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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Will’s Race for Home by Jewel 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…

Read More

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…

Read More

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth

by Angélique Roché Illustrated by Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and Millicent Monroe 3 stars I was really excited to see a graphic novel about Opal Lee geared toward adults, but the execution of this just did not work for me. The story jumps around to different time periods without much context given. I had a…

Read More

Fros, Fades, and Braids: A Brief History of Black Hair in America

by Sean Qualls 5 stars A fantastic read. Explores the history of Black hair in America, from pivotal Black figures in the haircare industry to views of Black hair through time and different styles and trends. Well written. This was such an interesting read. Includes sections on different styles such as afros, Jheri curl, locs,…

Read More

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

4 stars A powerful exploration of what it is to be a Black man in modern America. Through a letter to his son, Coates lays out the different worlds Black men inhabit and the never-ending assessment of risk as they navigate those worlds daily. Through an examination of history and reflections on his own personal…

Read More

Song of the Trees (Logan Family Saga #1) by Mildred D. Taylor

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney 4 stars A beautifully written story, the first book of the Logan Family Saga showcases the bravery, creative problem solving, and resolve of the Logans. Cassie loves the forest on her family’s property. No matter what her brother says, she knows she hears the trees singing. But then the siblings witness…

Read More