5 stars From the poetic team that brought us, Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship comes a powerful novel-in-verse that tells the story of the last American slave ship. Waters and Latham give voice to the survivors of the journey on the Clotilda, the enslavers who put them on that journey, and even…
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Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield 5 stars A beautiful story of friendship, sharing traditions, and making new connections. This was such a sweet book. Best friends Dandan and Yueyue spend one last Lunar New Year together before Dandan moves to America. Before she leaves, Yueyue gives Dandan a special gift and an important message. In America,…
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by Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Gillian Flint 5 stars “I am an activist. I didn’t just emerge after Martin died-I was always there…” A wonderful read. The book goes beyond Coretta Scott King’s relationship and work with her husband and shows her own accomplishments. I loved learning more about her early life, her parents…
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5 stars A breathtaking novel-in-verse. Kwame Alexander’s historical fiction novel tells the story of Kofi, an Asante boy on the verge of his initiation into manhood. Though he nears this milestone, there are secrets his elders still keep from him. I loved the emphasis on Kofi’s life in the Asante Kingdom, the various ways readers…
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5 stars What a phenomenal read. Whether familiar with Mankiller’s work or not, this is a great starting point for young readers to learn more about her activism within the Cherokee Nation and beyond. Loved the emphasis on hard work, helping others, and persisting in following your dreams and achieving your goals. Even in its…
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5 stars A gorgeous picture book with a powerful message. When the people in her life question where she’s really from, a little girl starts to question whether she belongs. She asks her wise abuelo for an answer. In beautifully illustrated spreads, he answers perfectly, asserting her belonging while also teaching her about various aspects of her…
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5 stars A wonderful book with lush illustrations and a powerful message. Whether you have a name that’s deemed hard-to-pronounce by others or not, this is a great read and learning opportunity. At first, Mirha is excited for her first day of school. But when no one pronounces her name right, she feels unimportant. With…
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3 stars A powerful coming-of-age story. This novel-in-verse takes a young poet, a forbidden love interest, a strict, religious mother, an apathetic father, a secretive brother, a supportive best friend, and an encouraging teacher, mixes them together, and presents a story of hardship, hope, and healing. This book tackles so many issues such as mother/daughter…
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2 stars I went into this without realizing it has a Christian focus. That’s my bad for just looking at the title and cover, and not going any further before checking it out from the library. Note: I am not a Christian so this will be a biased review. Good for what it is: a…
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5 stars Adapted from Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi‘s Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You A fantastic adaptation of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You for a younger audience. This is such a great series to adapt for different age groups and the kids and teens version have both been amazing. One aspect that is especially fun about the…
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