28 Days Later

28 Days Later

Presenting the authors and illustrators for the second annual 28 Days Later campaign.

Some may argue, how does The Brown Bookshelf define “under the radar?” Can Deborah Gregory, author of the Cheetah Girls series really be called a hidden gem?

We think so. This year’s roster includes several authors who, by traditional definition, may not be under the radar or “hidden.” In Gregory’s case, her books are solidly known, but unfortunately there are many who may not recognize her name immediately.

We’re proud of this year’s class. They represent award-winners, best sellers and just plain good fiction worthy of sharing with the masses. We hope you enjoy the spotlights.

Authors in bold are vanguard authors
Illustrators are in italics


Feb1: Sharon Draper – November Blues (Atheneum, 2007)
Feb 2: Crystal Hubbard - The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby: The Story of Jimmy Winkfield (Lee & Low Books, 2008)
Feb 3: Nicole Tadgell (Ill.) – No Mush Today (Lee & Low Books, 2008)
Feb 4: Tia Williams – Sixteen Candles (Hyperion, 2008)
Feb 5: Julius Lester – Guardian (Amistad, 2008)
Feb 6: Philana Marie Boles – Little Divas (Amistad, 2006)
Feb 7: Zetta Elliott – Bird (Lee & Low Books, 2008)
Feb 8: Angela Johnson – Lily Brown’s Paintings (Orchard Books, 2007)
Feb 9: Pat Cummings – Harvey Moon, Museum Boy (HarperCollins, 2008)
Feb 10: Floyd Cooper (Ill.) – Becoming Billie Holiday ( Wordsong, 2008 ); Willie and the All-Stars (Philomel, 2008)
Feb 11: Tanita S. Davis – A La Carte (Knopf, 2008)
Feb 12: Derrick Barnes - Ruby and the Booker Boys #4: Ruby Flips for Attention (Scholastic, 2009)
Feb 13: Brenda Woods – My Name is Sally Little Song (Putnam, 2006)
Feb 14: Virginia Hamilton
Feb 15: Joyce Hansen – African Princess: The Amazing Lives of Africa’s Royal Women (Hyperion, 2004)
Feb 16: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson – Juneteenth (Millbrook Press, 2005)
Feb 17: London Ladd (Ill.) – March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed The World (Scholastic, 2008)
Feb 18: Marilyn Nelson – Freedom Business: Including a Narrative of the Life & Adventures of Venture (Front Street, 2008)
Feb 19: Andrea Davis Pinkney – Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation (Amistad, 2008)
Feb 20: Deborah Gregory – Catwalk (Delacorte, 2008)
Feb 21: Evelyn Coleman – Freedom Train (Margaret K. McElderry, 2008)
Feb 22: Jacqueline Woodson – Peace, Locomotion (Putnam, 2009)
Feb 23: Lesa Cline-Ransome – Helen Keller: The World in Her Heart (HarperCollins, 2008)
Feb 24: Cornelius Van Wright (Ill.) – Princess Grace (Dial, 2008)
Feb 25: Sherri Winston – The Kayla Chronicles (Little, Brown, 2008)

Feb 26: Shelia P. Moses – Joseph (Margaret K. McElderry, 2008)
Feb 27: Monalisa DeGross – Donovan’s Double Trouble (Amistad, 2007)
Feb 28: Monica McKayhan – Jaded (Kimani, 2008); The Pact (Kimani, 2008)

40 Responses to “28 Days Later”

  1. Doret Says:
    September 29, 2008 at 3:22 pm

    I have three submissions
    Monica McKayhan, author of Indigo Summer- It was the first Kimani Tru book I read and I really enjoyed it
    Deborah Gregory- author of Catwalk
    Philana Marie Boles author of Little Divas- I loved this book, still hoping there will be more

  2. Varian Johnson Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 6:59 am

    Submitted via email:

    LITTLE DIVAS by Philana Marie Boles.

    Thanks for the recommendation. Keep ‘em coming!

  3. Varian Johnson Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 7:05 am

    Another subbed via email:

    NO MUSH TODAY by Sally Derby, Ill. by Nicole Tadgell

  4. Varian Johnson Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 7:08 am

    Another subbed via email:

    AMADI’S SNOWMAN by Katia Novet Saint-Lot, Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo

    Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

  5. Denene Millner Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 9:58 am

    Thank you for doing this–for us parents who are CONSTANTLY on the look-out for great stories for our children, and for us authors who are starved for attention, recognition, and readers. Yours is a most important site! Here are my picks:

    1. Can’t Stop the Shine, by Joyce E. Davis (my 16-year-old son REALLY enjoyed this one)
    2. The Ruby and the Booker Boys series, by Derrick Barnes (a BRILLIANT series that my kids LOVE)
    3. The Willimina Rules, Rules Book #6: How To Face Up To the Class Bully, by Valerie Wilson Wesley (I know this came out in May 2007, but since NOBODY carries it in the bookstore, which is where I get all of my girls’ books, we didn’t find out until recently that it was available. Ridiculous.)
    4. Precious And the Boo Hag, Patricia McKissack (a recent discovery at the Scholastic Book Fair–on repeat request when I read to my daughter’s 1st grade class. It came out a few years ago, but it when we found it, it was like finding a present under the Christmas tree. Just brilliant.)

  6. Joy Acey Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    THE BLACKER THE BERRY
    by Joyce Carol Thomas and Illustrated by Floyd Cooper is the perfect wedding of uplifting poetry and beautiful art.
    It is a book that will empower young children. Copyright 2008,

    Do the books have to have been published this year? If not I really loved CLIMB HIGHER, GIRLS by Beah Richards and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. that was published in 2006.

  7. Rita Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
    Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
    We Are The Ship by Kadir Nelson

  8. Paula Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 7:18 pm

    Thanks everyone, keep them coming.

    Essentially, the primary criteria is that they be children’s book by a traditionally published African American author. Once we have all our names, we look back at track record to see if the author has published earlier books or if there are any in the pipeline (i.e. dedication to the children’s field).

    So no need to limit submissions to those books published in ‘07 or ‘08.

  9. Dereck Says:
    September 30, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    My Grandma’s Backyard by Miles and William Rabun.
    Note: This unique professionally illustrated book was written and published by young African-American brothers at the age of 7and 9. It sold over 1200 copies in less than one year and the authors have toured the British West Indies, North Carolina and Georgia so far inspiring writers and especially African-Americans of all ages. Please seriously consider this as one of your self-published works.

  10. Linda Trice Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 8:14 am

    Please consider my picture book KENYA’S WORD. publisher: Charlesbridge.

    The Florida chapter of the National League of American Pen Women voted it the best children’s book in 2008. In 2007 the IRA of Delaware listed it as one of their ten Delaware Diamonds.

    I have done author visits in Harlem (NY) and in Florida. Children think it is funny. Teachers like the way nouns and adjectives are taught. Parents like the concepts of black pride.

    I am a black mother. I received a MFA at Columbia University where my writing professor was John O. Killens. My undergraduatge degree is from Howard University. http://www.LindaTrice.com

  11. Linda Trice Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Thank you.

  12. Floyd C. Dickman Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 8:42 am

    I just came across your website and am pleased to see such a wonderful listing of African American authors and some illustrators. I work as a consultant doing wiorkshops for teachers, libraians, etc. and am intersted in finding more Aftican American illustrators. I primarily specialize in Picture Books for children birth to age 8. I could not find a listing of illustrators on your site but thought I may be missing it.

    Keep up the good work.

    I will be sharing the information about your “twenty eight days later” program.

  13. paulahy Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 10:42 am

    Mr. Dickman, illustrators can be found in italics on the following page, which lists all of the 2008 spotlighted authors and illustrators.

    http://thebrownbookshelf.com/28-days-later/28-days-later-2008/

    The illustrators showcased were:
    Shane Evans
    John Holyfield
    Leonard Jenkins
    Sean Qualls

    Thank you for your support.

  14. Cynthia Leitich Smith Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 11:08 am

    Becoming Billie Holiday by Carol Boston Weatherford
    Pilot Pups by Michelle Meadows
    My Life as a Rhombus by Varian Johnson

  15. Shadra Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 11:15 am

    I nominate WE ARE THE SHIP, a project 17 years in the making written and illus. by Kadir Nelson

  16. Shadra Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 11:16 am

    oops, make that seven, not seventeen ;-)

  17. Lynn E. Hazen Says:
    October 1, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    I’d like to nominate the wonderful picture book, THIS JAZZ MAN (Harcourt 2006), by Karen Ehrhardt

    This Jazz Man…
    riffs on the traditional counting chant “This Old Man” by moving it to the jazz club! Each spread showcases a different real-life African-American jazz great — Satchmo scats, Bojangles taps, and Dizzy plays “notes that rise to heaven.” Onomatopoeic jazz-sounds (”Beedle-di-Bop! Bebop!”) spill across the pages, replacing the original chant’s “paddy-whack” refrain. Fun for jazz aficionado parents and neophytes alike, this sing-along delights preschoolers and kindergarteners, while older children and their parents appreciate the brief bios of featured musicians including Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus.

    - One of twenty-four picture books selected for New York Public Library’s list, “100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.”

    - One of the “Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know” as per the National Education Association and the California Teacher’s Association.

  18. Bobbie Frost Says:
    October 2, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    I enthusiastically nominate Bird written by Zetta Elliott and illustrated by Shadra Strickland.

    Our young boys are looking for a hero. They can find one in Bird who is successfully coping with real-life problems in real-life times.

  19. Varian Johnson Says:
    October 2, 2008 at 11:56 pm

    Sent via email:

    Kevin Lewis, author of the following books:

    Chugga Chugga Choo Choo
    My Truck is Stuck
    Tugga-Tugga Tugboat
    Runaway Pumpkin
    Dinosaur Dinosaur
    Lot at the End of my Block

  20. Paula Says:
    October 3, 2008 at 10:32 am

    Hi everyone. Keep the submissions coming in. But I thought I’d drop in for a little housekeeping.

    The following authors were spotlighted during our first 28 Days Later. So they wouldn’t be selected again, to ensure we shine the light on those who have escaped our attention.
    Carole Boston Weatherford
    Valerie Wilson Wesley
    Michelle Meadows

    Below is the link to the 2008 spotlights for those who want to check whose had the spotlight:

    http://thebrownbookshelf.com/28-days-later/28-days-later-2008/

  21. Hannah Ehrlich Says:
    October 7, 2008 at 9:22 am

    I’d like to nominate two books:

    HOWARD THURMAN’S GREAT HOPE by Kai Jackson Issa, ill. by Arthur L. Dawson
    THE LAST BLACK KING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY by Crystal Hubbard, ill. by Robert McGuire

    I also enthusiastically second the nominations for NO MUSH TODAY and BIRD :)

    Thanks for spotlighting such a great collection of books on your site, guys!

  22. Christina Says:
    October 8, 2008 at 11:22 am

    Young Cornrows Callin Out the Moon by Ruth Forman

  23. Eleanora E. Tate Says:
    October 11, 2008 at 6:25 am

    I’m nominating Joyce Hansen, Coretta Scott King award-winning author of numerous excellent books; and Dr. Diane Johnson Feelings, known under her writing name as Dinah Johnson!
    Keep up your wonderful work in this monumental project!
    Eleanora E. Tate, Author of the award-winning YA novel Celeste’s Harlem Renaissance

  24. Jean Alicia Elster Says:
    October 12, 2008 at 5:14 pm

    I submitted this earlier via email but I think it became tangled up in cyberspace. If it was received, please excuse the repeat entry.

    I am nominating my fifth book for youth–the middle grade novel Who’s Jim Hines? (Wayne State University Press, August 2008). Based on real events, this is a coming of age story about a twelve-year-old African American boy as he comes to terms with the racial realities of Depression-era Detroit.

    Kudos for all you do via thebrownbookshelf.com!

    Jean Alicia Elster

  25. Tathiana Patino Says:
    October 13, 2008 at 7:20 am

    I’m nominating Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories by Geoffrey Philp

  26. Nicole Tadgell Says:
    October 17, 2008 at 3:22 pm

    There are so many lovely books out there, it’s hard to do this!

    Bird by Zetta Elliott

    My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman

    A Day with Daddy by Nikki Grimes

    Lights Out by Angela Shelf Medearis

  27. Polly & Meek Says:
    October 17, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    We would like to nominate our children’s picture book titled Sisters Are From Heaven. Our book speaks to what God intends for sisters and teaches children to love one another and the everybody in the world. It is a positive ministry for young children.

    Our book is self-published.

    This is such a wonderful thing you all are doing at The Brown Book Shelf! Please keep up the fantastic work.

    Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson

  28. Paula Says:
    October 22, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    Hey everyone would love to see more YA books nommed.

  29. dianne white Says:
    October 28, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    I nominate poet Marilyn Nelson. Several powerful poetry books she’s written for the middle grad and YA audience come immediately to mind: A Wreath for Emmett Till, Carver: A Life in Poems, and Fortune’s Bones.

  30. M. LaVora Perry Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 8:05 am

    I nominate middle grade novel TANEESHA NEVER DISPARAGING by me! (M. LaVora Perry). Cover illustration by Floyd Cooper. Published by Wisdom Publications, September 2008.

    Thanks for doing this, BB Team!

  31. Joyce Hansen Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 11:40 am

    I’d like to nominate the book, Harvey Moon, Museum Boy by the award winning author and illustrator, Pat Cummings.

    I appreciate the work you are doing. So many of our books and authors go under the radar.
    Joyce Hansen, author
    I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly
    Home Boy (young adult)

  32. Elaine Says:
    October 29, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    I nominate:

    Sharon Draper. November Blues (2007)
    Traci L. Jones . Standing Against the Wind (2006)
    G. Neri. Chess Rumble. (2007)
    Kadir Nelson. We are the Ship (2008)

  33. Paula Says:
    October 31, 2008 at 11:40 am

    Woo hoo! That’s what I’m talking about. Thanks for the increase in YA and MG noms, everyone!

  34. Crystal Roget Says:
    October 31, 2008 at 12:40 pm

    I nominate:

    Traci L. Jones (Standing against the wind, 2006)
    Sherri Winston (The Kayla Chronicles, 2007 –Little, Brown)
    Deborah Gregory (The Cheetah Girls series, Catwalk) –her story and experience with Disney is a cautionary tale in itself, as well as inspiring

  35. mary ann rodman Says:
    October 31, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    I am so honored to be nominated to this list, but alas, I am not an African-American.
    What a wonderful group of books and authors you have.

  36. Debby Edwardson Says:
    November 1, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    Kekla Magoon–her new book, The Rock and the River, is due out in January.

  37. Philana Marie Boles Says:
    November 1, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    Oh I feel so blessed to be included in consideration! Thank you so much Doret! First, please know that the only way that I–or any of us–can keep them coming is to somehow show the publisher that people want it. It’s a wonderful blessing but a journey nonetheless.

    Secondly, can I nominate Paula Chase Hyman?!?!?? Not only is she a fabulous writer but she is one of the very few authors who is truly supportive and encouraging. Not just talking the talk but walking the walk of supporting one another. I wish her, and all of the writers mentioned above, all good things and continued success. Thank you again for including me–and Little Divas–in this space of consideration. To GOD be the glory…

  38. thebooleyhouse Says:
    January 15, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    It’s January 15. Post it already!

  39. Better late… « Says:
    January 18, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    [...] 28 Days Later [...]

  40. Dianne White » twenty-eight days later Says:
    January 19, 2009 at 12:58 am

    [...] spotlights. Filled under: Brown Bookshelf, books for children | You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. [...]

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