Angela Johnson

April 28, 2021

All Different Now ~ Angela Johnson

All Different Now

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19th, is the celebration of the emancipation of slaves. This book shares the response of and the jubilation felt as a young girl’s family receives news that they are free. They are certain that everything is “all different now.” The day in 1865 began with them working as slaves in a Texas cotton field, but it ended in a celebration of their freedom.

I especially enjoyed reading the author and illustrator notes included in the book. To learn more about Juneteenth, there is also a page included with important, pertinent dates and an explanation of the celebration then and now. Plus, there is a list of key terms and definitions. Read more >>

Buy the Book: All Different Now

Originally posted on April 28, 2021.

April 10, 2021

Lottie Paris Lives Here ~ Angela Johnson

Lottie Paris Lives Here

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer

This book provides a look into a day in the life of a young girl. From imagining she is a queen in a castle to sitting in timeout, Lottie has quite an eventful day showing what she does where she lives. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Lottie Paris Lives Here

Originally posted on April 10, 2021.

March 9, 2021

Wind Flyers ~ Angela Johnson

Wind Flyers

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by Loren Long

Telling the story of one boy’s love for flight, this book shows how he pursues his passion by becoming a Tuskegee Airman. This book is a great way to introduce young readers to the heroic accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen who bravely served our country in World War II! Read more >>

Buy the Book: Wind Flyers

Originally posted on March 9, 2021.

May 1, 2020

Tell Me a Story, Mama ~ Angela Johnson

Tell Me a Story, Mama

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by David Soman

A young girl and her mother spend time together retelling the daughter’s favorite stories from her mother’s childhood. I appreciate this heartwarming book because time spent telling my kids about my childhood is always time well spent with each other! Read more >>

Buy the Book: Tell Me a Story, Mama

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More books about Black Mothers

Originally posted on May 1, 2020.

January 21, 2019

The Rolling Store ~ Angela Johnson

The Rolling Store

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

A young girl talks with her friend about her granddaddy’s story of “when he was little and the world was young;” back when only a few people had cars and those that didn’t depended on and looked forward to when the rolling store would come around. Everyone from miles around would come to see all the goodies in the rolling store and hear the driver yell, “We got it all!”

In attempts to bring back the time when her granddaddy was little and the world was young, the girl and her friend gathered goodies in their little red wagon and brought it to her granddaddy, saying, “We got it all!”

My mom read this book to the kids and she, of course, loved it because of the little red Radio Flyer wagon. My mom feels that every child should grow up with a little red wagon. Like in the story, I am certain my kids would love to go around the neighborhood trying to sell goodies from their Radio Flyer. Read more >>

Buy the Book: The Rolling Store

Originally posted on June 16, 2010.

August 22, 2018

When I Am Old with You ~ Angela Johnson

When I Am Old with You

Written by Angela Johnson

Illustrated by David Soman

A young boy imagines being old with his grandfather. He vividly describes all the activities that he and his grandfather will participate in…together. From fishing to playing cards. From visiting the ocean to rocking in a big rocking chair – they do it all together! This is a wonderful book for a grandfather to share with his grandson! Read more >>

Buy the Book: When I Am Old with You

Originally posted on August 22, 2018.