Conceived out of a need to bring awareness to creative artists producing stories that feature characters of color and continued for five years now to ensure these artists receive some level of collective push for their works, The Brown Bookshelf highlights a different author or illustrator every day in February.
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 2013 authors/illustrators are:
Vanguard authors in bold.
Illustrators in italics.
Feb. 1 – Malaika Rose Stanley (MG)
Feb. 2 – Christian Robinson– (Illustrator)
Feb. 3 – Alaya Dawn Johnson – (YA)
Feb. 4 – Glenda Armand – (PB)
Feb. 5 – Glennette Tilley Turner – (MG)
Feb. 6 – Traci L. Jones – (YA)
Feb. 7 – Brynne Barnes – (PB)
Feb. 8 – Brian F. Walker – (YA)
Feb. 9 – Veronica Chambers – (MG)
Feb. 10 – B.A. Binns (YA)
Feb. 11 – Donna Washington – (PB)
Feb. 12 – Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams – (MG)
Feb. 13 – Octavia Butler – (YA )
Feb. 14 – Ann Tanksley – (Illustrator)
Feb. 15 – Lyah Beth LeFlore – (YA)
Feb. 16 – Tololwa M. Mollel – (PB)
Feb. 17 – Arna Bontemps – (MG)
Feb. 18 – Jasmine Richards – (MG)
Feb. 19 – James Ransome – (PB)
Feb. 20 – Ashley Bryan – (Illustrator)
Feb. 21 – Nalo Hopkinson – (YA)
Feb. 22- Daniel Minter – (Illustrator)
Feb. 23 – Angela Shelf Medearis – (PB)
Feb. 24 – Linda Tarrant-Reid – (MG)
Feb. 25 – Willie Perdomo – (PB)
Feb. 26 – Chudney Ross – (MG)
Feb. 27 – Becky Birtha – (PB)
Feb. 28 – Jaime Reed – (YA)
[…] Bookshelf will be highlighting a different author or illustrator of color. The project, called 28 Days Later, is a celebration of children’s literature, and it began as a way “to bring awareness […]
Please add Pat Nicholson’s name and her 2 books (available on amazon.com), ‘I Don’t Like Spiders But They Seem To Like Me’ and ‘Because I Can Read’ to your categories.
[…] Bookshelf has been featuring one African American author or illustrator each day this month. Here you’ll find their complete February list, with notations indicating picture book, middle grade […]
Bookshelf seems wonderful. I just came across it when searching for a new publisher for my next childrens book. As an African American author I have found it very difficult to get much exposure for my previous illustrated children’s book on self-esteem entitled: “Something About My Face.” Although it has won several awards (2010 Young Voices Foundation Seal of Approval and Los Angeles, Ca. Family Magazine award) it has been difficult getting the recognition I think it merits. Maybe Bookshelf can offer some suggestions. Amazon and standard marketing aren’t working!
Thanks
Regina Allen-Wilson
I would like to know more about what happened to AACBWI. There is no website. thanks
[…] of the myriad of African American voices writing for young readers. Their flagship initiative of is 28 Days Later, a month-long showcase of the best in Picture Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult novels written […]