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… ]
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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… ]
Making Our Own Market: DuEwa Frazier
We are honoured to welcome DuEwa Frazier to the Brown Bookshelf today. Poet, founder of Lit Noire Publishing, author of DEANNE IN THE MIDDLE, and much, much more — DuEwa is a true wonder woman. Grab your notebook and a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or just some cool, clear water…and prepare to be inspired. [ Read the full article… ]
Celebrating a Giant: Walter Dean Myers
I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet Walter Dean Myers, a giant in so many ways. Before seeing him face to face, I met the award-winning author through his words – Brown Angels, Blues Journey, Looking Like Me. His writing embraced me, affirmed me, gave me that I-am-you-you-are-me nod that brothers and sisters exchange around the world. “Why do [ Read the full article… ]
Walter Dean Myers–More Than an Outstanding Writer
By Wade Hudson I was stunned when I heard that Walter Dean Myers had made his transition. During the 25 plus years that my wife Cheryl and I have been involved in publishing, it seemed that Walter was always “there.” We started Just Us Books, Inc. in 1988 to publish more books for children [ Read the full article… ]
Walter Dean Myers: “Reading is not an option”
By Linda Trice Tributes have been posted mourning the passing of Walter Dean Myers’s unexpected death on July 1, 2014. Many heartfelt ones are from readers who believed that Walter’s work spoke directly to them, reflected their life, understood their pain and guided them towards a hopeful future. People ask what they can do in [ Read the full article… ]
Walter Dean Myers passes away at 76
Walter Dean Myers, in his own words and what he hoped his legacy would be. “I hope that my legacy is that I was useful for young people…” “…I want to make people of color human beings, and I want to make poor people human beings. I want to include them in my books [ Read the full article… ]
Making Our Own Market: Reading is Fundamental
The Making Our Own Market series has been about empowering children’s book creators of color with new ways to tell our stories and get them into children’s hands. Luckily, we don’t have to do that last part alone. Wonderful organizations like Reading is Fundamental (RIF), First Book, Teaching for Change and others support our work in important and enduring ways. [ Read the full article… ]