Illustrated by David Shannon 4 stars From death, destruction, and war to unity and peace, this book tells the story of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, whose work to unite the Six Nations of the Iroquois people with the Great Law of Peace set a blueprint for democracy in America. Hiawatha is angry and devastated after…
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by Jeanette Winter 4 stars The powerful story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the brave librarian who save 70% of her library collection during the Iraq War. The book focuses on Baker’s efforts to move the books to safe locations as the war nears Basra. It ends with a message of hope amid the chaos. The…
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By Zora Neale Hurston Adapted by Ibram X. Kendi Illustrated by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson 5 stars A fantastic historical text adapted for young readers. Barracoon tells the story of Kossola (Cudjo Lewis), one of the men who was brought to America on the last slave ship, Clotilda. The story follows Kossola’s life in Africa, his capture,…
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by Laura Obuobi Illustrated by Olivia Duchess 4 stars An absolutely stunning picture book biography of Michaela Mabinty DePrince. The story follows DePrince’s life from her time at an orphanage in Sierra Leone, her adoption and moving to the US, her passion for ballet growing up, and her success as a ballerina. It also explores…
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5 stars A fascinating exploration of the life of Octavia Butler. Told through poetry, quotes, photographs, and short biographical prose, Zoboi shares events from Butler’s life and connects her writing with historic influences like the Red Scare, the Space Race, the Civil Rights Movement, and the larger development of the science fiction genre. This book…
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by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley 4 stars A fantastic and inspiring biography picture book about the career of Billie Jean King. The book focuses mainly on King’s tennis career with a little more about her personal life included in the backmatter. Throughout the story, King is faced with sexist remarks, questions, and treatment….
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by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas 5 stars A sweet story detailing Jazz’s social transition as a girl including changing her name, using the girls’ bathroom, growing her hair long, and playing on the girls’ soccer team. Her story is told in simple language appropriate for young readers. It focuses on…
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by Eucabeth Odhiambo Illustrated by Gillian Flint 5 stars Another fantastic She Persisted book. This one recounts the life and work of Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist and activist who founded the Green Belt Movement. The book describes Maathai’s life growing up in Kenya, her inspirations and influences, her continuing education, her work helping her community,…
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by Zora Neale Hurston Edited by Deborah G. Plant Forward by Alice Walker 5 stars An incredible read. Barracoon not only tells Cudjo Lewis’ story in his own words, but also the story of how Hurston’s relationship with him grew and the history of the book’s publication. About half of the book comes directly from…
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by Suma Subramaniam, Illustrated by Shreya Gupta 5 stars A stunning picture book following the life of M.S. Subbulakshmi. Subbulakshmi loves to sing and wants to share her magnificent voice with others, but girls are barred from singing at public performances in India. That doesn’t stop her. With the support of her mother, she keeps…
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