A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Expert quilter Kim Taylor shares a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl.On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Since then, Juneteenth, as the day has come to be known, has steadily gained recognition throughout the United States. ln 2020,a powerful wave of protests and demonstrations calling for racial justice and equality brought new awareness to the significance of the holiday.A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, can’t possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. Debut author and artist Kim Taylor sets this story apart by applying her skills as an expert quilter. Each of the illustrations has been lovingly hand sewn and quilted, giving the book a homespun, tactile quality that is altogether unique. BIO Kim Taylor is a speech language pathologist and Department Supervisor at a large school for deaf children on Long Island. She is also an expert quilter whose works have been exhibited at several venues throughout the Midatlantic region. Taylor’s quilts reflect African American life, and she tells stories through her materials (visit Kim’s website to see her quilts). After researching the origins of the Juneteenth celebration, she created a Juneteenth story quilt which she has exhibited and presented in dozens of local schools. Realizing that few teachers and students had ever heard of the holiday, she was moved to write the book A Flag for Juneteenth. REVIEWS “The picture book . . . not only reveals Taylor’s considerable talents as an inspiring raconteur but as a self-taught quilter whose creations uniquely and symbolically illustrate the historically based narrative.” -- Newsday★ ”Kim Taylor’s portrayal of a girl witnessing the first Juneteenth, accompanied by exquisite quilted artwork, is filled with a spirit of jubilation and freedom. . . . her textile art perfectly complements her evocative prose. . . .” -- BookPage, Starred Review “The illustrations quilted by Taylor display strong artistic use of color, texture, movement, stitching, and symbols. Each page has vibrant colors that grab readers at first glance. . . . Taylor effectively breathes life into the characters, even those muddled in the background, by showing their humanity in each page.” -- School Library Journal“Both lyrical and descriptive, Huldah’s voice conveys the joy that is found in freedom. . . . A great introduction to the federal holiday.” -- The Horn Book“Taylor aptly depicts this story through colorful woven fabrics and folk art-style, quilted scenes.” -- Booklist“[A] moving debut. . . . It’s a discussion-starting, personal-feeling portrait of a communal celebration.” -- Publishers Weekly“The art in this work from quilter Taylor is stunning. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are breathtaking. . . . Visually dazzling. . . .” -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Neal Porter Books / January 03, 2023 0.39" H x 10.24" L x 9.92" W (0.92 lbs) 40 pages

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In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape. In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them. This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood. BIO Nikki Giovanni, poet, activist, mother, and professor, is a seven-time NAACP Image Award winner and the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, and holds the Langston Hughes Medal for Outstanding Poetry, among many other honors. The author of twenty-eight books and a Grammy nominee for The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, she is the University Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Erin Robinson is a Fashion Designer by trade but also a trained fine artist from Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Her daydreamy, magical imagination is inspired by travel, color, texture, the feminine shape and the many shades and coifs of Brooklyn. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Find her at brooklyndolly.com and on Instagram @brooklyndolly. REVIEWS “Powerful.... Playful and inspiring. Every lover of books, young or old, will see themselves in this story.” -- Booklist (starred review) “Vibrant, carefully composed digital illustrations, with bright colors that invite readers in.... A lushly illustrated homage to librarians.” -- Kirkus Reviews “In this picture-book celebration of libraries and reading, poet Giovanni writes about the Carnegie Library, which she regularly visited as a child. Robinson’s digital art resembles vibrant collages.” -- Horn Book Magazine “Poetic text and evocative, textured illustrations work in concert to show how books and libraries enable people to imagine other lives—including other versions of their own selves.... A must-have.” -- School Library Journal [H] Versify / September 27, 2022 0.3" H x 11.1" L x 9.0" W (0.95 lbs) 32 pages

A Library /// Nikki Giovanni, illustrations by Erin K. Robinson

﻿THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK. Born in 1923 in Madisonville, Louisiana, Leah Chase would marry into the Chase restaurant family in nearby New Orleans, but that small geographic move would end up taking her worlds away. Today she is a national-award-winning cook and civic figure. This novel, told in the form of letters to God, shares her inspirational journey with middle-grade readers. BIO Carol Allen was born in Elton, Louisiana, part of Cajun country. As a young girl, she traveled across the state with her father and became fascinated with the richness of Louisiana culture and her own unique heritage. In 1968, she began teaching at Oakdale High School, where she experienced the switch to the integrated school system. Soon after, she became an elementary-school principal and completed her doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After a year as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, she returned home to become the superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Orleans Public Schools. In 1985, Allen married a Frenchman and moved to France. There, she volunteered for various service organizations, served on boards for international schools, and worked for an educational institute in Paris that was affiliated with the American College in Paris. Allen helped plan and direct an international conference designed to address the needs and interests of expatriate women. The conference, organized and conducted entirely by volunteers, attracted four hundred conferees representing nineteen different nationalities from twenty-one different countries of residence. She went on to create the Paris Writers Workshop, now an internationally respected program that allows aspiring writers to develop their talents. Allen has written articles for the Writer's Chronicle, Washington Post, Epicurean Magazine, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Allen compiled and edited They Only Laughed Later: Tales of Women on the Move, a book of humorous essays written by women about their experiences living abroad. In 1996, she received honorable mention from Writer’s Market for a self-published book in the children's-literary category. She has been a guest lecturer at the Geneva Writers' Conference and is a motivational speaker for the European Speakers Bureau. Allen has been close friends with Leah Chase, the subject of her biography, Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This, for more than twenty years. For the book, she spent hours with Chase herself, in the woman's kitchen, reminiscing her own Louisiana childhood and the diverse background and joie de vivre that both the author and her subject share. In addition to writing, Allen loves to cook. Much to the surprise of her French neighbors, she garnered the grand prize in what is known as Les Journées Gourmandes in the region of the Vaucluse, Provence, where she lives most of the time. Her winning recipes were for jams and jellies in 1995 and for Wild-Mushroom Soup in 2001. [P] Pelican Publishing Company / August 24, 2020 0.6" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 160 pages

﻿THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.
<meta charset="utf-8">Born in 1923 in Madisonville, Louisiana, Leah Chase would marry into the Chase restaurant family in nearby New Orleans, but that small geographic move would end up taking her worlds away. Today she is a national-award-winning cook and civic figure. This novel, told in the form of letters to God, shares her inspirational journey with middle-grade readers.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Carol Allen was born in Elton, Louisiana, part of Cajun country. As a young girl, she traveled across the state with her father and became fascinated with the richness of Louisiana culture and her own unique heritage. In 1968, she began teaching at Oakdale High School, where she experienced the switch to the integrated school system. Soon after, she became an elementary-school principal and completed her doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After a year as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, she returned home to become the superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Orleans Public Schools. In 1985, Allen married a Frenchman and moved to France. There, she volunteered for various service organizations, served on boards for international schools, and worked for an educational institute in Paris that was affiliated with the American College in Paris. Allen helped plan and direct an international conference designed to address the needs and interests of expatriate women. The conference, organized and conducted entirely by volunteers, attracted four hundred conferees representing nineteen different nationalities from twenty-one different countries of residence. She went on to create the Paris Writers Workshop, now an internationally respected program that allows aspiring writers to develop their talents. Allen has written articles for the Writer's Chronicle, Washington Post, Epicurean Magazine, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Allen compiled and edited They Only Laughed Later: Tales of Women on the Move, a book of humorous essays written by women about their experiences living abroad. In 1996, she received honorable mention from Writer’s Market for a self-published book in the children's-literary category. She has been a guest lecturer at the Geneva Writers' Conference and is a motivational speaker for the European Speakers Bureau. Allen has been close friends with Leah Chase, the subject of her biography, Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This, for more than twenty years. For the book, she spent hours with Chase herself, in the woman's kitchen, reminiscing her own Louisiana childhood and the diverse background and joie de vivre that both the author and her subject share. In addition to writing, Allen loves to cook. Much to the surprise of her French neighbors, she garnered the grand prize in what is known as Les Journées Gourmandes in the region of the Vaucluse, Provence, where she lives most of the time. Her winning recipes were for jams and jellies in 1995 and for Wild-Mushroom Soup in 2001.
[P]  Pelican Publishing Company  /  <meta charset="utf-8">August 24, 2020
<meta charset="utf-8">0.6" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 160 pages

A Long Way from the Strawberry Patch: The Life of Leah Chase /// Carol Allen with Leah Chase

Paperback

Femi and her friends planned to leave traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children shared warm wishes for their favorite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. This book includes a Black Cake recipe for all to enjoy! BIO Yolanda T. Marshall is a Guyanese-born Canadian Author. The daughter of a Jazz musician, she began writing poems at eight. A cross-genre writer, world traveller, jazz lover and devoted mother, she embodies art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. This author is Agented. Titles since 2020 have been traditionally published in Canada. She is also a proud member of CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers) and The Writer's Union of Canada. [H] Garnalma Press / November 18, 2019 0.25" H x 8.5" L x 11.0" W (0.89 lbs) 32 pages

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa /// Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrations by Subi Bosa

The newest novel by the author of Akata Witch and the forthcoming Marvel comic book series about Shuri, Black Panther's sister! "The most imaginative, gripping, enchanting fantasy novels I have ever read!" --Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Speak A year ago, Sunny Nwazue, an American-born girl Nigerian girl, was inducted into the secret Leopard Society. As she began to develop her magical powers, Sunny learned that she had been chosen to lead a dangerous mission to avert an apocalypse, brought about by the terrifying masquerade, Ekwensu. Now, stronger, feistier, and a bit older, Sunny is studying with her mentor Sugar Cream and struggling to unlock the secrets in her strange Nsibidi book. Eventually, Sunny knows she must confront her destiny. With the support of her Leopard Society friends, Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, and of her spirit face, Anyanwu, she will travel through worlds both visible and invisible to the mysteries town of Osisi, where she will fight a climactic battle to save humanity. BIO Much-honored Nnedi Okorafor, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards, merges today's Nigeria with a unique world she creates. Akata Warrior blends mythology, fantasy, history and magic into a compelling tale that will keep readers spellbound. REVIEWS "★ Akata Warrior swiftly synthesizes the lessons and knowledge of the first book into a heart-racing story of resilience and a determination to save the world. This title is a unique coming of age story, coupling the distinct experience of the cultural duality as both African and African-American with lessons of love, loyalty, and the pains of adolescent insecurities." -- BCCB, starred review "There's more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor's work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics." --Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea "The voice of Nnedi Okorafor does not obey the rules of distance, time, or place. Hers is the voice that fuses matter and imagination. She shows us just how close we are to that alternate reality." --Tchidi Chikere, Nigerian award-winning film director and screenwriter [H] Viking Books for Young Readers / October 03, 2017 1.7" H x 8.3" L x 5.4" W (1.3 lbs) 496 pages [P] Speak / October 16, 2018 1.4" H x 8.2" L x 5.4" W (0.94 lbs) 512 pages

Akata Warrior /// Nnedi Okorafor

Affectionately dubbed the Nigerian Harry Potter, Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world. Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she's albino. She's a terrific athlete, but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing--she is a free agent with latent magical power. Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But will it be enough to help them when they are asked to catch a career criminal who knows magic too? Ursula K. Le Guin and John Green are Nnedi Okorafor fans. As soon as you start reading Akata Witch, you will be, too! BIO Nnedi Okorafor is a novelist of African-based science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism for both children and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for weaving African culture into creative evocative settings and memorable characters. In a profile of Nnedi's work, the New York Times called Nnedi's imagination "stunning." Nnedi has received the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, and the Nebula Award, among others, for her novels. She holds a PhD in English and is a professor at SUNY Buffalo. She divides her time between Buffalo and the suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her daughter. Learn more at nnedi.com or follow her on Twitter @nnedi. REVIEWS "Okorafor's novels tend to reflect both her West-African heritage and American experiences, but in this series she creates a stunningly original world of African magic that draws on Nigerian folk beliefs and rituals instead of relying on the predictable tropes of Western fantasy novels." -- Time Magazine "There's more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor's work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics." --Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea "I always loved science fiction, but I didn't feel I was part of it--until I read first Octavia Butler, and now Nnedi Okorafor." --Whoopi Goldberg [H] Viking Books for Young Readers / April 14, 2011 1.35" H x 8.58" L x 5.82" W (1.05 lbs) 368 pages [P] ﻿Speak / July 17, 2017 1.1" H x 8.1" L x 5.4" W (0.75 lbs) 384 pages

Akata Witch /// Nnedi Okorafor

#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history. From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people’s struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be. With stunning mixed-media illustrations by newcomer Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling. BIO Kwame Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books, including his Newbery Medal-winning novel The Crossover and The Undefeated, winner of the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. He is the founding editor of Versify, which aims to change the world one word at a time. REVIEWS An Indie Next List Pick "Beautifully crafted and brutally honest, this offers a thoughtful introduction to a necessary topic." -- Booklist, starred review "With powerful art from a bold new talent, this is a probing and sensitive take on a devastating chapter of U.S. history." -- Kirkus, starred review "Alexander and Coulter have created a powerful counternarrative in their efforts to answer the question, “How do you tell a story about slavery?” -- Horn Book, starred review "A layered, compassionate telling that considers how to relay difficult truths, and as the art converges into a visual of past and present together, stirring concluding lines suggest a route forward." -- Publisher's Weekly, starred review [H] Little, Brown Books for Young Readers / January 03, 2023 0.6" H x 10.1" L x 10.1" W (1.28 lbs) 56 pages

An American Story /// Kwame Alexander

A West African story about the much-loved trickster, Anansi, retold and reimagined for a new generation by award-winning author Taiye Selasi“Allow me to introduce myself.” But he needed no introduction. “Anansi the spider!” said Anansi the boy. “The tales were true!” “Traditional tales are always true,” the spider answered, laughing. “Nothing lasts so long as truth, nor travels quite so far.” Award-winning author of Ghana Must Go, Taiye Selasi, reimagines the story of Anansi, the much-loved trickster, for a new generation. Kweku has grown up hearing stories about the mischievous spider Anansi. He is given the nickname Anansi by his father because of his similarly cheeky ways. On a holiday to visit his beloved Grandma in Ghana, Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy meet, and discover a magical pot that can be filled with whatever they want. Anansi fills it again and again with his favorite red-red stew, and eats so much that he feels sick. Will he learn to share this wonderful gift? This charming retelling of a West African story teaches readers about the dangers of greed, and the importance of being kind. Tinuke Fagborun’s colorful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the tale to life. When you’ve finished sharing the story, you can also find out more about the origins of Anansi folktales. This is a beautiful storybook that little ones will treasure forever. BIO Taiye Selasi was born in London and raised in Massachusetts. She holds a BA in American studies from Yale and an MPhil in international relations from Oxford University. “The Sex Lives of African Girls” (Granta, 2011), Selasi’s fiction debut, appears in Best American Short Stories 2012. Author of Ghana Must Go, she lives in Rome. REVIEWS “A great choice to introduce young readers to West Africa’s wonderful Anansesem storytelling tradition.” --Kirkus Reviews“Selasi brilliantly explores family, tradition, and sharing with a stylish telling and grand show of humanity.” --School Library Journal [H] DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley) / February 15, 2022 0.4" H x 9.6" L x 9.6" W (0.9 lbs) 32 pages

Anansi and the Golden Pot /// Taiye Selasi, illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun

B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! One morning after breakfast, Baby's big brother is getting ready to take the basket of bananas all the way to Baba's bungalow in the next village. He'll have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds, and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. But what he doesn't realize is that his very cute, very curious baby sibling has stowed away on his bicycle! Little ones learning about language will love sounding out the words in this playful, vibrantly illustrated story set in West Africa. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career doing traditional oral storytelling. Her books include a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Winner, a Notable Book for a Global Society, a Cybils Award Winner, and an Africana Award Winner. She lives in Wales. Angela Brooksbank worked as a designer and art director in children's book publishing before turning her hand to her own illustration. Baby Goes to Market is her debut picture book. She lives in London. REVIEWS "A circular tale of family love with visual rewards. . . . There's no denying the joy in this book." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / March 12, 2019 0.4" H x 11.1" L x 10.0" W (1.2 lbs) 40 pages [B] Candlewick Press (MA) / March 09, 2021 0.6" H x 7.1" L x 6.3" W (0.62 lbs) 28 pages

B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! 
One morning after breakfast, Baby's big brother is getting ready to take the basket of bananas all the way to Baba's bungalow in the next village. He'll have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds, and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. But what he doesn't realize is that his very cute, very curious baby sibling has stowed away on his bicycle! Little ones learning about language will love sounding out the words in this playful, vibrantly illustrated story set in West Africa. 
BIO
Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career doing traditional oral storytelling. Her books include a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Winner, a Notable Book for a Global Society, a Cybils Award Winner, and an Africana Award Winner. She lives in Wales.
Angela Brooksbank worked as a designer and art director in children's book publishing before turning her hand to her own illustration. Baby Goes to Market is her debut picture book. She lives in London.
 REVIEWS
"A circular tale of family love with visual rewards. . . . There's no denying the joy in this book." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 
[H] Candlewick Press (MA)  /  <meta charset="utf-8">March 12, 2019
<meta charset="utf-8">0.4" H x 11.1" L x 10.0" W (1.2 lbs) 40 pages
[B] Candlewick Press (MA)  /  <meta charset="utf-8">
March 09, 2021
<meta charset="utf-8">0.6" H x 7.1" L x 6.3" W (0.62 lbs) 28 pages

B Is for Baby /// Atinuke with illustrations by Angela Brooksbank

Board Book

Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers. Market is very crowded.Mama is very busy.Baby is very curious. When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn't notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy! Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now! Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career doing traditional oral storytelling. Her books include a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Winner, a Notable Book for a Global Society, a Cybils Award Winner, and an Africana Award Winner. She lives in Wales. Angela Brooksbank worked as a designer and art director in children's book publishing before turning her hand to her own illustration. Baby Goes to Market is her debut picture book. She lives in London. REVIEWS The smiling, all-black cast sort through myriad wares, while the text keeps up its rhythm, introducing both typical items bought in a West African market and a gentle lesson in arithmetic as Baby alternately snacks and stashes his gifts. Indeed, no one will be able to resist this baby. --Kirkus Reviews The vibrant marketplace is filled with color, texture, and patterns created using a mixed-media palette. The opening and ending endpapers feature the same pattern that is on the wrap Mama uses to hold Baby on her back. Young listeners will delight in getting to know Baby and his Mama as they shop throughout the market. Consider for first purchase in larger collections. --School Library Journal Brooksbank's illustrations, based on her own childhood memories of going to market in Nigeria, are full of colours, patterns and prints, and varieties of local transport. Repetition and variation make the book especially good for the young, and its wealth visual detail promises many satisfying rereadings.--Saturday Star [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / September 05, 2017 0.5" H x 11.3" L x 10.0" W (1.13 lbs) 32 pages [B] Candlewick Press (MA) / March 12, 2019 0.6" H x 7.2" L x 6.2" W (0.65 lbs) 26 pages

Baby Goes to Market /// Atinuke with illustrations by Angela Brooksbank

An exuberant picture book written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice is about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community. It’s the weekend, first in June; speaker’s blasting out big tune!Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends pack the house, and fun begins.Shane is shy but loves to dance—and all year long, he’s picked up cansto earn some money toward his goal: high-tops with a pump-up sole.But then the speaker blows—it’s done! Will this stop his family’s fun?Can Shane come through to save the day and bring back Big Tune Saturday?Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude. BIO Alliah L. Agostini is an author and the founder of Grownesque, a blog and social media destination for Xennial women. She has an AB and MBA from Harvard and currently resides in New Jersey, where she enjoys impromptu dance parties and making up corny jokes with her husband and two children. Big Tune is her first fiction picture book. Shamar Knight-Justice is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up with a crayon in his hand and a love for patterns. He currently serves as the principal of an elementary school in Southwest Atlanta, where his scholars’ stories and personalities inspire him to create illustrations that honor their identities. When not drawing, Shamar loves to spend time hoarding collage materials, going on long walks with his family, and devouring the nearest pancake. REVIEWS This lively, vibrant narrative has an infectious spirit, and Shane is irresistible. Grounded in a tightknit Jamaican American community, the story deftly incorporates visual and textual references to dance styles, food, and other cultural touchstones... Themes of joy, solidarity, and artistic expression are effortlessly woven throughout the words and images... An exuberant celebration of community that leaps off the page." -- Kirkus, starred review"Portrayals of diasporic Caribbean culture and a child’s selflessness distinguish Agostini’s 1990s Brooklyn-set story celebrating connection and community... Agostini’s buoyant rhyming verse pulses with details, and Knight-Justice’s stylized illustrations layer bold patterns and textures with typewritten text, sheet music, and images of the Jamaican flag, building a joyfully immersive portrait of neighborhood gatherings where 'Swaying hips wine fast and slow./ Brown skin shines with black light’s glow.'" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"The vibrant beat of the rhyming text makes a splendid complement to the energetic art. Rich textures evocative of cutpaper collage and dynamic patterns give enthusiastic life to the more geometric backgrounds, and figures are always in movement, with poses swinging, swaying, and bopping." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"The picture book stresses the importance of community and selflessness, essential lessons for a picture book audience. Distinctive and vibrant collage-style illustrations depict a Black community of various skin tones and hair textures. This unique picture book’s celebration of Jamaican culture and community is a great addition to every ­library." -- School Library Journal [H] Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) / March 28, 2023 1.0" H x 11.0" L x 9.0" W (1.0 lbs) 40 pages

Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince /// Alliah L. Agostini; illustrations by Shamar Knight-Justice /// new

A little girl helping her grandmother prepare a holiday meal learns about the origins of soul food in this powerful picture book that celebrates African American cuisine and identity from an award-winning author.Know what I like most about Grandma’s kitchen?More than jambalaya? More than sweet potato pie? Even more than pralines?Grandma’s stories! Every meal Grandma cooks comes with a story.What will today’s story be?While visiting her grandma in Louisiana, nine-year-old Frances is excited to help prepare the New Year’s Day meal. She listens as Grandma tells stories—dating back to the Atlantic Slave Trade—about the food for their feast. Through these stories, Frances learns not only about the ingredients and the dishes they are making but about her ancestors and their history as well. A celebration of the stories that connect us, this picture book urges us to think about the foods we eat and why we eat them. This book was inspired by the author’s own childhood and includes her family’s very own recipe for pralines in the back! BIO GLENDA ARMAND has had a long career as a teacher and school librarian and enjoys writing picture-book biographies that inspire children to dream big. Glenda is the author of the award-winning Love Twelve Miles Long, Ira’s Shakespeare Dream, and Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins. Her picture book Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese will be published by Crown Books for Young Readers in Fall 2022. When not writing or practicing the piano, Glenda tends a garden full of succulents and roses. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can learn more about her at glenda-armand.com. [H] Crown Books for Young Readers / September 06, 2022 0.4" H x 10.1" L x 10.35" W (1.03 lbs) 40 pages

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom /// Glenda Armand, illustrations by Steffi Walthall

A celebration of the color black, from the team who created Brown: The Many Shades of Love Black is a wonderful color. Black is special. It is true. It’s the sky when the morning is new. In this loving and lovely ode to the color black, a girl describes the many wonders of her world—from the black of starry nights to her own black eyes, clear and bright. BIO Nancy Johnson James is a writer and educator based in Oakland, California. She is the author of Brown: The Many Shades of Love, illustrated by Constance Moore, published by Cameron Kids. Constance Moore is an artist and educator based in Oakland, California. She loves teaching elementary school art and shares her students’ love of color. REVIEWS An eye-opening tribute to an often underrated color." --Kirkus Reviews "The text discusses positive examples of the color black, deliberately diminishing its stereotypical associations with danger, negativity, and sadness. Childlike collage illustrations layer images on abstract or earth-toned backgrounds, successfully conveying black’s ubiquitous presence in the world, along with its beauty." --Booklist [H] Harry N. Abrams / April 12, 2022 0.4" H x 10.0" L x 7.8" W (0.65 lbs) 32 pages

Black: The Many Wonders of My World /// Nancy Johnson James, illustrated by Constance Moore

Jacqueline Woodson’s National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner is a powerful memoir that tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.A President Obama “O” Book Club pickRaised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.Includes 7 additional poems, including “Brown Girl Dreaming.” BIO Jacqueline Woodson is the recipient of a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Children’s Literature Legacy Award. She was the 2018–2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and in 2015, she was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. She received the 2014 National Book Award for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award, and a Sibert Honor. She wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a 2016 National Book Award finalist. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Jacqueline grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from college with a B.A. in English. She is the author of dozens of award-winning books for young adults, middle graders, and children; among her many accolades, she is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a four-time National Book Award finalist, and a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her books include Coretta Scott King Award winner Before the Ever After; New York Times bestsellers The Day You Begin and Harbor Me; The Other Side, Each Kindness, Caldecott Honor book Coming On Home Soon; Newbery Honor winners Feathers, Show Way, and After Tupac and D Foster; and Miracle’s Boys, which received the LA Times Book Prize and the Coretta Scott King Award. Jacqueline is also a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature and a two-time winner of the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. REVIEWS A National Book Award WinnerA Coretta Scott King Award WinnerA Newbery Honor BookOne of TIME MAGAZINE’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time“Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson’s highly lauded collection of free-verse poems about her childhood in New York and South Carolina, has language simple enough to be accessible to tweens and young teenagers and more than enough complexity to engage older readers. The winner of a Newbery Honor, NAACP Image Award, National Book Award and Coretta Scott King Award, Brown Girl Dreaming presents the story of Woodson’s experiences living with the remnants of Jim Crow during the 1960s and 1970s. The author confronts issues like faith, racism and sexual abuse using the elegant, spare language and powerful imagery she has come to be known for.” -- TIME MAGAZINE“Gorgeous.” -- Vanity Fair“A radiantly warm memoir.” -- The Washington Post“Moving and resonant . . . captivating.” -- The Wall Street Journal“This is a book full of poems that cry out to be learned by heart. These are poems that will, for years to come, be stored in our bloodstream.” -- The New York Times Book Review“A profoundly moving memoir.” -- San Francisco Chronicle“The writer’s passion for stories and storytelling permeates the memoir, explicitly addressed in her early attempts to write books and implicitly conveyed through her sharp images and poignant observations seen through the eyes of a child. Woodson’s ability to listen and glean meaning from what she hears lead to an astute understanding of her surroundings, friends, and family.” -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW "Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story, but a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery." -- The New York Times Book Review [H] Nancy Paulsen Books / August 28, 2014 1.2" H x 8.75" L x 5.89" W (1.04 lbs) 352 pages [P] Nancy Paulsen Books / October 11, 2016 1.1" H x 8.1" L x 5.6" W (0.75 lbs) 368 pages

Brown Girl Dreaming /// Jacqueline Woodson

In this heartwarming tale inspired by her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and tries to make things right. Christmas is Carla's favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents' house and eats grandma's special recipe--a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc's marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But when Carla accidentally takes a bite out of Santa's sugar cookie, she thinks she's ruined Christmas. How will Santa know to stop at their house if they don't leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother's help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas? BIO Carla Hall attended L'Academie de Cuisine in Maryland. She gained her audience when she competed on Bravo's Top Chef and Top Chef: All Stars. She has been a TV personality since then, cohosting on the ABC talk show The Chew, contributing on Good Morning America, and featuring as a judge on Crazy Delicious on Netflix and on Bakeaway Camp on the Food Network. She is the author of Carla's Comfort Foods, Cooking with Love, and Carla Hall's Soul Food, which received an NAACP Image Awards nomination. She lives in Washington D.C. with her husband. Visit carlahall.com for more. Cherise Harris is an illustrator from Barbados. Her work centers around an interest in fairy tale and its role in telling deep and meaningful stories. Cherise uses pencil, watercolor, and clay, exploring her ideas in both 2D and 3D form. She also uses Photoshop to create digital art and gifs. She received her associate's degree in visual arts at the Barbados Community College, her BFA in illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and most recently completed her master's in illustration at Falmouth University in the UK. Cherise currently lives back home in Barbados with her husband, Ryan, and her daughter. REVIEWS "With expressive illustrations that set the story in the early 1970s and evoke the Christmas mood in the context of a loving Black family, this tale reminds readers that love and good intentions can almost always save the day. Readers will be eager to try out the cornbread recipe included in the endmatter...[h]eartwarming and cozy." --Kirkus Reviews Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers / November 02, 2021 0.41" H x 10.28" L x 11.4" W (1.18 lbs) 40 pages

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread /// Carla Hall, illustrated by Cherise Harris

The team behind Baby Goes to Market and B Is for Baby visit a Nigerian village for a humorous ode to childhood ingenuity. Lami is the best chicken catcher in the whole village. Her sister may be speedy at spelling, her friend fast at braiding hair, and her brother brave with bulls, but when it comes to chickens, nobody is faster or braver than Lami. That is, until the day when Lami chases a little too fast, up the baobab tree, and reaches a little too far . . . ow! How can she catch chickens with an ankle that's puffed up like an angry lizard? Could it be, as Nana Nadia says, that quick thinking is more important than quick running? Award-winning author Atinuke celebrates Nigerian village life in a story vibrantly illustrated by Angela Brooksbank with a universal message at its heart. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career doing traditional oral storytelling. Her books include a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Winner, a Notable Book for a Global Society, a Cybils Award Winner, and an Africana Award Winner. She lives in Wales. Angela Brooksbank, a former designer and art director in children's book publishing, is the illustrator of B Is for Baby and Baby Goes to Market, both by Atinuke. She lives in London. REVIEWS "Living in a small African village compound, perhaps in the author's home country of Nigeria, Lami is cheerfully energetic, always ready to take off chasing a chicken, with beaded hair bouncing happily. The text is lively and snappy, full of well chosen verbs and adverbs punctuated with smooth alliteration. The mixed-media illustrations portray sunny scenes of family life."--Booklist "Humorous and colorful mixed-media illustrations depict a tightknit community, with entertaining details about how Lami's poultry obsession plays out in daily life; even while getting her hair braided, for example, she lunges for a chicken passing by. A thoughtful mix of double-page spreads, single pages, and occasional panel-style illustrations allows for quicker or slower pacing throughout. Lively chase scenes and funny poultry antics make for a laugh-out-loud preschool adventure." --The Horn Book "Atinuke's well-paced text uses repetition, alliteration and seamless bilingual text to draw her audience into the story. It's nicely paired with Atinuke's previous illustrative partner (B Is for Baby; Baby Goes to Market) Angela Brooksbank's brightly colored, patterned and energetic mixed-media illustrations, which convey a strong sense of life within the bustling compound." --Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review) [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / July 07, 2020 0.5" H x 11.2" L x 9.9" W (1.15 lbs) 32 pages

Catch That Chicken! /// Atinuke with illustrations by Angela Brooksbank

A lyrical picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long I can hear change hummingIn its loudest, proudest song.I don't fear change coming,And so I sing along. In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference. BIOS ﻿Amanda Gorman is the youngest presidential inaugural poet in US history. She is a committed advocate for the environment, racial equality, and gender justice. Amanda's activism and poetry have been featured on The Today Show, PBS Kids, and CBS This Morning, and in the New York Times, Vogue, Essence, and O, The Oprah Magazine. In 2017, Urban Word named her the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. After graduating cum laude from Harvard University, she now lives in her hometown of Los Angeles. The special edition of her inaugural poem, "The Hill We Climb," was published in March 2021 and debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Her debut picture book, Change Sings, will be published in September 2021. Please visit theamandagorman.com. Loren Long is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Otis series which is in development as an animated television series. He's also the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama and Love by Matt de la Pena. He recently illustrated a modern edition of the Clement C. Moore classic The Night Before Christmas. He lives near Cincinnati with his wife and rescue hound, Charlie. Visit him online at LorenLong.com or on Twitter @lorenlong. REVIEWS "In rich language and vivid art, this hopeful celebration of the life-affirming power of change to ripple out into a better future is irresistible. Text and poetry work together to regulate a careful reading of this beautiful work. One to keep, to read, and to reread." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "This uplifting serenade will instill readers of any age with hope for the future and the initiative to improve it." --Publishers Weekly, (starred review) "A lovely and loving call to action and kindness." --Booklist "So rich are both the art and the verses in uplifting imagery that it's hard to imagine any young audience remaining unstirred by this call to be the change they want to see." --School Library Journal Viking Books for Young Readers / September 21, 2021 0.5" H x 11.1" L x 10.3" W (1.2 lbs) 32 pages

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem /// Amanda Gorman

Ada Ruth's mama must go away to Chicago to work, leaving Ada Ruth and Grandma behind. It's war time, and women are needed to fill the men's jobs. As winter sets in, Ada Ruth and her grandma keep up their daily routine, missing Mama all the time. They find strength in each other, and a stray kitten even arrives one day to keep them company, but nothing can fill the hole Mama left. Every day they wait, watching for the letter that says Mama will be coming on home soon. Set during World War II, Coming On Home Soon has a timeless quality that will appeal to all who wait and hope. BIO Jacqueline Woodson (www.jacquelinewoodson.com) is the recipient of a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Children's Literature Legacy Award. She was the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and in 2015, she was named the Young People's Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. She received the 2014 National Book Award for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award, and a Sibert Honor. She wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a 2016 National Book Award finalist. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Jacqueline grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from college with a B.A. in English. She is the author of dozens of award-winning books for young adults, middle graders, and children; among her many accolades, she is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a four-time National Book Award finalist, and a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her books include Coretta Scott King Award winner Before the Ever After; New York Times bestsellers The Day You Begin and Harbor Me; The Other Side, Each Kindness, Caldecott Honor book Coming On Home Soon; Newbery Honor winners Feathers, Show Way, and After Tupac and D Foster; and Miracle's Boys, which received the LA Times Book Prize and the Coretta Scott King Award. Jacqueline is also a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature and a two-time winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. E. B. Lewis has illustrated more than fifty picture books, including Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Talkin' About Bessie (by Nikki Grimes) and Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon (by Jacqueline Woodson). He taught art in public schools for twelve years, and currently teaches at the University of Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Folsom, New Jersey. REVIEWS "Woodson and Lewis tell a moving historical story of longing and separation. [The] period and place are wonderfully specific; the yearning is timeless." --Booklist, starred review "Perfectly matched words and illustrations masterfully bring to life all the emotions that the girl is experiencing as she, her grandmother, and a stray kitten that has come to stay all try to comfort and console one another." --School Library Journal, starred review G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers / October 07, 2004 0.4" H x 11.0" L x 8.8" W (0.9 lbs) 32 pages

Coming On Home Soon /// Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK–YOUTH/TEENS!It's a summer of family, friendship, and fun fiascos in this acclaimed novel that's as irresistible as a fresh-baked cookie. Ellis Bailey Johnson has the summertime blues. Instead of hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing his harmonica, Ellis has to help bring his dad’s latest farfetched, sure-to-fail idea to life: open the world’s first chocolate chip cookie store.They have six weeks to perfect their recipe, get a run-down A-frame storefront on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard into tip-top shape, and bring in customers. But nothing goes according to plan, especially when family secrets start to surface. Can Ellis bake up a happy ending?Partially based on Shawn Amos’s own experiences growing up the son of Wally “Famous” Amos, and packed with humor, heart, and fun illustrations, this debut novel sings with the joy of self-discovery, unconditional love, and community.“Shawn Amos has written a beautiful story of family and music, of growing up and having adventures, of business building and character building, that is at once very specific and universal. I love Cookies and Milk as much as I love cookies and milk.” –Lisa See, New York Times bestselling and award winning author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls BIO As a kid, award-winning author Shawn Amos helped his dad, Wally "Famous" Amos, open the world's first chocolate chip cookie store on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Formosa Avenue in Hollywood, California. Shawn is now a dad himself to three great kids, and he sings and plays harmonica as blues singer "The Reverend Shawn Amos." Cookies & Milk is his first novel. He invites you to visit him online at ShawnAmos.com/author. REVIEWS A Junior Library Guild Selection An NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens "Shawn Amos has written a beautiful story of family and music, of growing up and having adventures, of business building and character building, that is at once very specific and universal. I love Cookies and Milk as much as I love cookies and milk." -- Lisa See, New York Times bestselling and award winning author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls "Full of heart and humor….A wholesome story that bridges generations." -- Kirkus "Offbeat and enchanting. The humorous narration is breezy and conversational …there are also exquisite descriptions of musical transcendence, an uplifting community, and a gorgeous father-son relationship that evolves and deepens throughout. A sweet treat with a warm center." -- Booklist "Amos’s energetic prose encourages pride in one's culture. Championing interpersonal bonds, be they found family or blood relatives, the narrative also emphasizes unconditional love and one community’s impact on a boy shaping his identity." -- Publishers Weekly "Sets a fantastic scene…. Music, family dynamics, friends, and cookies are all delivered with imagery so strong that readers will taste those cookies." -- School Library Journal [H] Little, Brown Books for Young Readers / May 24, 2022 1.11" H x 7.92" L x 5.6" W (0.82 lbs) 320 pages

Cookies & Milk /// Shawn Amos

Twenty years after the release of the first edition of this bestseller, poet Nikki Giovanni has added 10 new poems to the 22 that made up the original collection. Powerfully illustrated by George Ford, Ego-Tripping captures the essence of the African-American experience in ways that have special relevance and appeal for adolescents. BIO Nikki Giovanni, poet, activist, mother, and professor, is a seven-time NAACP Image Award winner and the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, and holds the Langston Hughes Medal for Outstanding Poetry, among many other honors. The author of twenty-eight books and a Grammy nominee for The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, she is the University Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Lawrence Hill Books / November 01, 1993 0.28" H x 8.92" L x 5.94" W (0.32 lbs) 76 pages

Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People /// Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by George Ford with foreword  by Virginia Hamilton

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators. A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history! The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all. BIO Van G. Garrett is the winner of The Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for his book Scrap. He is also the winner of the Best Book of African American Poetry for his book 49: Wings and Prayers, as announced by the Texas Association of Authors. He writes poetry, picture books, and fiction, and (in his spare time) he is also a musician and a visual artist. Reginald C. Adams is a public artist whose studio, based in Houston, Texas, is world-renowned for award-winning murals, sculptures, and art installations strategically located in historic and underserved communities across the U.S. He was the lead artist and Creative Director for Absolute Equality, the new Juneteenth mural in Galveston, Texas. REVIEWS “An unfolding of the senses—sights, sounds, and scents of a parade—with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration… A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history.” -- School Library Journal (starred review) “Vibrant, highly textured watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud… A stirring introduction to an important holiday -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Versify / May 02, 2023 0.38" H x 8.53" L x 11.05" W (0.8 lbs) 40 pages

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Juneteenth /// Van G. Garrett, with illustrations by Reginald C. Adams and Samson Bimbo Adenugba /// new

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Introduce children to the history of Juneteenth with the Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy. Featuring rhyming text and colorful, bold artwork, this board book is a beautiful celebration of this important holiday. A wonderful addition to your child’s bookshelf! BIO Mudpuppy curates the wonders of the world for kids – scaled and interpreted in artful ways that inspire discovery and exploration — and always cast through a thoughtful and positive lens of kindness. We create toys, puzzles and games that delight kids with color, design, and ideas about the world, sparking imagination and creating experiences that engage the whole family. We’re an innovative team with a “design-first” sensibility. We’re in constant collaboration with artists and illustrators – from household names to emerging talents – who help make everything we do beautiful, interesting, high-quality, high-utility and eco-responsible. Tonya Abari is a former teacher turned multigenre writer and editor. A National Endowment of the Humanities grant-funded award recipient and Language Matters facilitator, Tonya has given worldwide workshops and lectures on strategies for teaching the writings of Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, Margaret Walker, and other Black authors. She has recently written essays, profile articles, and has contributed to a vast array of educational materials for children. An alumna of the historic Baltimore City College High School and the University of Maryland at College Park, Abari now calls Nashville home. In addition to SCBWI, EFA, and #BlackCreatorsinKidlit, she has participated in the 12x12 picture book challenge as well as creative nonfiction intensives with Carnegie Hall’s NeOn Arts program and the Hurston Wright Foundation. When Tonya isn't writing or editing, she can be found reading; visiting historic sites; attempting a handstand; or in and around town with her spouse and daughter, both whose names also begin with "T." Tabitha Brown is an illustrator based in Illinois. By blending hand drawing, scanned papers, and vintage botanical illustrations, she creates digital collages full of color. Her goal is to make art featuring women surrounded by nature, happiness, and love. [B] Galison / April 11, 2023 0.55" H x 6.93" L x 6.93" W (0.61 lbs) 1 pages

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth /// Mudpuppy with Tonya Abari, illustrations by Tabitha Brown

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Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth. BIO Award-winning author and illustrator Floyd Cooper was the illustrator of over 90 childrens books. He received the Coretta Scott King Honor Award three times and the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration in 2009 for The Blacker the Berry. From the Land of Milk and Honey was nominated for a 2013 NAACP IMAGE AWARD for literature, and These Hands was awarded the 2012 Sankei Award in Japan for outstanding illustration. Floyd traveled extensively, sharing his talents in schools and conferences across America. He lived in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Velma, and two sons, Dayton and Kai. Sadly, Floyd passed away in 2021. REVIEWS "[Cooper's] full-page artwork—oil paintings in softly textured yellows and browns—captures the tender relationship between a father and daughter and the sadness and pride of their family story. Broad sweeps of history are encapsulated in double-page spreads focusing on determined, prayerful and happy faces. A quiet and informative picture of belated emancipation." -- Kirkus Reviews "This sweet remembrance teaches about the day, known as Juneteenth, and celebrates freedom through the calm, assured tone and expressive faces of the characters. Somber shades of brown give the book a nostalgic, historical feel while remaining accessible and enjoyable for children today." -- Foreward Magazine "In his customary gauzy gold-and-brown illustrations, Cooper sandwiches historical images of figures picking cotton, fleeing “north to freedom,” and marching over a bridge, between contemporary scenes of Mazie snuggled up next to her dad, and dancing in a festive parade. . . .Other introductions to Juneteenth are more detailed, but this will give even young readers a glimmer of its significance." -- Booklist [H] Capstone Young Readers / January 01, 2015 0.4" H x 12.0" L x 8.2" W (1.0 lbs) 40 pages [P] Picture Window Books / January 01, 2016 0.1" H x 10.8" L x 8.3" W (0.4 lbs) 40 pages

Juneteenth for Mazie /// Floyd Cooper

Booklist starred review Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all." Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past. Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn: all people are created equal the power of bravery and using your voice for change the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today no one is free unless everyone is free fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength. BIO Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Certified Teacher, who writes for young learners. Memory is her motivation. She writes to help children remember important moments from African American history. Her books are celebrated for vivid imagery and lyrical texts that sound like music. Alice's most popular titles include A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks; Just Like a Mama; Honey Baby Sugar Child; and Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, which received a 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Medal. Alice lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where at a young age, her mother nurtured her writing talent with prayer, poetry books, and praise. Her website is www.alicefayeduncan.com. Keturah A. Bobo is an artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator known for creating vibrant images that are relatable and distinguishable. She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praises for her colorful illustrative style that brings the story to life and resonates with the viewer. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs. Visit Keturah online at www.keturahariel.com. REVIEWS Duncan introduces Opal Lee (b. 1926), a Black activist and storyteller known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” because of her work to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday, including—per back matter—her cross-country U.S. walk to collect petition signatures. The picture book’s framing features Lee telling stories “of yesteryear” to her great-grandson Buddy and a group of children with varying skin tones. Lee first relays the history of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, then tells about Juneteenth when she was a child in the Jim Crow era, when “an angry mob with flaming sticks burned my family’s brand-new house.” Throughout, multiple refrains remind readers to “Remember my words for safekeeping. Remember what I say. Juneteenth is bigger than Texas, singing, or dancing bands. Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone.” Though there are some outmoded word choices (including slave as a noun), Bobo’s art focuses on expressive figures, portrayed against largely simple backgrounds, in this paean to Juneteenth and oral tradition. Back matter includes more about Lee, a recipe for Juneteenth “Red Punch” Strawberry Lemonade, a Juneteenth timeline, and sources. Ages 4–8. (Jan.) -- Publishers Weekly Entertaining, informative, inspiring, beautifully illustrated and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in presentation, 'Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free' is unequivocally and unreservedly recommended as a high priority addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Black History, American Biography, and Holiday Themed picture book collections. -- Midwest Book Review [H] Thomas Nelson / January 11, 2022 0.5" H x 11.3" L x 9.2" W (1.08 lbs) 32 pages

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth /// Alice Faye Duncan, illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo

Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore. It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor. All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of...to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed. BIO Angie Thomas was born and raised in Mississippi, but now calls Atlanta her home. She is a former teen rapper whose greatest accomplishment was an article about her in Right-On Magazine. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. She can also still rap if needed. Angie is an inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Her debut novel, THE HATE U GIVE, started as a senior project in college. It was later acquired by the Balzer+Bray imprint of HarperCollins Publishers in a 13-publisher auction and debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, winning the ALA’s William C. Morris Debut Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (USA), the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (UK), and the Deutscher Jugendliterapreis (Germany). THE HATE U GIVE was adapted into a critically acclaimed film from Fox 2000, starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by George Tillman, Jr. REVIEWS 'Thomas (Concrete Rose) brings her trademark voice to an action-packed series kickoff rooted in a mixture of African diasporic myth, biblical references, and U.S. history. Imbuing characters both brave and sweetly vulnerable with unflappable senses of humor amid harrowing circumstances, Thomas creates an elaborate supernatural mythology that boldly confronts fantasy tropes and questions of forgiveness.' -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'In a set of gleefully ingenious riffs on African and African American folklore, from “The People Could Fly” to Wakanda, Thomas pitches 12-year-old Nic into a whirl of stunning discoveries about her background as she struggles to understand her own magical gifts…. Sober references…give further historical and emotional depth to this rousing quest tale’s already richly articulated cultural context.' -- Booklist (starred review) 'Magnificent, hilarious and captivating. It can be challenging to satiate the appetites of readers who devour beloved middle grade fantasy series. Those readers will inhale Nic Blake and the Remarkables—and then begin counting down the days to its sequel.' -- BookPage (starred review) 'Thomas skillfully incorporates folktales from the African Diaspora and infuses her story with the energy and emotional nuance of a pre-teen in this tale of intrigue, loyalty, identity, and courage—the first book in a projected trilogy.' -- Horn Book [H] Balzer & Bray / HarperTeen / April 04, 2023 1.23" H x 8.51" L x 5.85" W (0.95 lbs) 368 pages

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy /// Angie Thomas

A delicious picture book about the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.Abuela says, “plátanos are love.”I thought they were food.But Abuela says they feed us in more ways than one.With every pop of the tostones, mash of the mangú, and sizzle of the maduros, a little girl learns that plátanos are her history, they are her culture, and—most importantly—they are love. BIO Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latinx Dominican and Puerto Rican writer, wife, mother, and community organizer. During the day she is a chief of staff working with community members, nonprofit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in the Bronx and currently lives in Philadelphia with her partner and daughter. Alyssa is honored to be a Musa with Las Musas Books which celebrates the diversity of voice, experience, and power of Latinx children’s authors. She hopes you enjoy her stories. REVIEWS "Cooking plantains with Abuela, young Esme grows to appreciate her family lineage in this intergenerationally focused first-person tale . . . Rahman’s digital illustrations use bright, warm colors for contemporary spreads and desaturated greens and browns to delineate scenes occurring in the past, contributing to a thoughtful story of legacy." -- Publishers Weekly "Text that incorporates unitalicized Spanish throughout and warm and inviting illustrations convey affection for both food and family and will leave readers hungry for plátanos.…A cozy story for the stomach and the soul." -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Atheneum Books for Young Readers / April 11, 2023 0.7" H x 9.9" L x 10.8" W (1.0 lbs) 40 pages

Plátanos Are Love /// Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, illustrations by Mariyah Rahman /// new

Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time. Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles's powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come! BIO Tami Charles is a former teacher and full-time author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction. As a teacher, she made it her mission to introduce her students to all types of literature, but especially diverse books. While it was refreshing to see a better selection than what she was accustomed to as a child, Tami felt there weren’t nearly as many diverse books as she’d hoped for. It was then that she decided to reignite her passion for writing. Tami is the author of the middle grade novel Like Vanessa (2018) and the picture book Freedom Soup (Candlewick Press, 2019). Bryan Collier is an American writer and illustrator known best for illustrating children's books. He won both the Coretta Scott King Award, as illustrator, and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for Uptown, the first book he both wrote and illustrated. REVIEWS "A triumphant, encouraging tone permeates the messages to young people of color... asserting recognition and illuminating possibilities for their future." -- School Library Journal, starred review * "A powerful narrative about Black yesterdays that have built the foundation for all our tomorrows." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Collaborators Charles and Collier meld pithy, free-verse lines and saturated illustrations to form an empowering treatise that celebrates the Black diaspora across time and space.​​​​​​" -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "In storytelling dotted with words in Spanish and other languages, laid against Collier’s lush, gem-toned imagery, the book weaves a unifying and empowering narrative of Black people connected across bodies of water, bonded by a common identity..." -- Nikkole Hannah-Jones, New York Times Book Review "A stunning ode to legacies built from the past and those yet to come." -- Jacqueline Woodson, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (2018–2019) [H] Orchard Books / January 03, 2023 0.5" H x 10.1" L x 10.2" W (1.1 lbs) 40 pages

We Are Here /// Tami Charles, illustrations by Bryan Collier

THIS BOOK WILL BE RELEASED OCTOBER 03, 2023 Inspired by acclaimed chef Eric Adjepong’s own childhood, Sankofa is the powerful story of a young boy’s culinary journey 400 years into the past to reconnect with his African roots and find his own place in America.What if home was a place you’ve never been? For Kofi, a first-generation Ghanaian American boy, home is a country called Ghana. But it’s a place he’s never been. When tasked to bring a dish that best represents his family’s culture to school for a potluck lunch, Kofi is torn. With the help of his Nanabarima (grandfather), Kofi learns the hardship and resilience his family has endured—and how food has always been an integral part their story and culture. Sankofa is a reminder that food can transport you to a place called home—even if you’ve never been. BIO Eric Adjepong (he/him) is the host of a series of live, virtual cooking classes that explore West African cuisine and food of the African diaspora. Adjepong rose to prominence as a finalist on season 16 of Bravo’s Top Chef and as a contestant on season 17 of Top Chef All-Stars. As a first-generation Ghanaian American born and raised in New York City, Adjepong sources the flavors and influences in his cooking from many of the West African dishes he grew up eating.Lala Watkins (she/her) is an illustrator, author, and self-proclaimed “good vibes connoisseur.” A graduate of the Ringling College of Art & Design, Watkins has worked on numerous children’s books and comics. [H] Penguin Workshop / October 03, 2023 1.25 lbs 48 pages

Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging /// Eric Adjepong, illustrations by Lala Watkins/// pre

An emotionally riveting novel for fans of Ibi Zoboi and Erika L. Sánchez about two sisters in Nigeria on their journey to break free of an oppressive home. Sisters Cheta and Zam couldn’t be more different. Cheta, sharp-tongued and stubborn, never shies away from conflict—either at school or at home, where her mother fires abuse at her. Timid Zam escapes most of her mother’s anger, skating under the radar and avoiding her sister whenever possible. In a turn of good fortune, Zam is invited to live with her aunt’s family in the lap of luxury. Jealous, Cheta also leaves home, but to a harder existence that will drive her to terrible decisions. When the sisters are reunited, Zam alone will recognize just how far Cheta has fallen—and Cheta’s fate will rest in Zam’s hands.Debut author Rimma Onoseta deftly explores classism, colorism, cycles of abuse, how loyalty doesn’t always come attached to love, and the messy truths that sometimes, family is not a source of comfort, and that morality is all shades of grey. BIO Rimma Onoseta is a Nigerian writer whose work explores identity, familial bonds, and the colonial corruption of African spirituality. She holds a degree in finance from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University. Onoseta grew up reading late into the night, under her covers, with a flashlight and snacks. She writes stories she wanted to read when she was younger, stories about young Nigerian girls who are chaotic and fierce and who question what they’re taught. When she’s not writing, Onoseta enjoys traveling and watching documentaries. REVIEWS A Kirkus Prize FinalistA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the yearA SLJ Best Book of the yearA Rise: A Feminist Book Project honoreeA Chicago Public Library Best Book of the yearAmazon August Editors' pick for Best Young Adult“The novel tells each sister’s story in ways that are moving and show how understandable the decisions they make are, even when they can’t empathize with one another…. Onoseta explores a range of social issues, including class, colorism, intergenerational trauma, and colonization, through a masterfully crafted and diverse cast of characters. This nonlinear narrative presents a universal story: girls striving to find their way in a patriarchal society. A stunning and emotional debut.” -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Onoseta’s devastatingly vulnerable debut, told nonlinearly in two teen Nigerian girls’ dual perspectives, portrays a tempestuous sisterhood amid colorism, familial trauma, and financial precarity…. Onoseta uses visceral prose to sensitively depict Zam and Cheta’s home life and the abuse they endured. The teens’ complicated familial relationships, further ravaged by wealth disparities and societal presumptions, presents an arresting look at two girls embarking on diverging futures in a character-driven story that promises—and delivers—hope for a brighter tomorrow.”-- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Debut author Onoseta’s novel offers exceptionally rich character development…. Modern social and political issues are masterfully woven into the narrative.... An unforgettable, character-driven exploration of sisterhood, survival, and self-advocacy perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo or Ibi Zoboi." -- School Library Journal, starred review"An extraordinary debut." -- The Buffalo News"Debut Nigerian author Rimma Onoseta deftly explores classism, colorism and cycles of abuse." -- Culturess [H] Workman Publishing | August 09, 2022 1.3" H x 8.3" L x 5.7" W (0.9 lbs) 336 pages

How You Grow Wings /// Rimma Onoseta

* An instant New York Times bestseller * An empowering and big-hearted sequel to the bestselling and critically acclaimed From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks! Two years ago, Zoe Washington helped clear Marcus’ name for a crime he didn’t commit. Now her birth father has finally been released from prison and to an outpouring of community support, so everything should be perfect. When Marcus reveals his dream of opening his own restaurant, Zoe becomes determined to help him achieve it—with her as his pastry chef of course. However, starting a new place is much more difficult than it looks, and Marcus is having a harder time re-entering society than anyone expected. Set on finding a solution, Zoe starts a podcast to bring light to the exonerees’ experiences and fundraise for their restaurant. After all, Zoe knows full well the power of using her voice. But with waning public interest in their story, will anyone still be listening? BIO Janae Marks is the author of the critically acclaimed novel From the Desk of Zoe Washington. She grew up in the New York City suburbs and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughter. She has an MFA in writing for children from the New School. Visit Janae online at www.janaemarks.com. REVIEWS Praise for A Soft Place to Land: 'A Soft Place to Land confirms Marks’ status as one of the brightest new stars of contemporary middle grade. Whereas Zoe Washington explored injustice and systemic racism, A Soft Place to Land explores class in a story-driven way that never feels heavy-handed.' -- BookPage “Blending mystery with realistic fiction, Joy’s story of how complicated life is for a kid will resonate with readers in tender and poignant ways.” -- Booklist (starred review) 'At turns poignant and affirmative, this sophomore novel by Marks (From the Desk of Zoe Washington) imparts invaluable messages on growing up, being honest, and communicating feelings to loved ones.' -- Publishers Weekly 'This relatable story touches on topics such as divorce (Joy's parents briefly separate, then reconcile), the ups and downs of having a job at a young age, and the difficulties that arise from keeping secrets from family and friends. . . There is a diverse cast of characters with different experience . . . VERDICT An engaging coming-of-age story that will appeal to a wide range of readers.' -- School Library Journal [H] Katherine Tegen Books / February 14, 2023 1.09" H x 8.45" L x 5.82" W (0.83 lbs) 304 pages

On Air with Zoe Washington /// Janae Marks

Praised by fan favorites including Hoda Kotb, Kim & Khloe Kardashian, and Jimmy Fallon! Inspired by the eagerly awaited birth of her daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning actress Gabrielle Union pens a festive and universal love letter from parents to little ones, perfect for welcoming a baby to the party of life! Reminiscent of favorites such as The Wonderful Things You’ll Be by Emily Winfield Martin, I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb, and Take Heart, My Child by Ainsley Earhardt, Welcome to the Party is an upbeat celebration of new life that you’ll want to enjoy with your tiny guest of honor over and over again. A great gift for all occasions, especially Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, baby showers, and birthdays. BIO Gabrielle Union is an actress, executive producer, activist, best-selling author and most recently, a Time100 cover honoree. Union formed her production shingle “I’ll Have Another” in 2018 with the goal of telling stories that center marginalized communities with their specific point of views in an authentic manner. In August of 2020, she relaunched her haircare brand “Flawless by Gabrielle Union” for women with textured hair. The new and improved collection includes an array of options, affordably priced between $4 - $10, that empowers consumers to customize a regimen specific to their texture and style preferences. Prior to relaunching Flawless, Union learned of the disparities in the food space and joined Bitsy's as a cofounder with the goal of making healthy, allergen- friendly, school-safe snacks that are accessible and affordable for all families regardless of their socioeconomic or geographical status. Her first book, We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated and True, was released in 2017 and instantly became a New York Times best seller. Union serves as a leader and advocate for inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is also a champion of breast health and combating sexual violence. [H] HarperCollins / May 05, 2022 0.5" H x 9.1" L x 9.1" W (0.65 lbs) 32 pages [B] HarperFestival / May 05, 2022 0.65" H x 6.0" L x 6.0" W (0.45 lbs) 32 pages

Welcome to the Party /// Gabrielle Union, illustrations by Ashley Evans

Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest. Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom. Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music. BIO Troy Andrews (born January 2, 1986), also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty, is an American musician, producer, and philanthropist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, organ, and tuba.Bryan Collier is an acclaimed illustrator who has won three Caldecott Honors and five Coretta Scott King Awards. He lives in Upstate New York. REVIEWS With amply layered mixed-media art by Collier, this high-spirited book feels like going to a music party. -- Maria Russo, The New York Times Book Review The streets of New Orleans are filled with music, and so is the house of Troy Andrews, who narrates the story of his growth into the musician known as Trombone Shorty. Troy dreams of having his own band, and when he finds a battered trombone, he knows he’s on his way: “It didn’t sound perfect, but finally with a real instrument in my hand, I was ready to play.” He brings it to a Bo Diddley concert, and Diddley brings him onstage. Andrews shares the culture of Tremé, his New Orleans neighborhood, punctuating his story’s high moments with the traditional greeting—“Where y’at?” Collier’s (My Country ’Tis of Thee) collaged illustrations give the story even more joyful power. He paints sound with sunbursts of color, the fragrance of gumbo with misty swirls, and Troy’s dreams about the future with bubbles that rise from his bed as he sleeps with his arm around his trombone. If a fairy tale were set in New Orleans, this is how it would read. Ages 4–8. Illustrator’s agent: Marcia Wernick, Wernick & Pratt. (Apr.) -- Publishers Weekly "Sharp panels of color and image, perspective that dips and soars, and layers of mixed-media collage unite to feel like renditions of brass band music itself." -- Amina Chaudhri, Booklist "Collier’s expressive watercolor collages layer and texture each page, creating a mix of images that echo the combination of styles Andrews uses to create his own “musical gumbo'...Read this one aloud to capture the sounds and sights of Trombone Shorty’s New Orleans." -- The Horn Book Magazine "The storytelling is imbued with a touch of storybook glamour and generous humor...Collier’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations ably complement the text with a skillful melding of paint and photo collage that underscore the “gumbo” of street sounds and musical styles that influence Andrews’ works." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books [H] Abrams Books for Young Readers / April 14, 2015 0.5" H x 10.0" L x 10.2" W (1.1 lbs) 40 pages

Trombone Shorty /// Troy Andrews, illustrations by Bryan Collier

Discover the inspiring story of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as "the father of ice cream," in this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography.Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. While most African Americans were enslaved at that time, in Pennsylvania, slavery was against the law. But while Augustus and his family were free, they were poor, and they depended on their garden and their chickens for food. Augustus enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals for their family. He dreamed of becoming a professional cook, and when his mom suggested he may be able to make meals for the president one day, Augustus didn’t waste any time in making that dream a reality. In 1820, when he was only twelve years old, he set off for Washington, DC. He applied to work in the White House, where the head cook offered him a job as a kitchen helper. After five years of working hard, Augustus, or Gus, was promoted to cook. He went on to serve presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making a popular egg-based dessert. He soon made an eggless version—known to us today as ice cream—and left the White House determined to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone, not just the wealthy. Gus headed back home to Philadelphia, and in 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised a way to keep the ice cream frozen so that it could be shipped and sold to other businesses. Gus also began adding rock salt to the ice that he used to make his ice cream, which made the mixture freeze more quickly. This allowed him to speed up his production process. He created more ice cream with new flavors, and soon he was shipping product via train to places like New York City, which was 100 miles away. Gus’s dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces.Shining a light on a little-known visionary, this inspiring picture-book biography includes an afterword, a list of sources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream! BIO Glenda Armand has had a long career as a teacher and school librarian and enjoys writing picture-book biographies that inspire children to dream big. Glenda is the author of the award-winning Love Twelve Miles Long, Ira’s Shakespeare Dream, and Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins. Her picture book Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese will be published by Crown Books for Young Readers in Fall 2022. When not writing or practicing the piano, Glenda tends a garden full of succulents and roses. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can learn more about her at glenda-armand.com. Kim Freeman is a children’s book writer in Bloomington, Indiana, who enjoys writing books that inspire children to follow their dreams. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and is a long-time member of SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). She enjoys spending time with her family at museums and zoos, attending musicals and sporting events, and discovering new ice cream shops. (Kim is a triple-scoop fan of chocolate with peanut butter). Keith Mallett is an American artist who has worked as a painter, etcher and ceramic artist. His subject matter ranges from figurative to still life and abstracts. Mallett's work has been exhibited worldwide and is featured in corporate and private collections. REVIEWS "A charming—and tasty—slice of history." -- Kirkus Reviews"Text takes a reminiscing tone, while digitally painted period illustrations shine light on every face." -- Publishers Weekly [H] Crown Books for Young Readers / January 17, 2023 0.39" H x 10.08" L x 10.16" W (1.01 lbs) 40 pages

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better /// Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, illustrations by Keith Mallet

The land is all-important to the Logan family. But it takes awhile for Cassie and her three brothers to understand just how lucky they are to have it. They must learn the hard way that having a place they can call their own in rural Mississippi permits the Logans the luxuries of pride and courage that their poor black sharecropper neighbors can't afford. Having land gives the Logan children an emotional foundation as they begin to notice the difference between how white children and black children are treated in the Jim Crow South of the Great Depression. Like how textbooks are only issued to black children - labeled "nigra" in the book's inside cover - after they've been thoroughly used by white children. And it takes injustices such as these, and a turbulent year of intense racial prejudice, of night riders and burnings, to show Cassie just how important owning their own land is. Winner of the 1977 Newbery Medal and nominated for the National Book Award, the story of Cassie Logan, an independent girl growing up relatively protected in a loving family, is culled from author Mildred Taylor's own family's life. It not only stands as an important addition to the cumulative record of the African-American experience, but crafted with astonishing verisimilitude, it stands as an important contribution to young adult literature as well. BIO Mildred D. Taylor is the author of nine novels including The Road to Memphis, Let the Circle Be Unbroken, The Land, and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Her books have won numerous awards, among them a Newbery Medal (for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry), four Coretta Scott King Awards, and a Boston Globe—Horn Book Award. Her book The Land was awarded the L.A. Times Book Prize and the PEN Award for Children’s Literature. In 2003, Ms. Taylor was named the First Laureate of the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature. Mildred Taylor was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and grew up in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Toledo, she served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia for two years and then spent the next year traveling throughout the United States, working and recruiting for the Peace Corps. At the University of Colorado’s School of Journalism, she helped created a Black Studies program and taught in the program for two years. Ms. Taylor has worked as a proofreader-editor and as program coordinator for an international house and a community free school. She now devotes her time to her family, writing, and what she terms “the family ranch” in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. REVIEWS "The vivid story of a black family whose warm ties to each other and their land give them strength to defy rural Southern racism during the Depression. . . . Entirely through its own internal development, the novel shows the rich inner rewards of black pride, love, and independence despite the certainty of outer defeat.” -- Booklist (starred review) “The strong, clear-headed Logan family . . . are drawn with quiet affection and their actions tempered with a keen sense of human fallibility.” -- Kirkus Reviews“The events and setting of the powerful novel are presented with such verisimilitude and the characters are so carefully drawn that one might assume the book to be autobiographical, if the author were not so young.” -- The Horn Book [P] Puffin Books / November 27, 2001 0.8" H x 7.6" L x 5.0" W (0.5 lbs) 304 pages

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry /// Mildred D. Taylor

When happy things come to you, hold them close and never let go. From celebrated author of Your Name Is a Song Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, fine artist Patrick Dougher, and photographer Jamel Shabazz, Hold Them Close is a picture book celebration of Black past, present, and future—a joyful love letter to Black children. As affirming as it is touching and warm, Hold Them Close encourages young children to hold close their joy, the words of their ancestors and elders, as well as their power to change the world. A perfect book for shared story time, this book will inspire young people to march forth with pride, glow, and happiness. BIO Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is an educator and writer who centers Black and Muslim children in her work. She is the author of Mommy’s Khimar, Your Name Is a Song, and Abdul’s Story and is a contributor to the Once Upon an Eid anthology. She teaches writing to youth in Philadelphia, where she lives with her family. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Patrick Dougher is a self-taught artist, musician, poet, writer, and spiritual activist. He has worked as a teaching artist in New York City public schools, as an art therapist working with HIV-positive children, and as the director of a community arts organization. Patrick uses the arts to empower and support the socioeconomic growth and health of disenfranchised youths of the city. Through his art, Patrick seeks to inspire and celebrate the noble beauty and divine nature of people of African descent. REVIEWS "A love poem to Black children that both educates and bolsters." -- Kirkus Reviews Hold Them Close is a true work of art. This is a book to be savored and reread in classrooms and homes. -- Booklist (starred review) [This] book is an uplifting family story as much as it is a beautifully fearless introduction to much of Black history and why learning about it is essential for understanding the modern world. -- School Library Journal (starred review) 'Thompkins-Bigelow (Abdul’s Story) pens a stirring free verse love letter to Black children and community, carrying readers through a range of experiences to be held tight or dismissed. The resulting images simultaneously emphasize a painful past, a tumultuous present, and a hopeful future, making for a tribute both sobering and jubilant.' -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) [H] HarperCollins / October 04, 2022 0.37" H x 11.29" L x 9.21" W (1.11 lbs) 48 pages

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