but was in fact considered a threat to capitalism and commercialization. Then take in the fact that she not only recognized this, but acted upon it in a manner that empowered other women and improved their quality of life! A true hero indeed.
You can share the story of Wangari Maathai with your little ones through the following book recommendations. Also included in this list is her biography written in her own words. Enjoy!
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prevot, Aurelia Fronty (Illustrator)
This simply told story begins with Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai’s childhood at the foot of Mount Kenya where, as the oldest child in her family, her responsibility was to stay home and help her mother. When the chance to go to school presented itself, she seized it with both hands. In the 1960s, she was awarded the opportunity to travel to the US to study, where she saw that even in the land of the free, black people were not welcome.
Returning home, Wangari was determined to help her people and her country. She recognized that deforestation and urbanization was at the root of her country’s troubles. Her courage and confidence carried her through adversity to found a movement for peace, reconciliation, and healing.
Aurélia Fronty’s beautiful illustrations show readers the color and diversity of Wangari’s Africa—the green trees and the flowering trees full of birds, monkeys, and other animals; the roots that dig deep into the earth; and the people who work and live on the land. Wangari Maathai changed the way the world thinks about nature, ecology, freedom, and democracy, inspiring radical efforts that continue to this day. (Charlesbridge)
Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans . . .
This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.(HMH Books)
Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace by Jen Johnson, Sonia Sadler (Illustrator)
As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her—from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time. (Lee and Low Books)
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Today more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future. (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books)
Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest by Rebel Girls, Eugenia Mello
Wangari lives in the lush, green, land of rural Kenya where the soil is perfect for planting, the trees tower into the sky, and the streams are full of mysterious creatures. All day, she plays beneath her favorite fig tree, and at night she gathers around the fire with her family to listen to her mother’s stories.
Then Wangari grows up and goes away to school, and things start changing at home. Farmers chop down the trees. Landslides bury the stream. The soil becomes overworked and dry, and nothing will grow. People go hungry. After all her studies, Dr. Wangari Maathai realizes there is a simple solution to these problems: plant a forest full of trees. (Timbuktu Labs)
In Unbowed, Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai recounts her extraordinary journey from her childhood in rural Kenya to the world stage. When Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, she began a vital poor people’s environmental movement, focused on the empowerment of women, that soon spread across Africa. Persevering through run-ins with the Kenyan government and personal losses, and jailed and beaten on numerous occasions, Maathai continued to fight tirelessly to save Kenya’s forests and to restore democracy to her beloved country. Infused with her unique luminosity of spirit, Wangari Maathai’s remarkable story of courage, faith, and the power of persistence is destined to inspire generations to come. (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)
We are off to Africa again! Our return to the continent will keep the kids engaged and learning about different African countries while they are home. This month we are exploring Ivory Coast (Côte D’Ivoire), Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. We have lots of great content on our social media channels so stay tuned in!
I have probably said it before but I’ll say it again, some of my favorite children’s books are those that showcase kids from other countries and cultures just being regular kids! Books that show them going on fun adventures, being mischievous, and hanging with their friends and family. I believe that these are the stories that children can fully relate to. While stories about heroism and history are important for a number of reasons, children tend to connect with kids from other cultures when they are portrayed as kids doing kid stuff! From my experience, those are the stories that resonate.
Three of our four selections fit the bill, while the last is the story of a regular girl who goes on an EPIC adventure. These selections are fun and engaging and I am looking forward to the kiddos getting their hands on their boxes. While you wait, check out these fun stories from the African continent showcasing regular kids being…. regular!
Sleep Well, Siba and Saba by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl, Sandra van Doorn (Illustrator)
Forgetful sisters Siba and Saba are always losing something. Sandals, slippers, sweaters—you name it, they lose it. When the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream about the things they have lost that day. Until, one night, their dreams begin to reveal something entirely unexpected… With playful illustrations and a lullaby-like rhythm, this heart-warming story set in Uganda is truly one to be treasured. (Lantana Publishing)
The award-winning Anna Hibiscus chapter book series continues! Follow along with Anna as she navigates her family life and fun adventures. (EDC Publishing)
A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J. A. Myhre, Jennifer Myhre
Journey through Africa with ten-year-old Mu and where one simple encounter leads to a hair-raising and life-changing quest. This first story in J. A. Myhre’s new kids’ adventure fiction series blends magical realism, page-turning action, and subtle gospel themes. (New Growth Press)
Ivory Coast, 1978. It’s a golden time, and the nation, too-an oasis of affluence and stability in West Africa-seems fueled by something wondrous. Aya is loosely based upon Marguerite Abouet’s youth in Yop City. It is the story of the studious and clear-sighted nineteen-year-old Aya, her easygoing friends Adjoua and Bintou, and their meddling relatives and neighbors. It’s a wryly funny, breezy account of the simple pleasures and private troubles of everyday life in Yop City.
Latin America is a region composed of over 30 countries and dependent territories. The region is home to many different cultures and practices, so the artistic styles including visual art, music, dance, and literature are all uniquely different depending on which area you go!
Visual Art The common thread linking Latin American art is a shared cultural history combining Native American, European and African influence. Colonialism from the Spanish and Portuguese also incited the rise of Christianity in Latin America. The religious symbolism can still be seen in certain Latin architecture and art. Learn More Here!
Dance You probably know more than you think about Latin American dances. The mambo and the infamous conga line (always a fun party dance!) hail from Cuba. With the introduction of the guitar from Spain, new music and subsequently new dances were created to match the instrumentation. Learn More about Cuban Dance
Music Latin American music is so popular now that you can recognize it when you hear it. Just reading the song titles La Bamba and La Cucuracha probably have you humming the tunes! Latin American music is varied and expressive. While indigenous people played music with their own instruments such as the tun in Mayan culture and the maracas from many regions, European stringed instruments have become popular. Read More! The toe-tapping, finger-snapping beats of Latin music can be traced all the way back to the 1600’s.
Literature Latin America has a rich history of oral storytelling. Myths and songs were spread verbally until colonization introduced a written language. Find Out More There are many Latinx authors who share their wonderful and beautiful with us through writing!
HERE’S OUR PICK FOR INTRODUCING YOUR KIDDO TO ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT LATINA MUSICIANS. PERFECT FOR HATCH READERS (PICTURE BOOKS).
The Life of Selena / La vida de Selena by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Citlali Reyes (Illustrator)
Selena’s career started at a young age when she became lead singer in her family’s band, Selena Y Los Dinos. She went on to become an award-winning artist with albums like Amor Prohibido and Selena Live, and earned the title “Queen of Tejano Music.” Your little one will learn that Selena’s favorite food was pizza and that the most important people in the world to her were her familia and fans. (Lil’ Libros)
IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LATIN AMERICAN DANCES, CHECK OUT CELIA CRUZ, A DANCER THAT POPULARIZED SALSA DANCING IN LATIN AMERICA. THIS BOOK IS GREAT FOR NEST JR. READERS (7 – 9 YEARS OLD).
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers, Julie Maren (Illustrator)
Everyone knows the flamboyant, larger-than-life Celia Cruz, the extraordinary salsa singer who passed away in 2003, leaving millions of fans brokenhearted. indeed, there was a magical vibrancy to the Cuban salsa singer. to hear her voice or to see her perform was to feel her life-affirming energy deep within you. relish the sizzling sights and sounds of her legacy in this glimpse into Celia’s childhood and her inspiring rise to worldwide fame and recognition as the Queen of salsa. Her inspirational life story is sure to sweeten your soul. (Penguin Young Readers Group)
NEST READERS (9-11) WOULD ENJOY LEARNING ABOUT FRIDA KAHLO ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS MEXICAN ARTISTS!
Frida Kahlo by Janet Boris, Walter Hopps (Editor), Deborah Schwartz (Editor)
The Art Ed Books and Kits include: paper, non_toxic paint, oil pastels, pencils, brushes, palettes, glue—whatever the artist actually uses or used. In addition, a 24_page full_color book in each kit provides a biography of the artist and discusses his or her life and career, with full_color art reproductions as well as photographs of the artist in the studio. And, an 8_page activity book provides easy_to_follow, step_by_step instructions to help children create their own masterpieces.
Each kit is approved by the individual artist or his/her estate.
With Art Ed Books and Kits, children not only learn about great artists, they can learn to paint like them, too. Art Ed is the ideal kit for any aspiring artist!
A portion of the proceeds from Art Ed Books and Kits benefits Studio in A School.
Frida Kahlo (Mexican, 1907—1954) is known as much for her passionate, tumultuous life as for her arresting art. Mingling Surrealism, folk art, and autobiography, Kahlo’s art is entirely unique.
Art supplies: 5 tubes of non_toxic paint, 5 oil pastels, 10 sheets of art paper, 3 paint brushes, mixing palette, and an 8_page diary booklet (ABRAMS)
MEXICAN AUTHOR, SANDRA CISNEROS’ WIDELY ACCLAIMED THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET IS PERFECT FOR SOAR READERS (12+).
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. Told in a series of vignettes-sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous-Sandra Cisneros’ masterpiece is a classic story of childhood and self-discovery. Few other books in our time have touched so many readers. (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)
Spring is around the corner and we want to celebrate with an amazing sweepstakes! One lucky winner can win this fantastic prize pack including a past Atlas Book Club Box of your choosing and great stories about great brave women!
You could win:
⭐️1 of our past boxes
⭐️1 ABC Mug
⭐️The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin Americaby Jaimie Hernadez
⭐️The Truly Brave Princessesby Dolores Brown & Sonja Wimmer (illustrator)
⭐️The Girl Who Rode a Shark & Other Stories of Daring Womenby Ailsa Ross & Amy Blackwell (Illustrator)
More about the books featured in this sweepstakes:
The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin Americaby Jaimie Hernadez
How would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Guided by the classic works of F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada, Hernandez’s first book for young readers brings the sights and stories of Latin America to a new generation of graphic-novel fans around the world.
The Truly Brave Princessesby Dolores Brown & Sonja Wimmer (illustrator)
There’s a princess closer than you think. You just have to open your eyes and your heart wide.
Don’t expect your typical fairytale princesses inside this book. These princesses are neighbors, schoolmates, the cashier at your supermarket, a lawyer, an architect… The Truly Brave Princesses will help you realize that, if you watch closely, princesses are all around you, and they are brave, caring and determined.
The Girl Who Rode a Shark & Other Stories of Daring Womenby Ailsa Ross & Amy Blackwell (Illustrator)
Now more than ever, the world is recognizing how strong women and girls are. How strong? In the early 1920s, Inuit expeditioner Ada Blackjack survived for two years as a castaway on an uninhabited island in the Arctic Ocean before she was finally rescued. And she’s just one example.
The Girl Who Rode a Shark: And Other Stories of Daring Women is a rousing collection of biographies focused on women and girls who have written, explored, or otherwise plunged headfirst into the pages of history. Undaunted by expectations, they made their mark by persevering in pursuit of their passions. The tales come from a huge variety of times and places, from a Canadian astronaut to an Indian secret agent to a Balkan pirate queen who stood up to Ancient Rome.
Share Women’s History with your tweens! Here’s a list of 6 books that feature strong, real women to hold you over until you receive the March box. All the books in this list are designated for children 8-12 years old. Perfect for Nest readers!
Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights by Malala Yousafzai, Sarah J. Robbins (Adapted by)
Malala’s memoir of a remarkable teenage girl who risked her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely than ever.
In this edition, Malala tells her story in clear, accessible language perfect for children who are too old for Malala’s Magic Pencil and too young for her middle-grade memoir. Featuring line art and simplified back matter, Malala teaches a new audience the value of speaking out against intolerance and hate: an inspiring message of hope in Malala’s own words.
March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine by Melba Pattillo Beals, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)
Long before she was one of the Little Rock Nine, Melba Pattillo Beals was a warrior. Frustrated by the laws that kept African-Americans separate but very much unequal to whites, she had questions. Why couldn’t she drink from a “whites only” fountain? Why couldn’t she feel safe beyond home—or even within the walls of church? Adults all told her: Hold your tongue. Be patient. Know your place. But Beals had the heart of a fighter—and the knowledge that her true place was a free one.
Combined with emotive drawings and photos, this memoir paints a vivid picture of Beals’ powerful early journey on the road to becoming a champion for equal rights, an acclaimed journalist, a best-selling author, and the recipient of this country’s highest recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist by Gina Capaldi, Q. L. Pearce
“I remember the day I lost my spirit.” So begins the story of Gertrude Simmons, also known as Zitkala-Ša, which means Red Bird. Born in 1876 on the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota, Zitkala-Ša willingly left her home at age eight to go to a boarding school in Indiana. But she soon found herself caught between two worlds—white and Native American.
At school she missed her mother and her traditional life, but Zitkala-Ša found joy in music classes. “My wounded spirit soared like a bird as I practiced the piano and violin,” she wrote. Her talent grew, and when she graduated, she became a music teacher, composer, and performer.
Zitkala-Ša found she could also “sing” to help her people by writing stories and giving speeches. As an adult, she worked as an activist for Native American rights, seeking to build a bridge between cultures
The coauthors tell Zitkala-Ša’s life by weaving together pieces from her own stories. The artist’s acrylic illustrations and collages of photos and primary source documents round out the vivid portrait of Zitkala-Ša, a frightened child whose spirit “would rise again, stronger and wiser for the wounds it had suffered.”
Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo
A meningitis outbreak in their underprivileged neighborhood left Sylvia Acevedo’s family forever altered. As she struggled in the aftermath of loss, young Sylvia’s life transformed when she joined the Brownies. The Girl Scouts taught her how to take control of her world and nourished her love of numbers and science. With new confidence, Sylvia navigated shifting cultural expectations at school and at home, forging her own trail to become one of the first Latinx to graduate with a master’s in engineering from Stanford University and going on to become a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy’s brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William’s story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.
Dreams from Many Rivers: A Hispanic History of the United States Told in Poems by Margarita Engle, Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez (Illustrator)
From Juana Briones and Juan Ponce de León, to eighteenth century slaves and modern-day sixth graders, the many and varied people depicted in this moving narrative speak to the experiences and contributions of Latinos throughout the history of the United States, from the earliest known stories up to present day. It’s a portrait of a great, enormously varied, and enduring heritage. A compelling treatment of an important topic.
Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Hudson, Erin K. Robinson (Illustrator)
Harriet Tubman guided the way. Rosa Parks sat for equality. Aretha Franklin sang from the soul. Serena Williams bested the competition. Michelle Obama transformed the White House. Black women everywhere have changed the world!
Published in partnership with curators from Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, this illustrated biography compilation captures the iconic moments of fifty African American women whose heroism and bravery rewrote the American story for the better.
They were fearless. They were bold. They were game changers.
Some people have asked how I settle on the books that I select for the Atlas Book Club Boxes. It may sound odd but… the books lead me and I simply follow. I do have a set of criteria that I am looking for in a book, one of which is that it must showcase different aspects of the featured country. After all, our goal here at Atlas Book Club is to shatter “the single story.” However, at the end of the day, it must be a truly engaging read. With that in mind, it is always a delightful coincidence when a theme emerges from the books selected.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, all four book selections honor Latin American women in one form or another. One celebrates Mexican girls and women in folklore and legends, another highlights a tradition passed down through generations of Guatemalan women, the third illustrates the important roles women play in a Latin American family, and the last features a popular Mexican woman in the arts! Can you guess who?!
While you wait for your March box to arrive, check out more wonderful children’s books with strong Latina women and girls we love.
In 1994, Yuyi Morales left her home in Xalapa, Mexico and came to the US with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn’t come empty-handed.
She brought her strength, her work, her passion, her hopes and dreams. . . and her stories. Caldecott Honor artist and six-time Pura Belpré winner Yuyi Morales’s gorgeous picture book Dreamers is about making a home in a new place. Yuyi and her son Kelly’s passage was not easy, and Yuyi spoke no English whatsoever at the time. But together, they found an unexpected, unbelievable place: the public library. There, book by book, they untangled the language of this strange new land, and learned to make their home within it.
Dreamers is a celebration of what migrantes bring with them when they leave their homes. It’s a story about family. And it’s a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own gifts wherever we roam. Beautiful and powerful at any time but given particular urgency as the status of our own Dreamers becomes uncertain, this is a story that is both topical and timeless.
The lyrical text is complemented by sumptuously detailed illustrations, rich in symbolism. Also included are a brief autobiographical essay about Yuyi’s own experience, a list of books that inspired her (and still do), and a description of the beautiful images, textures, and mementos she used to create this book.
My Name Is Maria Isabel by Alma Flor Ada & K. Dyble Thompson (illustrator)
For María Isabel Salazar López, the hardest thing about being the new girl in school is that the teacher doesn’t call her by her real name. “We already have two Marías in this class,” says her teacher. “Why don’t we call you Mary instead?” But María Isabel has been named for her Papá’s mother and for Chabela, her beloved Puerto Rican grandmother. Can she find a way to make her teacher see that if she loses her name, she’s lost the most important part of herself?
As a young girl, Selena Quintanilla sang in a band called Selena y Los Dinos with her brother and sister. The family performed at fairs, weddings, quinceañeras, and on street corners in their native Texas. Selena learned how to sing in Spanish and soon became hugely popular within the Latino community–so much so that she became the best-selling Latin artist of the 1990s. Selena was poised to be a great success, but her life was cut short after being fatally wounded by the president of her fan club. Selena’s contributions to music and fashion during her life made her one of the top Latin musicians in the 1990s, and readers will want to know more about the woman who introduced the world to Tejano music.
Pretty in Pink comes to the South Bronx in this bold and romantic coming-of-age novel about dysfunctional families, good and bad choices, and finding the courage to question everything you ever thought you wanted—from debut author Lilliam Rivera.
Things/People Margot Hates: Mami, for destroying her social life Papi, for allowing Junior to become a Neanderthal Junior, for becoming a Neanderthal The supermarket Everyone else
After “borrowing” her father’s credit card to finance a more stylish wardrobe, Margot Sanchez suddenly finds herself grounded. And by grounded, she means working as an indentured servant in her family’s struggling grocery store to pay off her debts.
With each order of deli meat she slices, Margot can feel her carefully cultivated prep school reputation slipping through her fingers, and she’s willing to do anything to get out of this punishment. Lie, cheat, and maybe even steal…
Margot’s invitation to the ultimate beach party is within reach and she has no intention of letting her family’s drama or Moises—the admittedly good looking but outspoken boy from the neighborhood—keep her from her goal.
* Ribbit * Books featuring frogs your kids will love for the leap year!
Fanatical About Frogs by Owen Davey
Did you know that there are over 4,000 known species of frog? Some are bigger than your dinner plate, while others are small enough to sit on your fingernail, and in between is about every color and size you can imagine! Leap into this fascinating illustrated guide to the most diverse amphibians in the world, from the lumbering common toad to the beautiful but deadly poison dart frog. (Nobrow Ltd.)
The Rizzlerunk Club: Best Buds Under Frogsby Leslie Patricelli
Lily is pretty lucky. She made a friend on the first day at her new school—even after she barfed on the playground—and now she and Darby are the only two members of the RizzleRunk Club. Darby is fun. She tells funny stories, she likes to catch frogs, and there’s lots of junk food at her house. Darby is good at lots of things, too. Especially lying. Which Lily isn’t. She gets that ants-under-her-skin feeling when she even thinks about doing it. But sometimes telling the truth is just too hard, so when Lily accidently does something to the class rat that she’s afraid to admit, she denies it. Soon the lie feels like something awful sitting in the bottom of her stomach. Will Lily find a way to let it out? (Candlewick Press)
Leap Frog by Jane Clarke, Britta Teckentrup (Illustrator)
What’s that noise? The jungle can be a scary place for a tiny tree frog like Felix, and all the strange noises are making him a little bit jumpy. Help Felix find a safe place — and perhaps a special someone — so he can nod off for a peaceful sleep. (Candlewick Press)
Oscar and the Frog: A Book About Growingby Geoff Waring
Oscar is a curious kitten, and at the pond he is full of questions about growing things. Luckily, Frog can help with the answers — after all, he’s gone through some impressive changes himself! Includes lesson summaries! Back matter includes an index and supplemental activities. (Candlewick Press)
I Don’t Want to Be a Frogby Dev Petty, Mike Boldt (Illustrator)
Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs—our hero decides that being himself isn’t so bad after all. In this very silly story with a sly message, told in hilarious dialogue between a feisty young frog and his heard-it-all-before father, young readers will identify with little Frog’s desire to be something different, while laughing along at his stubborn yet endearing schemes to prove himself right. (Random House Children’s Books)
Tad is small. In fact, she is the smallest almost-a-frog in the whole, wide pond. That makes it hard for her to do big things like follow her tadsiblings who swim to other parts of the pond when they outgrow the nest.
As her tadbrothers and tadsisters swim up, up, up, they leave poor Tad by her lonesome. That’s until…Big Blub shows up! He’s not only bigger than Tad, but Big Blub isn’t exactly what a tadpole would consider friendly.
Swimming at her own pace, Tad soon learns how to to be bigger than her fears. Benji Davies creates a memorable and timeless tale that proves sometimes the mightiest creature comes in the smallest package. (HarperCollins Publishers)
Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a “louding voice”—the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni’s father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir.
When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing.
But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow; she finds the resolve to speak, however she can—in a whisper, in song, in broken English—until she is heard. (Penguin Publishing Group)
The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, Jonathan Snipes
Yetu holds the memories for her people—water-dwelling descendants of pregnant African slave women thrown overboard by slave owners—who live idyllic lives in the deep. Their past, too traumatic to be remembered regularly is forgotten by everyone, save one—the historian. This demanding role has been bestowed on Yetu.
Yetu remembers for everyone, and the memories, painful and wonderful, traumatic and terrible and miraculous, are destroying her. And so, she flees to the surface escaping the memories, the expectations, and the responsibilities—and discovers a world her people left behind long ago.
Yetu will learn more than she ever expected about her own past—and about the future of her people. If they are all to survive, they’ll need to reclaim the memories, reclaim their identity—and own who they really are.
The Deep is “a tour de force reorientation of the storytelling gaze…a superb, multilayered work,” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) and a vividly original and uniquely affecting story inspired by a song produced by the rap group Clipping. (Gallery/Sage Press)
Alix Chamberlain is a woman who gets what she wants and has made a living, with her confidence-driven brand, showing other women how to do the same. So she is shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is confronted while watching the Chamberlains’ toddler one night, walking the aisles of their local high-end supermarket. The store’s security guard, seeing a young black woman out late with a white child, accuses Emira of kidnapping two-year-old Briar. A small crowd gathers, a bystander films everything, and Emira is furious and humiliated. Alix resolves to make things right.
But Emira herself is aimless, broke, and wary of Alix’s desire to help. At twenty-five, she is about to lose her health insurance and has no idea what to do with her life. When the video of Emira unearths someone from Alix’s past, both women find themselves on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know about themselves, and each other.
With empathy and piercing social commentary, Such a Fun Age explores the stickiness of transactional relationships, what it means to make someone “family,” and the complicated reality of being a grown up. It is a searing debut for our times. (Penguin Publishing Group)
These Ghosts Are a Family by Maisy Card (On sale March 3)
Stanford Solomon has a shocking, thirty-year-old secret. And it’s about to change the lives of everyone around him. Stanford Solomon is actually Abel Paisley, a man who faked his own death and stole the identity of his best friend.
And now, nearing the end of his life, Stanford is about to meet his firstborn daughter, Irene Paisley, a home health aide who has unwittingly shown up for her first day of work to tend to the father she thought was dead.
These Ghosts Are Family revolves around the consequences of Abel’s decision and tells the story of the Paisley family from colonial Jamaica to present day Harlem. There is Vera, whose widowhood forced her into the role of single mother. There are two daughters and a granddaughter who have never known they are related. And there are others, like the house boy who loved Vera, whose lives might have taken different courses if not for Abel Paisley’s actions.
These Ghosts Are Family explores the ways each character wrestles with their ghosts and struggles to forge independent identities outside of the family and their trauma. The result is an engrossing portrait of a family and individuals caught in the sweep of history, slavery, migration, and the more personal dramas of infidelity, lost love, and regret. This electric and luminous family saga announces the arrival of a new American talent. (Simon & Schuster)
A first novel by an unknown writer, it remained on the bestseller list for sixteen weeks, won the National Book Award for fiction, and established Ralph Ellison as one of the key writers of the century. The nameless narrator of the novel describes growing up in a black community in the South, attending a Negro college from which he is expelled, moving to New York and becoming the chief spokesman of the Harlem branch of “the Brotherhood”, and retreating amid violence and confusion to the basement lair of the Invisible Man he imagines himself to be. The book is a passionate and witty tour de force of style, strongly influenced by T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, Joyce, and Dostoevsky. (Vintage International Series)
Twin sisters Bibike and Ariyike are enjoying a relatively comfortable life in Lagos in 1996. Then their mother loses her job due to political strife, and the family, facing poverty, becomes drawn into the New Church, an institution led by a charismatic pastor who is not shy about worshipping earthly wealth.
Soon Bibike and Ariyike’s father wagers the family home on a “sure bet” that evaporates like smoke. As their parents’ marriage collapses in the aftermath of this gamble, the twin sisters and their two younger siblings, Andrew and Peter, are thrust into the reluctant care of their traditional Yoruba grandmother. Inseparable while they had their parents to care for them, the twins’ paths diverge once the household shatters. Each girl is left to locate, guard, and hone her own fragile source of power.
Written with astonishing intimacy and wry attention to the fickleness of fate, Tola Rotimi Abraham’s Black Sunday takes us into the chaotic heart of family life, tracing a line from the euphoria of kinship to the devastation of estrangement. In the process, it joyfully tells a tale of grace and connection in the midst of daily oppression and the constant incursions of an unremitting patriarchy. This is a novel about two young women slowly finding, over twenty years, in a place rife with hypocrisy but also endless life and love, their own distinct methods of resistance and paths to independence.(Catapault)
Ella has a Thing. She sees a classmate grow up to become a caring nurse. A neighbor’s son murdered in a drive-by shooting. Things that haven’t happened yet. Kev, born while Los Angeles burned around them, wants to protect his sister from a power that could destroy her. But when Kev is incarcerated, Ella must decide what it means to watch her brother suffer while holding the ability to wreck cities in her hands.
Rooted in the hope that can live in anger, Riot Baby is as much an intimate family story as a global dystopian narrative. It burns fearlessly toward revolution and has quietly devastating things to say about love, fury, and the black American experience.
Ella and Kev are both shockingly human and immeasurably powerful. Their childhoods are defined and destroyed by racism. Their futures might alter the world. (Tom Doherty Associates)
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall (On sale February 25)
A potent and electrifying critique of today’s feminist movement announcing a fresh new voice in black feminism
Today’s feminist movement has a glaring blind spot, and paradoxically, it is women. Mainstream feminists rarely talk about meeting basic needs as a feminist issue, argues Mikki Kendall, but food insecurity, access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, and medical care are all feminist issues. All too often, however, the focus is not on basic survival for the many, but on increasing privilege for the few. That feminists refuse to prioritize these issues has only exacerbated the age-old problem of both internecine discord and women who rebuff at carrying the title. Moreover, prominent white feminists broadly suffer from their own myopia with regard to how things like race, class, sexual orientation, and ability intersect with gender. How can we stand in solidarity as a movement, Kendall asks, when there is the distinct likelihood that some women are oppressing others?
In her searing collection of essays, Mikki Kendall takes aim at the legitimacy of the modern feminist movement arguing that it has chronically failed to address the needs of all but a few women. Drawing on her own experiences with hunger, violence, and hypersexualization, along with incisive commentary on politics, pop culture, the stigma of mental health, and more, Hood Feminism delivers an irrefutable indictment of a movement in flux. An unforgettable debut, Kendall has written a ferocious clarion call to all would-be feminists to live out the true mandate of the movement in thought and in deed. (Penguin Publishing Group)
Hitting a Straight Lick With a Crooked Stick by Zora Neal Hurston
In 1925, Barnard student Zora Neale Hurston—the sole black student at the college—was living in New York, “desperately striving for a toe-hold on the world.” During this period, she began writing short works that captured the zeitgeist of African American life and transformed her into one of the central figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Nearly a century later, this singular talent is recognized as one of the most influential and revered American artists of the modern period.
Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick is an outstanding collection of stories about love and migration, gender and class, racism and sexism that proudly reflect African American folk culture. Brought together for the first time in one volume, they include eight of Hurston’s “lost” Harlem stories, which were found in forgotten periodicals and archives. These stories challenge conceptions of Hurston as an author of rural fiction and include gems that flash with her biting, satiric humor, as well as more serious tales reflective of the cultural currents of Hurston’s world. All are timeless classics that enrich our understanding and appreciation of this exceptional writer’s voice and her contributions to America’s literary traditions. (HarperCollins Publishers)
As the Civil Rights movement begins to reach the black enclave of Frenchtown in segregated Tallahassee, Elwood Curtis takes the words of Dr. Martin Luther King to heart: He is “as good as anyone.” Abandoned by his parents, but kept on the straight and narrow by his grandmother, Elwood is about to enroll in the local black college. But for a black boy in the Jim Crow South of the early 1960s, one innocent mistake is enough to destroy the future. Elwood is sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, whose mission statement says it provides “physical, intellectual and moral training” so the delinquent boys in their charge can become “honorable and honest men.”
In reality, the Nickel Academy is a grotesque chamber of horrors where the sadistic staff beats and sexually abuses the students, corrupt officials and locals steal food and supplies, and any boy who resists is likely to disappear “out back.” Stunned to find himself in such a vicious environment, Elwood tries to hold onto Dr. King’s ringing assertion “Throw us in jail and we will still love you.” His friend Turner thinks Elwood is worse than naive, that the world is crooked, and that the only way to survive is to scheme and avoid trouble.
The tension between Elwood’s ideals and Turner’s skepticism leads to a decision whose repercussions will echo down the decades. Formed in the crucible of the evils Jim Crow wrought, the boys’ fates will be determined by what they endured at the Nickel Academy.
Based on the real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for one hundred and eleven years and warped the lives of thousands of children, The Nickel Boys is a devastating, driven narrative that showcases a great American novelist writing at the height of his powers. (Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)
Books about our history—past, present, and future.
Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons, Keith Mallett (Illustrator)
In Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1900. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. It has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations.
Inspired by this song’s enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song’s inspiring words. (Penguin Young Readers)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.
A fresh cut makes boys fly.
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror. (Agate)
Ada Twist, Scientist (Questioneers Collection Series) by Andrea Beaty, David Roberts (Illustrator)
Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?”
Don’t miss Ada’s further adventures—with her friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere—in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers!
Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie—stars of their own New York Times bestselling picture books Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer—Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious. (ABRAMS)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, Laura Freeman (Illustrator)
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good.
They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. (Harper Collins)
During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren’t considered smart enough to become military pilots. After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama. While this book details thrilling flight missions and the grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces. (Penguin Young Readers)
It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward.
His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world.
David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. (Random House Children’s Books)
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition by Misty Copeland
Determination meets dance in this middle grade adaptation of the New York Times bestselling memoir by the first African-American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history, Misty Copeland.
As the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has been breaking down all kinds of barriers in the world of dance. But when she first started dancing—at the late age of thirteen—no one would have guessed the shy, underprivileged girl would one day make history in her field.
Her road to excellence was not easy—a chaotic home life, with several siblings and a single mother, was a stark contrast to the control and comfort she found on stage. And when her home life and incredible dance promise begin to clash, Misty had to learn to stand up for herself and navigate a complex relationship with her mother, while pursuing her ballet dreams.
Life in Motion is a story for all the kids who dare to be different, dream bigger, and want to break stereotypes in whatever they do. (Aladdin)
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Kathleen Van Cleve
In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” dower slave. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive.
From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, along with Kathleen Van Cleve, shares an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country. (Aladdin)
Mo’s Bows: A Young Person’s Guide to Start-Up Success: Measure, Cut, Stitch Your Way to a Great Business by Moziah Bridges, Daymond John (Foreword by), Tramica Morris
Running a successful business can be hard for anyone, but seventeen-year-old Moziah Bridges has becomes a pro at it. His company, Mo’s Bow’s, is what today’s “kidpreneurs” dream of achieving—a successful business selling a product that one loves and is passionate about. Mo shares with young business-minded readers his BOWS of Business: Believe in yourself, take the Opportunity to give back, Work hard/study hard, and have Support from friends and family. He knows there is a Mo’s Bows in every household-kids just need someone to help nurture their talents.
Aimed at young middle grade readers, Mo’s Bows: A Young Person’s Guide to Startup Success follows Mo’s journey to success and reveals all the ups and downs and important lessons he’s learned along the way-as well as provides information and tips on how to start your own business and succeed. Complete with a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Daymond John, this book is sure to inspire budding young entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals. (Running Press Book Publishers)
Storytelling plays an integral part in history, specifically Black History. It is the way by which African Americans, from the the days of slavery, passed on their history from generation to generation. One of the ways by which African Americans did this was through music.
One of the things I love about our book selections this month is the discovery of a common thread that runs in 3 out of the 4 books. I just love when a theme develops organically based on the book selections! At the center of the stories in these books is a special grandparent-grandchild relationship. Each of these books explores the passage of legacy through music – Our Nest Jr. book tells a lovely story of this special familial relationship within the context of jazz and our Nest book does the same within the context of blues. Lastly, our Soar book takes a different approach – it showcases this relationship while weaving in hip-hop culture and outer space in an interesting manner. While our Hatch book does not have a grandparent-grandchild relationship at its center, it is storytelling at its best – a little bit of history in the form of beautiful images and lyrical text for the youngest amongst us.
In the meantime, here are 4 more stories featuring the beauty of child to grandparent relationships.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.
When Grandmama Singsby Margaree King Mitchell, James Ransome (Illustrator)
When Grandmama Coles gets a big chance, Belle gets one, too. Belle’s going to spend the summer touring the South with Grandmama and a swing jazz band! Belle’s never been outside Pecan Flats, Mississippi, and she can’t wait to go on the road with Grandmama, helping her read signs and menus and hearing her sing. There are so many new things to see on their travels through the Deep South. But some things aren’t new. Everything is segregated, just like at home. But Grandmama stands up for what’s right. And when she sings, Belle knows that Grandmama’s song can bring everyone together.
From Margaree King Mitchell and James E. Ransome, the award-winning author and artist of Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, comes this new picture-book collaboration about the gift of love, the beauty of music, and its power to bring people together—even in the segregated South.
When two brothers decide to prove how brave they are, everything backfires—literally—in this “pitch-perfect contemporary novel” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) by the winner of the Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award.
Genie’s summer is full of surprises. The first is that he and his big brother, Ernie, are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents all the way in Virginia—in the COUNTRY! The second surprise comes when Genie figures out that their grandfather is blind. Thunderstruck, Genie peppers Grandpop with questions about how he hides it so well (besides wearing way cool Ray-Bans).
How does he match his clothes? Know where to walk? Cook with a gas stove? Pour a glass of sweet tea without spilling it? Genie thinks Grandpop must be the bravest guy he’s ever known, but he starts to notice that his grandfather never leaves the house—as in NEVER. And when he finds the secret room that Grandpop is always disappearing into—a room so full of songbirds and plants that it’s almost as if it’s been pulled inside-out—he begins to wonder if his grandfather is really so brave after all.
Then Ernie lets him down in the bravery department. It’s his fourteenth birthday, and, Grandpop says to become a man, you have to learn how to shoot a gun. Genie thinks that is AWESOME until he realizes Ernie has no interest in learning how to shoot. None. Nada. Dumbfounded by Ernie’s reluctance, Genie is left to wonder—is bravery and becoming a man only about proving something, or is it just as important to own up to what you won’t do?
Black, White, Other: In Search of Nina Armstrongby Joan Steinau Lester
As a biracial teen, Nina is accustomed to a life of varied hues—mocha-colored skin, ringed brown hair streaked with red, a darker brother, a black father, a white mother. When her parents decide to divorce, the rainbow of Nina’s existence is reduced to a much starker reality. Shifting definitions and relationships are playing out all around her, and new boxes and lines seem to be getting drawn every day. Between the fractures within her family and the racial tensions splintering her hometown, Nina feels caught in a perpetual battle. Feeling stranded in the nowhere land between racial boundaries, and struggling for personal independence and identity, Nina turns to the story of her great-great-grandmother’s escape from slavery. Is there direction in the tale of her ancestor? Can Nina build her own compass when landmarks from her childhood stop guiding the way?
Jazz, you might know it by the booming sounds of a brass section, maybe it’s the toe-tapping beat you hear on the radio, or maybe you know it by the sax solo you can’t get out your head- the one that you never want to end. Jazz, you know it when you hear it, but do you know about its roots in Black history and how it surprisingly connects to, of all things, the Space Race? Let’s take a look into the history of jazz and outer space!
Jazz has deep ties to African-American culture and music. The history of jazz can be traced all the way back to the 1600s with the introduction of slavery to North America. With a culture of enslaved Africans singing old spirituals while working, and with the influence of blues music in the late 1800s, jazz was born. The music allowed African Americans “a powerful voice and was especially important to minority groups suffering unfair treatment because of the color of the skin”. Learn more! But what makes jazz as a genre unique and so memorable? It might be that jazz encourages you to do your own thing! Jazz has so many different variations. Some songs rely on woodwind instruments and percussive rhythm while others have a heavy piano influence. There is no one way of creating jazz. Doing your own thing is highlighted by the theme of improv in jazz. Coming up with a solo on the spot in the middle of a familiar tune is not only expected but encouraged, improv is what makes jazz so exciting. Learn more!
Around the same time as the boom in jazz music, the Space Race was in full swing (pun intended). The Space Race was a period between the late 1940s to 1975 when the United States and the Soviet Union each tried to best each other with their technology by expanding their exploration of space. 1957 saw the Sputnik, the first orbiting satellite into space and one of the most famous trumpet players in history, Louis Armstrong’s public denouncement of President Dwight D. Eisenhower over segregation. Learn more! In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to walk on the moon, the same year Early Jazz by Gunter Schuller was released, one of the first comprehensive studies on the origins of jazz. The end of the Space Race in 1975 occurred only one year after the death of Duke Ellington, one of jazz’s most remembered lead orchestrators and pianists. Learn more!
Jazz and the space race are connected through more than just time. Many musicians inspired by the mystery of space took up their instruments to celebrate the influence of the Space Race including George Russell who composed the enchanting “Jazz in the Space Age” in 1960 and Shorty Rogers who gave us the space-themed “Martians Come Back!” in 1956. Learn more!
Jazz can teach us so much about the history of music, especially musical styles that were embraced and pioneered by African-Americans. Jazz linked communities during times of oppression and allowed novel artistic expression to flourish. Where other musical styles are rigid, jazz provides an alternative, fueled by taking risks through improvisation and spontaneity. Jazz proves its timelessness and uniqueness through its transformative ability to make music that is both familiar and brand new through its combinative nature. It’s no wonder why the great undertaking of exploring space coincides with jazz- a style that has always pushed the limits!
FUN FACTS
Did you know the first instrument in space was the saxophone? Learn more!
Saxophones, as we know them, are made of brass, but the first was made of wood! Learn more!
The first African American woman in space, Mae C. Jemison was a jazz dancer! Learn more!
In 2013 Chris Hadfield performed a live concert from space. Learn more!
When I set out to plan the book selections for this month’s boxes, I knew I wanted to showcase African American authors and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to music. I grew up with late 80s and 90s hip-hop – hip-hop has my heart! As such, showcasing books that featured hip-hop culture was a no brainer. But I didn’t want to focus on just hip-hop, I wanted to highlight other genres such as jazz and blues, particularly the music of the Harlem Renaissance era.
Art Kane’s famous photo of jazz greats, titled “Harlem 1958”; approved for one-time use only. MUST CREDIT: Photograph by Art Kane – courtesy Art Kane Archive NOTE: this is a downsized low-res photo for web use
SPOTTED: Captain Tern visits the site of the iconic photo.
Enter the photo known as A Great Day in Harlem. On a summer day in 1958, Art Kane, a young freelance photographer took this iconic photo, his first assignment, at 17 East 126th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenue in Harlem. You almost cannot talk about the history of jazz without referencing this photograph. Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams and the list goes on and on! Every time I look at this photograph, I marvel at the talent and the era it represents. Oh the stories those faces could tell, so much history in one frame. I also marvel at the ability to get 57 iconic jazz musicians into one photo! Have you ever tried to coordinate 4 of your friends for a lunch or dinner date? It’s a herculean task!
I am so humbled and so proud to be kicking off our special showcase for Black History month with this photo. You can learn more about this very special photo here, here and here.
Strong Black Lead: Black Artists featured on Netflix recreate the Art Kane’s photograph.
Netflix recently recreated this photograph with 47 black creatives to celebrate diversity in television and the result was amazing. Which black authors would you include in a recreation of this iconic photo? Drop your suggestion on our social channels!
