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… ]

International Reading Association, 2012

Last week, Kelly Starling Lyons and I took the Brown Bookshelf on the road. We presented a program at the International Reading Association conference, Windows to the Past: Using Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Picture Books to Teach Black History. It was a bit hit. Kelly discussed her books and what inspires her stories. And she offered great tips for using picture [ Read the full article… ]

Free Kindle Copy: Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria

Author and quilter Kyra E. Hicks has great news to share: She sold out of copies of her wonderful picture book, Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria. Yay! Go Kyra! It’s now an ebook available on Kindle. Through tomorrow (April 29), Kyra is offering a free Kindle copy of her book. Here’s the link: http://amzn.to/IXL9wv [ Read the full article… ]

Jes’ A Hit

We’re peacock proud around BBS. Team member and award-winning illustrator Don Tate celebrated the book birthday for his fantastic authorial debut last week: It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw (Lee & Low). Already, the book, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, has won big praise from industry journals.  Kirkus and Booklist gave it starred reviews. It’s [ Read the full article… ]

Easter Treasures

I’m often the go-to person for friends looking for multicultural children’s book recommendations. But when a buddy asked me recently for suggestions of Easter-themed books that feature African-American characters, I was stumped.  Thankfully, help was just a click away. Through online searches and suggestions from my FaceBook friend, Kathleen T. Horning of the Cooperative Children’s Book [ Read the full article… ]