Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Illustrated by Luisa Uribe 3 stars A sweet story about the music and song behind every name. After the first day of school, a little girl refuses to go back. No one can say her name, including her teacher. As they walk home, her mother shows her the song in every name and that she…

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Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson 3.5 stars An engaging read with sweet themes of confidence and not being afraid to be different. Sassy dreams of dancing on stage, but she’s taller than all the other girls in her ballet class and none of the boys can lift her. She feels different because of her height, long…

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We are Shining by Gwendolyn Brooks

Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist 3.5 stars “Life is for us, and is shining. We have a right to sing.” An colorfully illustrated edition of Brooks’ poem, “A Little Girl’s Poem”, to celebrate her 100th birthday. A lovely poem wishing the best for all the children in the world. Promotes themes of acceptance, joy, love,…

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Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodes

4 stars A fantastic story about a young girl making her way through life in Reconstruction-era Louisiana. Though slavery in America has ended, ten-year old orphan, Sugar, is still stuck on the River Road Plantation working the sugarcane fields. All she wants to do is have fun, but she’s the only kid left on the…

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Bronzeville Boys and Girls by Gwendolyn Brooks

Illustrated by Faith Ringgold 4 stars A nice collection of poetry focused on the lives of children in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. The book includes a variety of themes expressed with different rhythms and rhymes. It covers relatable topics of friendship, moving to a new place, making new friends, dealing with illness, death of…

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A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life by Opal Lee

3 stars An interesting combination of memoir, self-help, call to action, and handbook for creating change in the world. Lee shares memories from her life and inspires readers to create change in their daily lives through kindness, understanding, and leading by example. Lee explores her experiences with racism, her work to make Juneteenth a federal…

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Soundtrack by Jason Reynolds (Audiobook)

Narrated by Nile Bullock, Mekhi Hewling, Jade Williams, Brandon Miles, Ryan Vincent Anderson, Amir Royale, Jasmin Richardson, Christopher Grant, Khaya Fraites, Nadine Simmons, Robb Moreira, Wé Ani, Rocky Anicette, and Brandiss Seward 5 stars Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC of this book. I absolutely loved this book. Well-balanced with humor, tough topics, and heartwarming…

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My Little Pony: Lost Stories of Equestria

by Christina Rice, Tee Franklin, Megan Brown, and Stephanie Williams Illustrated by Abby Bulmer, Yancey Labat, Natalie Haines, and Asia Simone 3 stars A fun collection of new stories featuring characters from Gen 4 and Gen 5. Nice variety in the stories including a story from Princess Cadance’s past, best friends going on an adventure…

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Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Audiobook)

Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov Narrated by Christopher Hampton 5 stars I’ll admit I put off reading this one because I didn’t think I’d ever like a Western. But oh my gosh, this book was so good. Will and his father set out from Texas to Oklahoma to stake their claim during the Land…

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She Persisted: Opal Lee

by Shelia P. Moses Illustrated by Gillian Flint 5 stars Follow the journey of Opal Lee from a young girl living in segregated Texas to a passionate volunteer and activist. The book provides information about Lee’s childhood, education, career, volunteerism, and her activism to make Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. Nicely told. I really…

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