Our Stories: The African-American Experience

For the Youngest Readers | Real People and Places | Stories and Poems | Arts, Crafts and Celebrations For the Youngest Readers Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later) by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard. (JE) Sarah and Susan love to visit Great-great Aunt Flossie, because her Baltimore house is filled with old hats, wonderful stories and beautiful memories. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky by Faith Ringgold. (JE) Harriet Tubman guides Cassie on an imaginary journey through the perils of the Underground Railroad. A big bright picture book by an award-winning illustrator. Come Sunday by Nikki Grimes illus. by Michael Bryant. (JE) Follow little LaTasha through a Sunday spent at the Paradise Baptist Church where she enjoys the fancy hats, the "blue-haired ladies," the church supper, and the prayers and hymns. The Drinking Gourd by F. N. Monjo. (JEB) In this "I Can Read History" book, Tommy discovers that his family is sheltering escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo illus. by Brian Pinkney. (J 921 King) A colorful, simple introduction for young readers to the life and works of the beloved Civil Rights leader. K is for Kwanzaa : a Kwanzaa Alphabet Book by Juwanda G. Ford; illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. (JE) Bold illustrations and simple text introduce children to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby, illus. by Chris K. Soentpiet.(JE) Nine-year-old Booker T. Washington longs to be able to read and finally gets his wish. Striking oil paintings illustrate the simply told tale. The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy, illus. by Jerry Pinkney. (JE) Tanya and her grandmother begin making a special quilt, but then her grandmother is taken ill. One by one, the rest of the family pitches in to help, and a happy ending holds a surprise for Tanya. A sequel to the story is Tanya's Reunion. Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold. (JE) Cassie and her family spend hot summer nights on "tar beach," the rooftop of their New York apartment building. Come fly with Cassie on a magical journey among the stars, over the city, where all you see can be yours forever. The Wagon by Tony Johnston; paintings by James E. Ransome.(JE) In this bittersweet tale, a young slave who longs fiercely for freedom is finally able to leave the plantation in a wagon his father built. Real People and Places Afro-bets Book of Black Heroes from A to Z: an Introduction to Important Black Achievers for Young Readers by Wade Hudson. (J 920 Hu) This book brings to life a variety of Black men and women whose contributions in art, medicine, science, sports, music and politics have shaped world history. Black Diamond: the Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues by Pat and Fredrick McKissak.(J 796.357 Mc) During the years that African-American players were shut out of major league baseball, they formed their own leagues and made history. Their story is told in Black Diamond, whose readers will also enjoy Playing America's Game: the Story of Negro League Baseball by Michael L. Cooper (J 796.357 Co) Childtimes: a Three-Generation Memoir by Eloise Greenfield. (J 920 OR) Eloise Greenfield, whose books for young readers have received many awards, has written a touching book about three generations of her own family's “childtimes.” Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes by Floyd Cooper. (J 921 Hughe) This biography tells the early years of the poet Langston Hughes and how he was influenced by his grandmother's storytelling, the public library and the jazzy sounds of blues music. Duke Ellington: the Piano Prince and his Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkney; illus. by Brian Pinkney.( J 921 Ellin) Swirling, swooping bursts of color illustrate the story of this great jazz musician and his "hot-buttered bop.” The Great Migration: an American Story by Jacob Lawrence. (J 759.13 Law) A stunning series of sixty oil paintings shows the journey of African-Americans who left the rural South around the time of World War I in search of better jobs in the industrial North. Harlem: a Poem by Walter Dean Myers. Illus. by Christopher Myers. (J 811 My) A celebration of the art and the people of this vibrant city, rich in African-American history and culture. Leon's Story by Leon Walter Tillage. Illus. by Susan L. Roth.(J 975.6 Ti) Based on the presentation he gives to students every year, this story of Mr. Tillage's life is also the story of the Civil Rights movement in this country. A Long Hard Journey: the Story of the Pullman Porter by Pat and Fredrick McKissak (J 331.88 Mc) Known as the "Ambassadors of Hospitality," the Pullman porters formed the first all-black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This well-balanced and engaging history includes a detailed index, bibliography and photo credits. Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom by Virginia Hamilton, illus. by Leo and Diane Dillon. (J 973.7 11 Ha) True stories of resistance and rebellion are told in a simple, direct style that sings "the joyous anthem of freedom.” Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Freedom Movement by Lillie Patterson. (J 921 King) The life of Dr. King is told along with the history of the Freedom Riders, the Birmingham demonstrations, and other events of the Civil Rights movement. Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder; illus. by Jerry Pinkney. (J 921 Tubma) The early life of this conductor on the Underground Railroad, who grew up on a plantation in Maryland, is told through simple text and gorgeous watercolor illustrations. Now is Your Time!: the African-American Struggle for Freedom by Walter Dean Myers. (J 305.8 My) A powerful history of the famous as well as unsung African-American freedom fighters. Winner of the Coretta Scott King award for text. Oh, Freedom! : Kids Talk About the Civil Rights Movement with the People Who Made it Happen by Casey King and Linda Barrett Osborne. ( J 323 Ki) Kids interview family, friends and famous people who took part in a movement that changed American history. The Real McCoy: the Life of an African-American Inventor by Wendy Towie. (J921 McCoy) Elijah McCoy, the son of escaped slaves, studied in Scotland, became an engineer, and went on to patent over fifty inventions in his lifetime. His automatic oil cup was so well designed that railroad engineers insisted on "the real McCoy" when they outfitted their locomotives. Richard Wright and the Library Card by William Miller; illustrated by Gregory Christie. (J) A true story of a young black man, later a world-famous writer, who was so hungry for books that he found a way to get around the policies of the segregated libraries of the 1920's. Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman? by Pat and Fredrick McKissack. (J 921 Truth) From her birth as a slave to her audiences with Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, this book examines the forces that led Sojourner Truth to speak out against racism and sexism. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull ; illustrated by David Diaz. ( J 921 Rudol) Stricken with polio when she was a child, this amazing athlete learned to walk again and won Olympic medals for running. Stories and Poems Amistad Rising: a Story of Freedom by Veronica Chambers; illustrated by Paul Lee. (J) How a group of African men, captured as slaves on the ship Amistad, managed to overpower their captors and eventually win their freedom. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella by Daniel San Souci; illus. by Brian Pinkney. ( J 398.2 Sa) Cinderella's Creole godmother tells what really happened, in an unusual version of the traditional tale. The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural by Patricia McKissack. (J) Ghost stories from African-American lore, to be told or read during the half-hour between sunset and nightfall - the "dark thirty" when shadows play tricks with your mind. The Gold Cadillac by Mildred Taylor. (J) Two sisters discover strong racial prejudice and ignorance, as well as the strength of their family, during their emotional journey to Mississippi in a brand new 1950 Cadillac. I Have Heard of a Land by Joyce Carol Thomas, illus. by Floyd Cooper. (JE) An African-American woman tells of the joys and sorrows of homesteading her own land in the Oklahoma territory. The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Bell Mathis, illus. by Leo and Diane Dillon. (J) A strong bond of love and history is created between a young Black child and his Great-great Aunt Dew when she tells him the story behind every penny in her box- one for each of her birthdays. In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers, illus. by Javaka Steptoe. ( J 811 In) A collection of poems about the love and respect we feel for our fathers is illustrated with striking collages. John Henry by Julius Lester, illus. by Jerry Pinkney. (398.0973 Le) A tall tale told with humor and exaggeration, accompanied by watercolor illustrations that capture every aspect of the larger-than-life story. Let My People Go: Bible Stories Told by a Freeman of Color to his Daughter, Charlotte, in Charleston, South Carolina, 1806-1816 by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack; illus. by James Ransome. ( J 220.98 Mc) Charlotte's father draws parallels between incidents in their daily life in Charleston and stories from the Old Testament. Letters From a Slave Girl: the Story of Harriet Jacobs by Mary E. Lyons. (J) The gripping story of a young woman who went through many trials in order to gain freedom for her children and herself. Based on a true story. Night on Neighborhood Street by Eloise Greenfield, illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. (J 811 Gr) Sleepovers, crying babies, church meetings and "Fambly Time" are celebrated in poems about life in this neighborhood. The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia Hamilton, illus. by Leo and Diane Dillon. J 398.097 Ha. Folktales about animals, such as Brer Rabbit, as well as stories of fantasy, of the supernatural and of freedom. A companion book by the same author and illustrators is Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales (J 398.0973 Ha) A Picture of Freedom: the Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl by Pat McKissack. (J) A twelve-year-old house slave carefully conceals the fact that she can read and write, skills that could earn her a beating or worse. One in the "Dear America" series. Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. (JE) Two young soldiers, one black and one white, meet during the Civil War and form an unbroken bond that endures to the present day. Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, illus. by David Diaz. (JE) During a night of rioting in Los Angeles, a boy and his mother discover the importance of everyone's working to help each other, regardless of race or background. Winner of the 1995 Caldecott Medal. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, illus. by James Ransome. (JE) Clara, a young slave, uses her skill with a needle and thread to sew into the design of her quilt a map used by many slaves, including Clara herself, to navigate their way along the Underground Railroad to freedom. Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! by Eleanora Tate. (J) Mary Elouise and her friends at Gumbo Grove Elementary School are learning their parts for a special school play, and in the process they also learn about friendship, family and self-respect. Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell, illus. by James Ransome. (JE) When Sarah Jean falls seriously ill, her favorite uncle must put off his dream to help pay her doctor bills. This story shows the special bond between members of a loving family. The African-American Child's Heritage Cookbook by Vanessa Roberts Parham. (J 641.59 Pa) Young cooks will enjoy trying recipes from the many cultures that have influenced African-American cooking— African, Native American, Creole, Cajun, and Caribbean in this comprehensive collection. Arts, Crafts and Celebrations A Good Soup Attracts Chairs: a First African Cookbook for American Kids by Fran Osseo-Asare. (J 641.5966 Os) This easy-to-use cookbook presents West African foods through recipes, culture and history. Includes basic cooking tips and special African cooking techniques. I See the Rhythm by Toyomi Igus; illus. by Michelle Wood. The history of African-American music, from African drumming to hip-hop, is told through poetry and art. Just Listen to This Song I'm Singing: African-American History Through Song by Jerry Silverman. (J 782.42 Si) Find out the fascinating history behind "Casey Jones," "The Midnight Special," "We Shall Overcome" and other familiar songs. Kwanzaa Karamu: Cooking and Crafts for a Kwanzaa Feast by April A. Brady. (J 394.268 Br) Family anecdotes add to this thorough look at the origins and rituals of the holiday. Traditional crafts and eighteen recipes are included. Li'l Sis and Uncle Willie: a Story Based on the Life and Paintings of William H. Johnson by Owen Everett. (J 759.13 Joh) Li'l Sis tells a story about her uncle, a painter who lived in New York and in Europe. The illustrations are brightly colored oil paintings by the African-American artist, whose works can be seen at the National Museum of American Art in Washington. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illus. by Brian Pinkney. ( J 394.26 Pi) Beautifully designed scratchboard illustrations help to explain the Seven Principles of the holiday in this introduction for younger readers.

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