Showing posts with label Coretta Scott King Awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coretta Scott King Awards. Show all posts
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Weatherford, C. B. (2006). Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
When Harriet's master decides to sell her and send her south, she bravely decides to pursue freedom by running away. Harriet's ongoing conversation with God guides her to safety as she flees her master in the cover of night. Harriet has visions of her broom as Moses' staff as God whispers to her that He will protect her. With His guidance and the help of strangers along the way, she reaches Philadelphia, her Promised Land. Utilizing the Underground Railroad, she repeatedly returns South, leading numerous slaves to freedom in Canada.
In this inspirational story of faith and trust, Carole Boston Weatherford begins her allusion to the Israelite's exodus with the title, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Her soulful, melodious and conversational writing style emphasizes the close relationship between Harriet and her God, her only companion on her treacherous physical and spiritual journey. As I read this picture book, I imagined myself there with Harriet. Although this book was written for children from ages five to eight, I believe that readers of all ages will be moved and reminded of an era in our country's history that I am thankful has passed. Harriet was a hero and continues to be an inspiration to all.
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Author, Carole Boston Weatherford's website: https://cbweatherford.com/
Illustrator, Kadir Nelson's website: http://www.kadirnelson.com/
An interview with the author:
When Harriet's master decides to sell her and send her south, she bravely decides to pursue freedom by running away. Harriet's ongoing conversation with God guides her to safety as she flees her master in the cover of night. Harriet has visions of her broom as Moses' staff as God whispers to her that He will protect her. With His guidance and the help of strangers along the way, she reaches Philadelphia, her Promised Land. Utilizing the Underground Railroad, she repeatedly returns South, leading numerous slaves to freedom in Canada.
In this inspirational story of faith and trust, Carole Boston Weatherford begins her allusion to the Israelite's exodus with the title, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Her soulful, melodious and conversational writing style emphasizes the close relationship between Harriet and her God, her only companion on her treacherous physical and spiritual journey. As I read this picture book, I imagined myself there with Harriet. Although this book was written for children from ages five to eight, I believe that readers of all ages will be moved and reminded of an era in our country's history that I am thankful has passed. Harriet was a hero and continues to be an inspiration to all.
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Author, Carole Boston Weatherford's website: https://cbweatherford.com/
Illustrator, Kadir Nelson's website: http://www.kadirnelson.com/
An interview with the author:
About Harriet Tubman:
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
by John Steptoe
Steptoe, J. (1987). Mufaro's beautiful daughters: an African tale. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Two beautiful daughters of Mufaro from Africa are quite different in personality. Manyara is prideful, bossy and angry; whereas, Nyasha is humble, compassionate and joyful. When the king sends a message to the villagers that he will choose the most worthy and beautiful girl to be his wife, Manyara is convinced that she will become queen. Unbeknownst to Manyara, her disrespectful behavior is not a secret to the king, whose identity is later revealed to Nyasha in a just twist.
This traditional picture book was inspired by a folktale from G. M. Theil's 1895 book entitled Kaffir Folktales. It teaches a timeless lesson which, in 2017, is a national campaign: Kindness Matters. The characters' names and the illustrations are reflective of and honoring to African culture. Speaking of the illustrations, they are captivating. The animals and scenery are gorgeous. The way that John Steptoe uses light on the faces of his characters causes them to appear realistic, 3-dimensional, and angelic. In addition, it emphasizes the beauty of Mufaro's daughters, for whom the book was named.
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Author, John Steptoe's website: http://www.johnsteptoe.com/
Book trailer:
Preview of a musical Children's Theatre production:
Two beautiful daughters of Mufaro from Africa are quite different in personality. Manyara is prideful, bossy and angry; whereas, Nyasha is humble, compassionate and joyful. When the king sends a message to the villagers that he will choose the most worthy and beautiful girl to be his wife, Manyara is convinced that she will become queen. Unbeknownst to Manyara, her disrespectful behavior is not a secret to the king, whose identity is later revealed to Nyasha in a just twist.
This traditional picture book was inspired by a folktale from G. M. Theil's 1895 book entitled Kaffir Folktales. It teaches a timeless lesson which, in 2017, is a national campaign: Kindness Matters. The characters' names and the illustrations are reflective of and honoring to African culture. Speaking of the illustrations, they are captivating. The animals and scenery are gorgeous. The way that John Steptoe uses light on the faces of his characters causes them to appear realistic, 3-dimensional, and angelic. In addition, it emphasizes the beauty of Mufaro's daughters, for whom the book was named.
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Author, John Steptoe's website: http://www.johnsteptoe.com/
Book trailer:
Preview of a musical Children's Theatre production:
Kindness Matters campaign: http://kindness-matters.org/
Tar Beach
by Faith Ringgold
Ringgold, F. (1991). Tar beach. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.
While sleeping on Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of being able to fly. She soars over her apartment building rooftop and sees her family and neighbors below. As she floats over the George Washington Bridge, union building, and ice cream factory, she claims them as her own and imagines what a difference this will make in her life and that of her family.
When I looked at the cover and title of this book, I guessed that it was going to be about a family's happy experiences on the tar-covered top of an urban apartment building. Although my conjecture was correct, this fantasy picture book contains so much more. It touches on bi-racial prejudices, a time in history when a worker was not allowed to join the union because his father was not a member, urban life, and the desire for freedom. It is a unique and rich story. As a bonus, at the end, I found out that the book is based on a story quilt created by the author, Faith Ringgold, which is currently on display in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Author, Faith Ringgold's website: http://www.faithringgold.com/
Tar Beach quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm
Tar Beach 2 quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d09.htm
Book trailer:
While sleeping on Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of being able to fly. She soars over her apartment building rooftop and sees her family and neighbors below. As she floats over the George Washington Bridge, union building, and ice cream factory, she claims them as her own and imagines what a difference this will make in her life and that of her family.
When I looked at the cover and title of this book, I guessed that it was going to be about a family's happy experiences on the tar-covered top of an urban apartment building. Although my conjecture was correct, this fantasy picture book contains so much more. It touches on bi-racial prejudices, a time in history when a worker was not allowed to join the union because his father was not a member, urban life, and the desire for freedom. It is a unique and rich story. As a bonus, at the end, I found out that the book is based on a story quilt created by the author, Faith Ringgold, which is currently on display in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Author, Faith Ringgold's website: http://www.faithringgold.com/
Tar Beach quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm
Tar Beach 2 quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d09.htm
Book trailer:
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
by Virginia Hamilton
Hamilton, V. (1985). The people could fly: the picture book. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
The people of Africa who knew magic could fly...until they were taken across the ocean against their will to be slaves. They toiled in cotton fields under the supervision of an abusive overseer who whipped them mercilessly. When a woman with a baby could take no more, old man Toby recited the magic words that allowed her to fly to freedom. Soon a young heat-exhausted man, then others, followed.
This folktale was originally published in 1985 as part of a collection. As a tribute to the author after her death in 2002, it was published as a stand-alone picture book with new illustrations by the artists of the initial book. The story tells the heart-wrenching history of slavery, which stole the freedom of those in Africa. In my opinion, flight is used in the story to represent freedom. Initially, the characters had beautiful black wings, but once they were captured, they lost them. I think that those who flew away later without wings represent those who escaped slavery by running away and possibly those who utilized the Underground Railroad to do so. This is a great book for introducing the topic of slavery and for discussion groups regarding individual rights, freedom, and a dark period in the history of our nation.
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Author, Virginia Hamilton's website: http://www.virginiahamilton.com/
Jos Duncan's version of The People Could Fly:
The people of Africa who knew magic could fly...until they were taken across the ocean against their will to be slaves. They toiled in cotton fields under the supervision of an abusive overseer who whipped them mercilessly. When a woman with a baby could take no more, old man Toby recited the magic words that allowed her to fly to freedom. Soon a young heat-exhausted man, then others, followed.
This folktale was originally published in 1985 as part of a collection. As a tribute to the author after her death in 2002, it was published as a stand-alone picture book with new illustrations by the artists of the initial book. The story tells the heart-wrenching history of slavery, which stole the freedom of those in Africa. In my opinion, flight is used in the story to represent freedom. Initially, the characters had beautiful black wings, but once they were captured, they lost them. I think that those who flew away later without wings represent those who escaped slavery by running away and possibly those who utilized the Underground Railroad to do so. This is a great book for introducing the topic of slavery and for discussion groups regarding individual rights, freedom, and a dark period in the history of our nation.
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Author, Virginia Hamilton's website: http://www.virginiahamilton.com/
Jos Duncan's version of The People Could Fly:
Goin' Someplace Special
by Patricia C. McKissack
McKissack, P. C. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
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About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
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About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Steptoe, J. (1997). In Daddy's arms I am tall. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a collection of thirteen poems offering words of wisdom and celebrating family relationships between sons, fathers, and grandfathers.
Dads are great influencers of their children whether they realize it or not. These poems, which vary in length and form, testify to the positive lasting impression these critical men make. Javaka Steptoe's illustrations are extremely expressive. His use of screen netting, paper, paint, lace, and even dirt add depth to the words and appear dimensional on the flat pages. The poems paired with the pictures made me think deeply, helped me realize the impact my own father had on who I've become, and brought back joyful memories of my childhood. Enjoy...then go tell your father how much you love him!
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Javaka Steptoe's website: http://www.javaka.com/
Author/illustrator talks about his books:
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a collection of thirteen poems offering words of wisdom and celebrating family relationships between sons, fathers, and grandfathers.
Dads are great influencers of their children whether they realize it or not. These poems, which vary in length and form, testify to the positive lasting impression these critical men make. Javaka Steptoe's illustrations are extremely expressive. His use of screen netting, paper, paint, lace, and even dirt add depth to the words and appear dimensional on the flat pages. The poems paired with the pictures made me think deeply, helped me realize the impact my own father had on who I've become, and brought back joyful memories of my childhood. Enjoy...then go tell your father how much you love him!
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Javaka Steptoe's website: http://www.javaka.com/
Author/illustrator talks about his books:
Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom
by Shane W. Evans
Evans, S. W. (2011). Underground: finding the light to freedom. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
In the dark of the night, a family escapes slavery. They move stealthily; running, crawling, and resting as needed. They must trust those they don't know even though they are afraid...until they reach freedom.
Using only forty-nine words, Shane W. Evans conveys what it was like to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Though few, his words in harmony with his illustrations speak volumes. For example, two simple words, "the escape," and the picture of a father (with eyes on the house and finger to lips), mother (with eyes on her son), and son (with eyes on his mom) show the family relationship, fear, time of the night, and risk factors (person in the background, light on in the house) involved. What an outstanding picture book for young children to read in order to understand the Underground Railroad, slavery, and history! In addition, the author's note at the end is a beautiful tribute to freedom and those who help others find it.
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Animated reading of Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom and a message from author, Shane W. Evans: http://shaneevans.com/underground/
Information about other civil rights' heroes:
Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
Sojourner Truth - https://www.biography.com/video/sojourner-truth-mini-biography-11191875531
Fredrick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324
More about the True Light Resource Center: https://www.truelightfrc.org/
In the dark of the night, a family escapes slavery. They move stealthily; running, crawling, and resting as needed. They must trust those they don't know even though they are afraid...until they reach freedom.
Using only forty-nine words, Shane W. Evans conveys what it was like to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Though few, his words in harmony with his illustrations speak volumes. For example, two simple words, "the escape," and the picture of a father (with eyes on the house and finger to lips), mother (with eyes on her son), and son (with eyes on his mom) show the family relationship, fear, time of the night, and risk factors (person in the background, light on in the house) involved. What an outstanding picture book for young children to read in order to understand the Underground Railroad, slavery, and history! In addition, the author's note at the end is a beautiful tribute to freedom and those who help others find it.
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Animated reading of Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom and a message from author, Shane W. Evans: http://shaneevans.com/underground/
Information about other civil rights' heroes:
Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
Sojourner Truth - https://www.biography.com/video/sojourner-truth-mini-biography-11191875531
Fredrick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324
More about the True Light Resource Center: https://www.truelightfrc.org/
Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman
by Nikki Grimes
Twenty of Bessie Coleman's family members and friends gather together to mourn her death. Each shares a personal recollection. When pieced together, a picture of Bessie's life is unveiled from her birth in 1892 to her young death in 1926. During a time of racial segregation, Bessie overcame the odds to become the first female African-American pilot.
Although the monologue format of this book is fiction, the information within each personal narrative is not. These stories make Bessie's biography an interesting read and help the reader to understand both a bit about the people who were part of Bessie's life as well as the times in which she lived. The brownish monotone pictures of each of the "speakers" provide an aged, but timeless, appeal. These, paired with what appear to be watercolor paintings of scenes from Bessie's life, transport the reader back in time. Her story is an inspiration and proclaims a clear message to pursue your dreams while refusing to let anything hold you back.
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Author, Nikki Grimes' website: http://www.nikkigrimes.com/
More about Bessie Coleman:
Beautiful Blackbird
by Ashley Bryan
Long ago in Africa, there were birds of every color, but only one which was black...Blackbird. When the leader, Ringdove, calls for the birds to vote on who is the most beautiful of all, Blackbird is unanimously chosen. The other birds decide that they want to be black, too, and ask for Blackbird's help. He agrees to add bits of black to their coloring with his feather brush, but reminds them that what really matters is what is on the inside.
This traditional tale from the Ila-speaking peoples of modern day Zambia has the mood of celebration with its bright-colored illustrations, sing-song text, and theme(s): Black is beautiful; appreciate your heritage because it makes you unique; What is inside defines you, not what you look like. I envision groups of children acting out this book or chiming in during the birds' songs. In addition, it would be an excellent source for teachers to use due to the numerous literary devices incorporated within the text including repetition, rhyme, alliteration, and onomatopoeia.
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The Ashley Bryan Center: https://ashleybryancenter.org/
Video reading of Beautiful Blackbird by author, Ashley Bryan (will make you smile): https://vimeo.com/199083563
Trombone Shorty
by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
As a young boy growing up in New Orleans, Troy Andrews was surrounded by music. His brother played the trumpet and was the leader of a band. Parades marched through the streets during Mardi Gras. Jazz musicians influenced the culture. Troy wanted to be a part of it all. So, at age four, he found a broken trombone and began to play. His brother proudly nicknamed him Trombone Shorty because the trombone was so much larger than Troy was. With lots of practice and a surprise performance with Bo Diddley, Trombone Shorty never looked back! He became a famous musician who actively mentors and inspires other young children.
This book is fun! I could envision music playing in the background as I read this inspiring biographical picture book. The illustrations almost moved before my eyes starting with the swirling sounds collaged on the first page and ending with the radiating trombone blasts on the last. Trombone Shorty himself cleverly mixed the culture of New Orleans into the text by splashing their phrase for saying "hello" to a friend, "where y'at," throughout the book. He states at the beginning his purpose in telling his story: To explain how he got his nickname. However, it is evident that his goal is also to inspire others to be passionate about music and to follow their dreams. Troy's use of simile and metaphor are sensory and culturally effective, especially the one where he links the conglomeration of musical sounds to gumbo. I especially enjoyed the symbolism of the balloons which appeared on multiple pages throughout the book and which metamorphosed into a hot air balloon at the end. This book is well deserving of the Coretta Scott King award!
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Trombone Shorty's official website: http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
Book trailer:
Illustrator, Bryan Collier's website: http://www.bryancollier.com/
An interview with Bryan Collier:
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