Black History Month, 2010: Kids’ Books

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 11, 2010

It’s February. It’s Black History Month. It’s the perfect time to look back at some amazing contributions to American history and to look forward to the many stunning offerings of children’s literature by African-Americans.

Last year was the first year that we created a list of books in recognition of Black History Month—it boasts 20 fabulous pieces of work. Here are our newest additions to the growing list:

• •  My People illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr. (Ages 0-6)
  •  First Family by Deborah Hopkinson (Ages 4-7)
  •  The Negro Speaks of Rivers illustrated by E. B. Lewis (Ages 4-8)
  •  Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos (Ages 4-9)
  •  Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion by Walter Dean Myers (Ages 5-8)
  •  Black Magic by Dinah Johnson (Ages 5-9)
  •  This Is the Dream by Diane Z. Shore (Ages 5-10)
  •  A True Story About Jackie Robinson (Testing The Ice) by Sharon Robinson (Ages 7-10)
  •  We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange (Ages 9 and up)
  •  One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-garcia (Ages 9-12)
  •  Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades) by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Ages 9-12)
  •  Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers (Ages 12 and up)
  •  Mare’s War by Tanita S. Davis (Ages 12 and up)
  •  The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon (Ages 12 and up)
  •  Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip M Hoose (Young Adult)

Be sure to check out our list from last year. And, don’t be shy, leave us a comment about any of the books listed above.