To celebrate children’s authors and illustrators of color, during the twenty-eight days of Black History Month we’ll profile a different artist. Vanguard artists are those who have paved the way for newer authors and illustrators, all others are considered “under the radar.”

You may be surprised to see an author you know defined as “under the radar,” but until authors of color receive consistent mainstream exposure among librarians, teachers and readers, the Brown Bookshelf is dedicated to ensuring they are recognized and honored for their literature.

The authors and the day they will be featured are as follows:

February 1 – Kwame Alexander- Acoustic Rooster (PB)
February 2 – Denise Lewis Patrick The Cecile Series: American Girl  (MG)
February 3 – Noni Carter Good Fortune (YA)
February 4 – James Haskins
February 5 – NiNi Simone
February 6 – Keith Shepherd
February 7 – Nikki Giovanni
February 8 – Tracey Baptiste
February 9 – TL Clarke
February 10 – Atinuke
February 11 – Bryan Collier
February 12 – Earl Sewell
February 13 – Debbi Chocolate
February 14 – Lynda Jones
February 15 – Calvin Alexander Ramsey
February 16 – L. Divine
February 17 – Charlotte Riley Webb
February 18 – Bil Wright
February 19 – Pansie Hart Flood
February 20 – Traci Dant
February 21 – Nikki Carter
February 22 – Sharon Robinson
February 23 – Teresa Harris
February 24 – Sofia Quintero
February 25 – Malorie Blackman
February 26 – Alice Faye Duncan
February 27 – Elizabeth Zunon
February 28 – Margaree King Mitchell
February 29 – BBS Members Spotlight