The Nutcracker in Harlem ~ T. E. McMorrow
A retelling of the Christmas story, McMorrow's rendition of "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" is set in Harlem during the time of the Harlem Renaissance.
Blog Posts
Santa’s Kwanzaa ~ Garen Eileen Thomas
This is a cute book that intertwines Santa Claus and Kwanzaa, making Sant Kwaz. After leaving the last Christmas gift, the black Santa shimmies up the last chimney and heads back to the North Pole with Rudolph leading the way.
Who Built the Stable? ~ Ashley Bryan
This brilliantly vivid Nativity poem addressed the idea of who built the stable that Baby Jesus was born in.
An Invisible Thread Christmas Story ~ Laura Schroff
This is a beautiful, true story about a small act of kindness that blossomed into a life-changing friendship.
I Got the Christmas Spirit ~ Connie Schofield-Morrison
It's Christmas time and this young girl is full of the Christmas spirit! Follow along as she observes, hears, sings, tastes, feels, and spreads the spirit of the season!
Setting the Turkeys Free ~ W. Nikola-Lisa
An imaginative little boy uses his hand print, paint, and paper to make turkeys. He adds toothpicks, feathers, and sequins to decorate his turkeys.
Feast for 10 ~ Cathryn Falwell
Count from one to ten twice as this family works together to prepare a feast for 10 people; from shopping for the food to sitting down to eat.
Brown ~ Nancy Johnson James
I absolutely love this book! It celebrates the color of our skin and cleverly names many of the shades of brown. From mama’s chocolate brown and daddy’s autumn leaf brown to Grammy’s honey brown and Papa’s caramel brown.
Don’t Touch My Hair ~ Sharee Miller
This is a whimsical book about a girl who loves her hair. The problem is, others love it too and often reach to touch it without asking permission.
All Because You Matter ~ Tami Charles
With beautiful petal-shaped collage artwork, this is an open letter from a mother to her son letting him know that he matters.
Nanta’s Lion ~ Suse MacDonald
This is a search and find adventure book about Nanta, an African girl living in the Maasai village, who went out in search of the lion that had been stealing the cattle in their village.
Early Sunday Morning ~ Denene Millner
This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the love of a family and how they encourage a young girl to life her voice "and sing with the might of the angels" as she performs a solo with the choir on Sunday morning.
Like a Girl ~ Lori Degman
This is a wonderful book that empowers girls through the celebration of 24 inspiring women who affected change through history.
Juneteenth for Mazie ~ Floyd Cooper
Juneteenth is the day we remember and celebrate June 19, 1865, when soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War, the abolition of slavery, and the emancipation of African Americans throughout the entire United States.
A Father Like That ~ Charlotte Zolotow
In this story a young boy wishes that he had a father. In fact, he tells him mom exactly what his father would be like if he did have one.
My Daddy Rules the World ~ Hope Anita Smith
This a collection of poems celebrating dads, pops, fathers, poppas, and daddies! This book would make an excellent Father's Day gift!
In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall ~ Javaka Steptoe
This is a collection of poems celebrating African American fathers and the influence that they have over their families. The poems are coupled with the artwork of Javaka Steptoe.
Let the Children March ~ Monica Clark-Robinson
Did you know that children, many children, were involved in the fight for Civil Rights? This beautifully illustrated book chronicles the events of the brother and sister who decide to march for freedom.
Ellington Was Not a Street ~ Ntozake Shange
Poet Ntozake Shange recounts her childhood memories of the many great African Americans who gathered in her home.
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands ~ Kadir Nelson
Featuring a boy and his family, the lyrics of the old spiritual are turned into a wonderful picture book. This book is so cute!