As picture book biographies continue to amaze me, here is a list of 10 books that told wonderful stories that all kids should read. No matter what, these books show that even the best slave life was still an intolerable one. Tags : black history black history month nonfiction stories … and Life is Nonfiction . Check out the regulars who DO post weekly on Kid Lit Frenzy. The leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement have been called terrorists, a threat to America. I give this nonfiction movie 5 stars, and it exposed me to another angle of Black History Month. Yet, supported by loving friends and strengthened by "inner soldiers," Jenifer has never stopped entertaining and creating. 'This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America' by Morgan Jerkins, 'When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir' by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele, 'So You Want to Talk About Race' by Ijeoma Oluo, 'March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine' by Melba Pattillo Beals, 'The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir' by Jenifer Lewis, 'Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!' They grew up in East Compton, not the nicest spot in Los Angeles. So far this Black History Month, we’ve shared a reading list from Camille Dungy, a poetry-themed list, and a list of books by Black authors that had been adapted into films. I receive review copies from NetGalley, the KidLitExchange Network, and publishers. While I love a good novel, I wanted to focus on our history and these non-fiction books are not just a celebration of our history but a look back to see how far we’ve come as a people. It looks to the lives of black women — one of the nation's most maligned subjects — for direction. With an array of contributors both classic and contemporary — including Zora Neale Hurston and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — Black Ink presents the brilliant diversity of black thought in America while solidifying the importance of these writers within the greater context of the American literary tradition. When I hear the song We Shall Overcome, my head and my heart immediately go to the Civil Rights Movement. Feb. 1, 2018. Know your place. Spanning over 250 years of history, Black Ink traces black literature in America from Frederick Douglass to Ta-Nehisi Coates in a collection of 25 moving essays on the power of the written word. In the early 20s she starred in Dover Street to Dixie, a two act review that featured a white cast in the first half and a black cast in the second half. People threatened to boycott, but came anyway and were mesmerized by her voice. Way back before the Civil Rights movement came to be, a singer from a tiny little house in Washington, DC was making music and taking a stand against racism.

Two years ago I also put together another list of 10 great nonfiction books for Black History Month. This biography of a photographer many might not recognize is fabulously done. For that, they are wonderful models for all children. In So You Want to Talk About Race, Editor at Large of The Establishment Ijeoma Oluo offers a contemporary, accessible take on the racial landscape in America, addressing issues like privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, and micro-aggressions. And then it shows how Lonnie Johnson came up with a great idea that got rejection after rejection until he finally had success. The book uses the song as a way to teach about slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It’s Black History Month! But Beals had the heart of a fighter — and the knowledge that her true place was a free one. Two years ago I also put together another list of 10 great nonfiction books for Black History Month. by Marley Dias, 'Black Ink: Literary Legends on the Peril, Power, and Pleasure of Reading and Writing' by Stephanie Stokes Oliver, 'Sign My Name to Freedom: A Memoir of a Pioneering Life' by Betty Reid-Soskin (Feb. 6), 'Love’s Long Line' by Sophfronia Scott (Feb. 11), 'Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower' by Brittney Cooper (Feb. 20). They weren’t just instrumental, they were crucial to John Glenn’s orbit around the earth! This book club celebrates Black History 365 days a year, consider February our anniversary month! All rights reserved. My complete review of the book can be seen here, but what impresses me most about her story is that she did the work that she did because it was important to her. This book take a look at Michael Jordan at age 9 and his dreams of being an Olympic basketball player, which we all know eventually happened. By now, we all know the story of the African-American women who worked at NASA and made a direct impact on the space race made common knowledge by Margo Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures. While there are countless ways to celebrate black history this month (and every month!) Join our mailing list to receive the latest posts and updates from The Sistah Girl Next Door. 2020 Bustle Digital Group. Few tennis players have caught the general public’s’ eyes the way Venus and Serena Williams have. It contextualizes history and makes it more personal. At just 13 years old, Marley Dias has not only been the voice behind the #1000blackgirls book campaign, she has also become an activist icon for teens (and, well, everyone) everywhere. Included are websites and biographies dealing with the history that has brought us Black History Month. But art, like books, are windows into the world around us. They had dreams of doing something better with their lives and their smarts. : Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, by Chris Barton, tells of a young boy fascinated with how things worked and who loved to create. At age 96, Betty Reid Soskin is the oldest National Park Ranger serving the United States. February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of black writers, creators, entertainers, inventors, politicians, activists, and other luminaries in U.S. history. Be patient. When he appeared on television one day as an expert, he realized just how important it was for him to be present and visible as an expert in his field for young black children as he was never able to see that himself as a child. Before they could play tennis, they had to sweep the trash off of the courts. What better way to celebrate than by reading a book? The pieces of this book that shine are the importance his family put on education and the understanding that if you want to achieve a big goal like that, you have to work for it. Fortunately, Tyson was also helped along the way from teachers and mentors who saw his passion and encouraged him to develop it. It also shows how he used his art to help give a voice to the African American community who didn’t have the same rights as white Americans. Why hadn’t I heard of this before? Eloquent Rage offers a way forward, one that encourages us all not to be cowed or silenced by fear. I find this story fascinating and also recently discovered a book for middle school aged kids called Jefferson’s Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (author of The War that Saved My Life) that is also an important read. In the book Fancy Party Gowns by Deborah Blumenthal, we are shown the story of Ann Cole Lowe, an African-American fashion designer. We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy, is an amazing book that tells the story of the song, from it’s original roots as a song that American slaves would sing to the time when Pete Seeger sang it to Martin Luther King, Jr. Why do we love libraries? She faced racism and persevered, it might even have made her stronger. Every child recognizing the song, this is a marvelous way to bring the history into it. In this accessible guide, with an introduction by Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good.

They could not use the same restrooms.

A moving tribute. In Harlem’s Little Blackbird, Renee Watson shows that Florence Mills was a force to be reckoned with, admired and appreciated by the likes of Duke Ellington, Lena Horne and Paul Robeson.

Feel Free offers a survey of important recent events in culture and politics, as well as Smith's own life.

My Name is James Madison Hemings, by Jonah Winter and Terry Widener, is the story told from the perspective of James, their third child together. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! What better way to celebrate than by reading a book?

No harm or infringement is intended. Scott turns an unflinching eye on her life to deliver a collection of essays ruminating on faith, motherhood, race, and the search for meaningful connection in an increasingly disconnected world. 6 works of Canadian fiction to read for Black History Month 2020 40 works of Canadian nonfiction to watch for in spring 2020 The bestselling Canadian books for the week of Feb. 9-15, 2020 Black History Month: Nonfiction Reading List. Most kids know the thrill of soaking someone with a water gun, or being soaked themselves, so reading about the guy who invented them is an enticing subject. Adults all told her: Hold your tongue. It made her happy. It’s Black History Month! I have been awful at managing to get posts for the nonfiction picture book challenge up, but grad school is taking up a lot of my time. What is The Social Network —and Facebook itself — really about? This year is no different…well it’s a little different, this year I decided to do a list of non-fiction books. is more than just a story about how super soakers were invented. For instance, Driving While Black reflects on Gretchen Sorin’s own personal family history and experiences with traveling on the road. Here she shares her story, from growing up hearing stories of slavery from her great-grandmother, to her landmark career as a park ranger. One spread specifically talks about segregation in terms that kids can really understand – “They could not drink from the same water fountains. Zadie Smith's latest essay collection poses questions on topics readers can immediately recognize. A true story of perseverance and innovation. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. That said, the picture book version of this story is a great book to include in any library about the impacts of segregation and discrimination (as is the young reader’s version). These books range from memoirs to essays covering everything from pop culture and history to personal triumphs and struggles. It highlights the different lifestyles of whites versus blacks in the South. No matter what you're in the mood for, all of these nonfiction books are waiting to be grabbed off your closest bookstore or library shelves throughout this month. by Sharee Hereford | Feb 7, 2020 | Black Authors, Black Literature, Black Writers, Latest Updates, Sistah Girls Book Club | 0 comments. Cline-Ransome also captures the discrimination that they faced playing in a “nearly all-white sport.” A great book to inspire kids.