Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven and illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven and illustrated by E. B. Lewis is the story of a family passing down the tradition of weaving sweetgrass baskets from parent to child all the way back to West Africa.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

The Frog Scientist

The Frog Scientist written by Pamela S. Turner and illustrated by Andy Comins. Tells the story of Tyrone Hayes, born in South Carolina, educated at Harvard. Hayes is one of the scientific investigators trying to discover why around the world frog populations are crashing.

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese written and illustrated by Gene Luen Yang. Three stories that are told separately but then ultimately integrated. Deals with standard middle school issues with the added complexity of racial and cultural differences.

Love to Langston

Love to Langston by Tony Medina and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Poet Tony Medina pens fourteen poems addressing events in the life of poet Langston Hughes. Strong illustrations match the moving poems. There are issues of racism and prejudice as well family problems.

Pappy's Handkerchief

Pappy's Handkerchief by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Chris Ellison. The adventures of an African-American family as they head west to participate in the Land Rush in Oklahoma, 1889. Faced with adversity and adventure, young Moses wins through. An affirming story of the importance of courage, risk taking and perseverance. Solid American history. Provides the opportunity to discuss other aspects of American History such as the Land Rush, the Trail of Tears, etc.