We’re the People, a collaboration of authors, bloggers, academics, and librarians who share a passion for children, literacy, and diversity, has released their 2016 Summer Reading List! The focus of the list are books that are written or illustrated by Native Americans or writers/illustrators of color that have withstood a critical review. You can find the full annotated [ Read the full article… ]

When author/illustrator Don Tate invited me to write a blogpost about Malaika’s Costume, I thought.  Of course.  Why not?  Why don’t I take this opportunity to ask all of the questions, the sorts of questions I get asked all the time, the sorts of questions I wished I was asked about this book?  Ladies and gentleman.  [ Read the full article… ]

Each year, the African American Children’s Book Fair in Philadelphia celebrates the beauty of literature by black children’s book creators. Founded by literary publicist and advocate Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, it is known as “one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children’s books in the country.” Thousands of parents, children, teachers, librarians and book lovers come to [ Read the full article… ]

When I think about picture book series starring black characters, Linda Trice’s proud and creative Kenya immediately comes to mind. Trice, a 2014 28 Days Later honoree, released the first two books – Kenya’s Word and Kenya’s Song – to critical acclaim. Now, she’s back with another winner – Kenya’s Art (illustrated by Hazel Mitchell, published by Charlesbridge) – [ Read the full article… ]

Oh Mylanta…She’s back! We are pleased as peanut brittle to celebrate the latest, greatest release from author and BBS contributor, Crystal Allen, also known as The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown (Balzer and Bray).   We asked Crystal for some inside scoop on the creation of her new chapter book series. Our conversation went as follows:   BBS: [ Read the full article… ]

Today, we are proud to announce the honorees for our ninth annual 28 Days Later campaign, a Black History Month celebration of emerging and established children’s book creators of color. Throughout February, we will showcase outstanding authors and illustrators through guest posts, Q&As and features on their latest book. We invite you to come along on our journey [ Read the full article… ]

In 2015,  I logged a lot of miles on the exhibit floors of children’s book conferences—ALA, BEA, TLA, NCTE, NCSS, many more, acronyms abound. As I walked, my eyes stayed peeled for treasures that featured Black characters, books that reflect my African American experience, history, culture, or any book on any topic written and/or illustrated by a Black creator. [ Read the full article… ]

At this time of year, people search for inspiring holiday books to share with children. Finding one that celebrates the beauty of the season and showcases our world’s diversity is a treasure. We are proud to feature a stunning addition to this collection. Award-winning author, scholar and activist Zetta Elliott’s new picture book, Let the Faithful Come, is a lyrical nativity story with [ Read the full article… ]