It’s Almost Time for . . . Halloween! by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by Tom Knight 4 stars A delightful rhyming picture book that leans into the cuteness of Halloween rather than the frightening. Told with humor and engaging illustrations, this is such a sweet book. Nicely written. I really enjoyed the rhyme scheme. Great rhythm. I also love the inclusion of baking with pumpkins, not just…

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Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by Candice Bradley 5 stars A lyrical tribute to Black history, culture, and resilience. Fighting against Black history being boiled down to only slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, Oso highlights the complexity and diversity of Black history in the time before the transatlantic slave trade. She explores rulers, warriors, creators, builders, and stargazers…

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My Hair Is a Book by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by London Ladd 5 stars Stunning! A fantastic ode to hair and heritage. Through poetic text, the narrator connects hair to history, telling tales of iconic figures, sports, dance, and afternoons spent in the kitchen together. It connects family, culture, strength, and love. Beautifully written. I especially enjoyed all the creative wordplay. The artwork…

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