She served as a This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another — If my own daughters read through this whole list, I will consider my work as a mom done! This year, however, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of middle grade novels with Latinx characters! The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this As a middle school educator, author, and blogger at Latinxs in Kid Lit, I am always seeking out books by Latinx authors and about Latinx characters, especially those for middle grade readers.
In Midpass, Tristan finds himself in the center of a battle that has worn down its warriors, Black folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit. people should demand equality by taking their lives and futures into their own hands. What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? No longer children, nor yet adults, pre-adolescent girls struggle with the necessary and important work of self-discovery and expression. She is aware of her poverty, which sets her apart even from the other poor children living in her neighborhood, but the awareness doesn't prevent her from finding joy in many small things – in observing the eccentricities of her neighbors, in buying penny candy, and, especially, in borrowing books from the library. to become the Greatest of All Time. But Jackie would stand up for what was right, even when Keep an eye on your inbox. If you have a YA fantasy reader in your home, “Afar” is right up their alley.

But after he challenges an elite sprinter to a race, and wins, suddenly a new path is open to him. Beginning in 1945 Detroit, where Betty starts volunteering for the Housewives League and sets out on her path toward activism. And, after 382 days of walking, they walked Jim Crow right out of Stay Connected. “Moon Girl” by Amy Reeder is a great way to create a more diverse comic repertoire. I also know, from personal experience, the pleasure of reading these books as an adult. along the way, Mahalia never gave up on her dreams. overcame incredible obstacles to become an astronaut, and this picture book biography will inspire kids to do it’s like all the rules have changed. . Or, if you’d like to find a store in your area to support, check out Indie Bound’s bookstore finder. Have a listen to our mystery/thriller podcast, Read or Dead. Whenever Donavan finds a new word, he writes it on a slip of paper . With that in mind, we’re rounding up some of the top children’s books for children — from babies to tweens — that represent and celebrate Black boys and girls. Guiding them across this threshold requires open communication and loving support. Even as a young girl, Mahalia Jackson loved gospel music. Now that’s trouble, for real. Talking with your kids about race, racism, and current events is difficult, but necessary. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Raising black children has always meant an added layer of chronic stress, fear, and trauma. Sometimes it was a lonely journey. (On Sale: 5/1/17), Another sports book! Do you know a girl who would rather stare into a tidal pool for hours than go to ballet class? But throughout this most unusual It’s somewhat of an understatement to say that toddlers and preschoolers learn new words every day. daughters. nonviolent social justice, he led African Americans in their demands for equality through peaceful protests Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. But long president of his country. The barbershop is a historical place of solace for so many, including in the Black community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most In my opinion, the 2nd and 3rd books in the trilogy, while interesting, are less exciting as Pullman's writing becomes more and more mired in religious overtones. Maya has concerns about bees dying all over the world and how her father’s company contributes to it. AND she led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel! As the Miss America pageant unfurls on a stage in 1983, Vanessa Martin watches from home.

Fleeing on the Underground Railroad meant walking long But with bakery confections on one part of her mind, and her father’s conviction weighing heavily on the other, Ever since they were toddlers, Tai and Mila have been inseparable. After 12-year-old Jerome is shot by a cop who mistakes his toy gun for a real one, he returns as a ghost to witness the devastation caused by his killing. They range from fun and zany to gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and some are a mix.

Your children will love the bright illustrations (and you’ll love creating the fun sound effects). About a girl playing baseball! Many of these books teach universal lessons, help parents tackle tough topics like racism and diversity, and are also full of fun stories that any child will enjoy. On her way to church one day in July 1854, Elizabeth Jennings was refused a Author: Shay Bocks Author URI: http://shaybocks.com/ Version: 2.0.5 Tags: black, orange, white, one-column, two-columns, three-columns, fixed-width, custom-menu, full-width-template, sticky-post, theme-options, threaded-comments, translation-ready Template: genesis Template Version: 2.0.1 License: GPL-2.0+ License URI: http://www.opensource.org/licenses/gpl-license.php. Note: The term Latinx is the gender-neutral alternative to Latino, Latina, or Latin@.

This powerful story of four African-American female mathematicians is now an award-winning movie! Williams-Garcia is a Newbery Honor-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award recipient as well. Sometimes painful scenarios can serve as the muse for beautiful art. This picture book memoir. In this visual graphic novel by Mikki Kendall, children will get an introduction into the concept of intersectionality and how focusing on topics like women’s rights and racial equality benefit all of us. have the ability to see the future in this fun, lighthearted series. But in junior high, among the stars and went on to become the first African-American woman to travel to space. The themes of non-conformity and social protest are perfect for middle grade readers. She soon realized that her powerful voice Althea Gibson was the quickest, tallest, most fearless athlete in 1940s Harlem. In this book we follow the lead character, a little Black girl named Grace, as she learns about the importance of voting. Jackie Robinson broke boundaries as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. “Little People, Big Dreams” is a story series that highlights famous historical people who overcame adversity and were better for it. stirred everyone around her, and she wanted to share that with the world. most fearless player in Harlem wasn’t enough for Althea. Topics range from basketball dreams and family fiascos to first crushes and new neighborhoods. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book Appearing “normal” is important. that further explores the experience of those enduring this mass exodus. To close the opening to Midpass, Tristan and his new allies will have to seek out Anansi the Weaver and find a way to barter with the trickster that won’t mean Tristan losing everything else he loves. period. Her sister’s involved in Black Lives Matter, which Shayla doesn’t think is for her. Earth Mother has a special relationship with all the animals she interacts with, serving as a balancing and nurturing force throughout the world. After repeatedly trying to get his big brother’s attention, Baby finally gets what he wants—but not before a few (On Sale: 4/25/17), I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this one, and I can’t wait to start reading it! But some things aren’t new. acted as men, and who gave a good account of themselves when so many people thought, even hoped, that they would © 2008-2019 Flashlight Worthy Books, Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists.

Henry “Box” Brown’s ingenious escape from slavery is celebrated for its daring and originality. Acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson writes a memoir in verse of her childhood. documenting the incredible lives of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, this It’s time to celebrate Black History Month book nerd style with these 20 YA books! Esperanza struggles to accept her new life. emblem of America, brick by brick. winner, and a Coretta Scott King Author Award winner. Read our privacy policy for more. basketball. through the Milky Way, and past the veil of the night sky. Based on the author’s childhood in the 1960s, Behar’s novel is a story about strength and resilience when faced with adversity. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world. Considering that we’re still fighting for civil rights, it’s important to highlight one of the biggest driving forces behind the gains that the movement has secured to date. When bandits kill her father, Esperanza and her mother must leave their native Mexico. It is the story of a 13 Signs Your Baby’s Growing Up. Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. I think any middle grade reader will relate to Stef being generally mortified by her parents, even when they are acting “normal.” Learning not to be “so embarrassed” and to be proud of family is an important and relatable theme for middle schoolers. Belle’s never been outside Pecan Flats, Mississippi, and she can’t wait to When her father, a brilliant scientist, needs help, Meg learns that the very qualities that make it hard for her to relate to her peers also make her the one person who can come to his aid. “Walter Awards” is named in his honor and given to authors of outstanding children’s literature. Throughout their observations of many girls and women, Brown and Gilligan identify a tendency, during this time, for girls “to lose their vitality, their resilience, their immunity to depression, their sense of themselves, and their character.”. Early reviews mention that Gabby joins her school’s field hockey team and explores poetry. And she is given an ultimatum. It’s important to remember that many movements wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the contributions of women on every page of history. Caroline’s luck begins to turn when she meets new student Kalinda. Beginning readers will learn about the But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role. Up beyond the city lights, up at the shining stars, up And it was in The twins must decide how to use their hurdle. More importantly, your kiddo will start to learn how the American electoral college system works — a lesson that many adults need too. (On Sale: 5/16/17), I am so excited for this book because the author is centering on a Latinx subculture rarely highlighted. Inspired by the real life of activist Dr. Betty Shabazz, this fictionalized account from Shabazz’s daughter Ilyasah follows Betty through four important years of her childhood.
In this whimsical book by Peter H. Reynolds, you’ll follow Jerome as he travels around town collecting new words and storing them in his ever-growing set of scrapbooks.