So. Summer vacation is half over. Have you gotten some swim time in? Seen the latest movies? Visited the grandparents? Reached your summer reading goal? We can help you with the last one. The Brown Bookshelf sent out a call to publishers and readers, asking for the latest and greatest children’s books by African-American authors and illustrators. Below [ Read the full article… ]
Author: Tameka Fryer Brown


It’s All About The Line
THE LAURA LINE is a new middle grade novel written by BBS contributor, Crystal Allen. It’s funny (ding!), affecting (ding, ding!), and full of heart (ding, ding, ding!) Yes—you do have to read the story to be up on the “ding”. With themes of body image and self-acceptance, it’s a timely tale that also contains [ Read the full article… ]

The BBS 2012 Summer Reading List — Picture Books & Early Readers
It’s time to pull out the shades and the sunscreen (yes, the sunscreen) and get ready for all things summer! While planning days filled with travel and play and surfside fun, do not forget the most important summertime accessory of all: a good book. As always, The Brown Bookshelf is here to help you stay [ Read the full article… ]

The BBS 2012 Summer Reading List — Chapter Books & Middle Grades
Here are some chapter books and middle grade titles written by black authors of various cultures. This diverse list includes something of interest for every kind of reader! NEWER TITLES (2010-2012) “Anna Hibiscus” Series Author: Atinuke Publisher: Walker (2011) Genre: CB No. 1 Car Spotter Author: Atinuke Publisher: Walker (2010) Genre: CB [ Read the full article… ]

The BBS 2012 Summer Reading List — Young Adult
Finally, here are some young adult titles that we at the BBS have either read or plan on reading this summer. Check them out yourself–and be sure to share this list with all the teens in your world. NEWER TITLES (2010-2012) Chameleon Author: Charles R. Smith, Jr. Publisher: Candlewick Press (2010) Genre: YA [ Read the full article… ]

Remembering One Million Men in October
October 16, 2010 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Million Man March, an event where African-American men from all over the country came together in the spirit of atonement, reconciliation, and responsibility. BBS’s Kelly Starling Lyons attended the march and is the author of the picture book, One Million Men and Me—a tender story told [ Read the full article… ]

EXPERT SCOOP: Jason Wells
Today’s expert is Jason Wells, Publicity and Marketing Director for Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books. Wells began his career in publishing at age sixteen at a small publisher on Long Island. Before joining Abrams in 2002, he held positions at Penguin, DK, Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster. In 2007 he received his MLS [ Read the full article… ]

EXPERT SCOOP with Jennifer Rofé
Jennifer Rofé is a literary agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency (ABLA). Jennifer earned a BA in English with a minor in Social and Ethnic Relations from UC Davis, and has a background in secondary education. Jennifer has been on faculty for the Big Sur Writer’s Workshop; the San Francisco Writer’s Workshop; and [ Read the full article… ]