Duke Ellington by Adrea Davis Pinkney. Recommended for grades 3 and up. This Caldecott winner tells the story of Duke Ellington, the man who made jazz music famous. Beautiful illustrations and the whimsical wording make this story a great read for children of all ages. It also helps to introduce the instruments and inspire children to learn to play music, as well as what the music can inspire in people.
Samuel's Choice by Richard Berleth. Recommended for grades 3 and up. The story of a young slave named Samuel who was instrumental in the fight for freedom on Long Island during the American Revolution. A great read for children who are learning about the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our country, as well as a lesson about how anyone can make the choice to do what is right, even in the face of adversity.
More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby. Recommended for ages K-12. A young African-American boy wishes more than anything to be able to read. As he works all day shoveling salt with his father and brother, he does not mention the fact that he is starving or the meals he has missed. Instead he chooses to get through the day imagining what it would be like to read. Showing children what they have now as opposed to what was given to children many years ago may help them build and appreciation for reading, and the freedom it allows them.
Smokey Night by Eve Bunting. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a family in turmoil as the streets below them are filled with rioters and broken glass. When their apartment is set on fire, they must leave everything behind-including Daniel's cat, Jasmine. When Jasmine is found with a previous enemy (the cat that belongs to Mrs. Kim, a woman that Daniel's mother didn't want to associate with) everyone learns a valuable lesson about trust, and learning to look beyond what you think you see. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Harvesting Hope by Kathleen Krull. Recommended for grades 1 and up. This picture book for older readers tells the story of Cesar Chavez, the man who led the first peaceful revolt for farm workers in America. He organized a march that brought attention to the low wages and despicable conditions that many Spanish speaking farm hands were subjected to. This book is easy to read and understand and teaches young children a great lesson about tolerance, understanding and hope.
Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Recommended for ages 6-10. Told entirely from the point-of-view of a rag doll that belongs to a slave child during the civil war, this picture book recreates what life was like on cotton farms and while running away through the underground railroad. It is easy for children to understand what is happening without being overly simplistic. A great read for children who are learning about this time in American history.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. Recommended for ages 11 and up. The story of a wealthy family that loses everything on the verge of the young daughters 13th birthday. Mother and daughter must immigrate to the United States with nothing in order to avoid being separated. An excellent story for children grades 6 and up that teaches about what is truly important and how to rise above what you are used to in order to become a better person.
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. The story of two young soldiers who find each other during the Civil War, and a friendship blossoms. Told from generation to generation by Polacco's family, she wrote and illustrated this book to honor the memory of an African American boy named Pinkus Aylee who saved her great-great grandfather's life. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this novel is an honest and touching tale that would also work for children in slightly older grades to help learn about tolerance, acceptance, and what it means to do the right thing even when you are afraid.
Li'l Dan the Drummer Boy by Romare Bearden. This colorfully illustrated picture book tells the story of Li'l Dan, a slave who is freed by the North and becomes the mascot of Company E, whom he follows after receiving word that he no longer "belongs" to anyone. He saves their lives using imagination and his drum, and grows up to become a member of the army himself. Recommended for grades 1-4, I would choose to read this to younger children such as grades 1-2. The story is simple and the colors and pictures are beautiful but simple.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. Recommended for ages 9 and up, Delphine tells the story of her summer with her sisters in Oakland, California in the midst of Black Panther uprisings. Stuck with a mother who abandoned them and most days refuses to acknowledge their presence, the girls learn firsthand what is happening with the revolution. I enjoyed this book, because it teaches children history with a twist, and is humorous enough to make you truly appreciate what the girls must endure at the hands of Celia, their mother.
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