I first heard Rita Lorraine Hubbard’s name several years ago, when she produced her documentary. How impressive! I followed her remarkable career as she wrote book after book and finally asked her to share her writing success with our readers. Here, in her own words is how she has accomplished so much. When I was [ Read the full article… ]
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Justice on The Lesson Plan
By Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich In addition to the excitement and apprehension about tests, read alouds, and recess, there was tension as the school year got underway in many cities and educators wondered if and how to address the police killing of unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and the civil unrest that followed. Do [ Read the full article… ]
An Open Letter from Sharon G. Flake
I am writing to you because I believe you are unstoppable. And that this is a quality you try to instill in the young people you work with or influence. On September 30, 2014, my new novel, Unstoppable Octobia May, will hit bookstores nationwide. On that day I would love you and/or the young people [ Read the full article… ]
Jerry Craft: From reluctant reader to celebrated cartoonist, author, illustrator, and more!
Guest post for the Brown Bookshelf by syndicated cartoonist, author and illustrator, Jerry Craft I published my first book back in 1997. Since then I have written and / or illustrated more than a dozen others. I think the reason why I’ve dedicated my life to get kids to read is because I went through most of my [ Read the full article… ]
The Back Story with Katheryn Russell-Brown
It’s not often that a debut picture book earns three starred reviews. But that’s just what Katheryn Russell-Brown won for her brand new release, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone (Lee & Low, 2014). A law professor by trade, Katheryn was called to write for kids after she became a mom. Here’s her inspiring story [ Read the full article… ]
Nominations Now Open for 28 Days Later!
Happy Labor Day! As today is the day our nation has set aside for celebrating the myriad social and economic contributions of our American labor force (which all too often tends to go unlauded the rest of the year), it is more than fitting that we’ve chosen today to open up nominations for 28 Days Later-2015! 28 Days [ Read the full article… ]
Our Mailbox
Fortunately, we receive books! The following are upcoming or recently published books written by African American authors, or authors of any background, but feature diverse main characters. If Kids Ran the World by Leo & Diane Dillon Scholastic, Blue Sky Press, 2014 From the publisher: Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon show children playfully creating [ Read the full article… ]
Ballerina Girl
This year, two beautiful picture books about black ballerinas hope to dance their way into children’s hearts and hands. The latest is a gorgeous forthcoming debut by American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland titled Firebird, the name of the classic role she was the first black woman to star in. Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist [ Read the full article… ]