Book picks similar to
Dream A Rainbow by Carlotta Penn
children-s-books
picture-books
advisable
african-american
Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad
Monica Edinger - 2013
But before she can work off her debt, an unthinkable chain of events unfolds: a capture by slave traders; weeks in a dark and airless hold; a landing in Cuba, where she and three other children are sold and taken aboard the Amistad; a mutiny aboard ship; a trial in New Haven that eventually goes all the way to the Supreme Court and is argued in the Africans’ favor by John Quincy Adams. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child — from seeing mirrors for the first time and struggling with laughably complicated clothing to longing for family and a home she never forgets. Lush, full-color illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents, bring an extraordinary journey to life.
Feed Your Mind: A Story of August Wilson
Jen Bryant - 2019
As a child, he read off the soup cans and cereal boxes, and when his mother brought him to the library, his whole world opened up. After facing intense prejudice at school from both students and some teachers, August dropped out. However, he continued reading and educating himself independently. He felt that if he could read about it, then he could teach himself anything and accomplish anything. Like many of his plays, Feed Your Mind is told in two acts, revealing how Wilson grew up to be one of the most influential American playwrights. The book includes an author’s note, a timeline of August Wilson’s life, a list of Wilson’s plays, and a bibliography.
Mister Seahorse
Eric Carle - 2004
As Mister Seahorse floats through the sea, he meets a Mr Stickleback, Mr Tilapia, Mr Kurtus and many other fish fathers caring for their eggs and babies in the most surprising ways.Other titles from Eric Carle:The Very Hungry CaterpillarThe Very Busy SpiderBrown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?From Head to ToeThe Very Lonely Firefly
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson
Kathleen Krull - 2018
He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos.This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
Phoebe Sounds It Out
Julie Zwillich - 2017
Unfortunately, her name doesn’t look quite like it sounds. At school, her classmates practice writing their names, but Phoebe struggles. Her teacher tells her to “just sound it out.” Phoebe doubts herself and procrastinates before resolving to try.
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance
Nikki GrimesChristopher Myers - 2017
Using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking.This special book also includes original artwork in full-color from some of today's most exciting African American illustrators, who have created pieces of art based on Nikki's original poems. Featuring art by: Cozbi Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ebony Glenn, Nikki Grimes, E. B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Christopher Myers, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon.A foreword, an introduction to the history of the Harlem Renaissance, author's note, poet biographies, and index makes this not only a book to cherish, but a wonderful resource and reference as well.
Awards for Planet Middle School:
2014 Garden State Teen Book Awards listNominated for the 2012 NCAAP Image Award - Outstanding Literary Work for Youth/TeensCCBC Choices 20122012 Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank StreetNominated for the 2012-13Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards Program
Silly Fluffy Barking Jumping Wet-Nosed Dog Book
Agnes Green
Cheerful Pug, proud Greyhound, calm Great Dane, friendly Dalmatian, and many others. Each spread is a story about an extraordinary dog’s personality, written with humor and drawn with love, giving details that children love so much!But the most important part is the end of this story. It will make your heart beat faster and moisten your eyes.This is a short story in verse that your little dog lover will ask to read again and again at bedtime. Or maybe you will take it to the park and find each breed described?
My Pen
Christopher Myers - 2015
My pen rides dinosaursand hides an elephant in a teacup.What can your pen do?Acclaimed author and illustrator Christopher Myers uses rich black-and-white illustrations to bring a sketchbook to life, showing that with a simple pen, a kid can do anything!
I Had a Favorite Dress
Boni Ashburn - 2011
As the year passes, the narrator’s favorite dress goes through a series of creative changes, from dress to shirt to tank top to scarf and so on, until all that’s left of it is a good memory. Assisted by her patient and crafty mama, the narrator finds that when disaster strikes her favorite things, she doesn’t need to make mountains out of molehills—she “makes molehills out of mountains” instead! Structured around the days of the week, the story is also illustrated to show the passing of the seasons, a perfect complement to the themes of growing older and keeping hold (and letting go) of special mementos.
Tropical Terry
Jarvis - 2018
But, in Coral Reef City, it’s sometimes better to blend in…Coral Reef City is home to the most dazzling shoals of tropical fish in ALL the ocean. And then there is Terry. Terry looks grey. Terry feels dull. And although he is the best at playing “Hide A Fish”, he can’t help but wonder: Just what would it feel like to be part of that dashing, flashing crew? So, with the help of his friends, he fashions a flashy costume and is ready to impress… “Hello-o-o everybody! Just call me TROPICAL Terry!” But will life as a tropical fish be everything he dreamed of?With his trademark humour and vibrant art, the award-winning Jarvis tells a heart-warming comedy of self-esteem; a story about learning to love your own scales and take pride in what makes you different.
My Big Bad Monster
A.N. Kang - 2019
When she's had enough of his negativity, she discovers that with a little help from new friends and a lot of boisterous music, he'll disappear for good!This sweet picture book with energetic art by A. N. Kang will strike a chord in readers both big and small.
Ty's Travels: All Aboard!
Kelly Starling Lyons - 2020
Family time and imagination and play are highlighted in this fun story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6.Ty wishes his family would play with him, but everyone is too busy before dinnertime. Luckily, Ty knows just what to do… Time for fun. Celebrate the power of imagination in All Aboard!With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this Guided Reading Level I and My First series is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.
A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers 2020 *
Listed as one of 2021 Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children's Book *
Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate
March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Christine King Farris - 2008
From Dr. Martin Luther King's sister, the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation.
Shortcut
Donald Crews - 1992
The coast seems clear...This companion to Bigmama's will enthrall young readers at home or in the classroom. An exciting story with a clear implicit lesson and a happy ending, children will be on the edge of their seats as they follow along. A fun read-aloud, it also helps children ages 3 to 6 learn about how to share details of place in storytelling. Celebrate the bonds of family over generations with Donald Crews's evocative picture books Shortcut and Bigmama's.
When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop
Laban Carrick Hill - 2013
Her brother, Clive Campbell, spun the records. He had a new way of playing the music to make the breaks—the musical interludes between verses—longer for dancing. He called himself DJ Kool Herc and this is When the Beat Was Born. From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, here's how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to breakdance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.