February is Black History Month.  Its a time when libraries put books featuring African Americans front and center.  The truth is we should highlight African American authors, characters and historical figures throughout the year.

For years, the amount of books featuring African Americans were sparse.  Most were written about slavery, Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement.  Thankfully, the publishing world is waking up; and books are being published that highlight a variety of African American heroines and heroes.

Fiction picture and chapter books featuring African American characters are on the rise too.  This summer, I kept the Ellray Jakes and Jada Jones series highlighted on the library’s prime real estate… the display cube.  They flew off shelves.

This month, I’ve filled my display with a variety of biographies and history books featuring African Americans.  Like Ellray and Jada, they are flying off the shelf.

Below is a work in progress of books you will want to read in 2019. I have more to add.  I hope the publishing world continues this trend.  I’ll keep this page updated with nonfiction and biographies featuring African Americans.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

The votes are in.  After the first round, we were left with six titles. Then, my coworkers emailed me their two favorites.

Dreamers won unanimously. Drawn Together was right behind it.  I’ll be disappointed if these titles don’t earn the gold or an honor tomorrow because my coworkers are the best Children’s Librarians in the world.  They know their stuff.

Drawn Together by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat

Our Top Six

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

What If. . . by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Mike Curato

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Drawn Together by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?  The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

In years past, I’ve had a Mock Caldecott with my daughter and her friends.  They’re no longer interested in picking the best illustrated books of the year.  That’s ok.  They’ve replaced the interest with other creative endeavors.  But I love picture books; and I love hearing what people think will be the next award winner.  So I invited my coworkers to join me in a Mock Caldecott.  If you’re not a coworker and want to participate; you can join the fun.  Put your five favorites from the books listed below in the comments by Friday, January 18.

On January 19, I’ll tally the results and post a smaller list where you can vote for your favorite.  I’ll tally those votes on Friday, January 25.  I’ll announce our Mock Caldecott winner on Sunday, January 27.  Monday morning the real committee will announce their winner and honors.  Who’s in?

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell and illustrated by Corinna Luyken

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

What If. . . by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Mike Curato

Zola’s Elephant by Randall de Seve and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Lane Smith

Drawn Together by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

We Are Grateful:  Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrel and illustrated by Frane Lessac

The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated Ekua Holmes

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Seeing Into Tomorrow:  Haiku by Richard Wright Biography and illustrations by Nina Crews

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?  The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Imagine by Raul Colon

They Say Blue by Jillian Tamaki

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and illustrated by Barbara McClintock

Hello Hello By Brendan Wenzel

Between the Lines:  How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Jeff Mack’s book is the perfect book for a New Year’s Eve bed time story so your children can see how much you party when they are asleep.

I hope to blog more about books for children and young adults in 2019.  Below are favorites I read this year.  I’m sure I’m missing some fabulous titles; but there’s only one me and so many amazing books published each year.

Picture Books

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Imagine! By Raul Colon

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

You’re Snug With Me by Chitra Soundar and illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell and illustrated by Corinna Luyken

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros and illustrated by Dana Wulfkekotte

The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke and illustrated by Van T Rudd

This Book is Red:  Books That Drive Kids Crazy! by Beck and Matt Stanton

A House That Once Was? by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Lane Smith

Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets:  A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Night Job by Karen Hesse and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

My Pictures After the Storm by Eric Veille

A Different Pond by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui

Potato Pants by Laurie Keller

Beginning Readers

Please, No More Nuts by Jonathan Fenske

Mr. Monkey Visits a School by Jeff Mack

Biographies for Kids

Pies From Nowhere:  How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito and illustrated by Laura Freedom

Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez and illustrated by Felicita Sala

So Tall Within:  Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom by Gary Schmidt and illustrated by Daniel Minter

Sisters and Champions:  The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Howard Bryant and illustrated by Floyd Cooper

The Secret Kingdom:  Nek Chand, a Changing India and a Hidden World of Art by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

Between the Lines:  How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated Bryan Collier

Girl Running:  Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon by Annette Bay Pimental and illustrated by Micha Archer

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of the Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Christ Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Nonfiction for Kids

We Are Grateful by Traci Sorrell and illustrated by Frane Lessac

Otis and Will Discover The Deep:  The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Katherine Roy

The Brilliant Deep:  Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

Pass Go and Collect $200:  The Real Story of How Monopoly was Invented by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Steven Salerno

What’s On Your Plate?  Exploring the World of Food by Whitney Stewart and illustrated by Christiane Engel

Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz and Allison Black

Terrific Tongues by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Jia Liu

The Elephant by Jenni Desmond

Middle Grade Fiction

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Young Adult Fiction

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner

Breakout by Kate Messner

Young Adult Graphic Novels

Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin and illustrated by Giovanni Rigano

Princess and Dress Maker by Jen Wang

Speak:  The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrated by Emily Carroll

Outlier

Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick and David Serlin

 Perfect for Storytime

There’s a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor by Wade Bradford and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Mad, Mad Bear! by Kimberly Gee

How do You Take a Bath? by Kate McMullan and illustrated by Sydney Hanson

There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott

Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson

Play This Book by Jessica Young and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Don’t Blink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by David Roberts

The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan and illustrated by Tom Knight

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

Old Hat by Emily Gravett

The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

I Don’t Want to Go to Sleep by Dev Petty and illustrated Mike Boldt

Today a friend posted this on Facebook.

“For this holiday season, and for quite some time, our family is only buying children’s books that focus on non-white main characters for ourselves and as gifts. We are only bringing multi-racial and multi-cultural books into our house, and yours. I encourage you to do the same. Also, take note of how much thought and effort this takes. Then imagine if you had to do this all the time. If you have a great recommendation, please comment here!”

My friend’s child is four years old so I’m highlighting picture books.  Here are some suggestions featuring African American characters.  I’ll focus on other cultures in another post.  I have read and adore each of the books below; but if I could only buy one, it would be Thank You, Omu!  It’s one of my favorite books published in 2018.

There’s still a long way to go for children’s literature to reflect all children.  Check out The Brown Bookshelf site for more information.  It’s mission is  “designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers.”

My first love were picture books; and it’s still my number one love when it comes to books.  ML’s past sitting down, snuggling and reading picture books with me.  However, I want her to appreciate picture books her whole life.  Every once in awhile, one arrives I know she will love.  Instead of insisting she read it.  I lay it on the couch.  Eventually, she picks it up and reads it.

My Pictures After the Storm by Eric Veille is one of these books.  ML thought it was clever and hilarious.  You will too!  A book for all ages.

I took a poll of friends on Facebook.  “Who is the first scientist that pops in your head besides Einstein?”  There were a variety of men named; but only two women.  Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin.  My friend, Liz, who graduated from MIT response was Rosalind Franklin.  (Liz’s daughter’s name is Rosalind.)  I hadn’t heard of Rosalind Franklin.  Luckily, she was included in the book Women in Science:  50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky.

I’m appalled; but not surprised by what I learned.  “We should all know it was Rosalind Franklin who discovered the double helix structure of DNA, not James Watson and Francis Crick.”  For too long female scientists’ contributions have been overlooked.  Thankfully, publishers are taking notice.  A variety of beautifully illustrated biographies about female scientists have been published in the past few years.

I INSIST YOU SHARE THESE WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND YOURSELF.  YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED.

Grace Hopper:  Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark and illustrated by Katy Wu

Caroline’s Comets:  A True Story by Emily Arnold McCully

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Out of School and Into Nature:  The Anna Comstock Story by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Jessica Lanan

Ada Lovelace:  Poet of Science:  The First Computer Programmer by Diane Stanley and illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Marie Curie by Demi

Not So Different:  What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw and photographs by Matt Carr is a must read.  If I was in charge of the world, every third grade teacher would be required to read it to her class.

Shane answers questions kids are curious about; but may not ask out of fear of offending someone.  You know . . .  how one eats, poops showers and moves.  The crisp photographs show Shane’s just another guy who needs to do some things differently.

However, don’t wait until third grade to read it with your child.  I want it required reading in third grade because this is when children start becoming more self-conscious about appearances.

Shane is awesome.  The sooner you meet him the better.

Last year, I read many books that were included on various Mock Newbery 2017 lists.  This year, I haven’t read as many books.  Usually, the awards are presented in January.  This year, they will be presented February 12th.  So I still have a 18 hours to read.   One’s I’ve read and finished from Mock Newbery 2018 lists are below.  I’ve tried to read around 10 books I’ve seen on many lists.  However, I only have so much time between work, home and hoursmothering.

The book I most want to win is The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.  It’s a sequel; so I doubt it will.  The first book, The War That Saved My Life,  was robbed in my opinion.  It received a Newbery Honor last year.  It should have received the Gold.  Everyone I recommended this book to from age 9 to 92 loved it and couldn’t wait for the sequel.

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming:  And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

Book I Will Finish

Undefeated:  Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin

Books I Want to Finish

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

Train I Ride by Paul Moiser

Vincent and Theo:  The Van Gogh Brothers

Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes by Mary Lambert

Undefeated:  Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin

Tumble and Bumble

Patina

Siren Sisters by Dana Langer

I’m fortunate to live in an area with so many people interested in children’s and young adult literature… including authors of fantastic books for kids and teens.  From board books to YA books, the Triangle is filled with amazing writers.  Here’s what I read from local authors published in 2017.  I’m sure there are others.  If you know of an author who published a book this year, post it in the comments.

This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer by Joan Holub – Learn all about influential women who changed history in this engaging and colorful board book perfect for trailblazers-in-training!

Paving the way
to a future that’s bright.
Helping the world
with their skills, smarts, and might. 
Little trailblazers cause great big changes.

In this follow up to This Little President and This Little Explorer, now even the youngest readers can learn all about great and empowering female trailblazers in history! Highlighting ten memorable women leaders who paved the way, parents and little ones alike will love this girl power primer full of fun, age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations.

William’s Winter Nap by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Chuck Groenick – Just when William is ready to fall asleep in his cozy cabin, there is a tap on his window. A chilly chipmunk asks to stay, and Will scooches over in bed. “There’s room for two–I’m sure we’ll fit.” The chipmunk is just the first in a parade of mammals, each bigger than the last, until the bed is full. Then a note is slipped beneath the door: “Do you have room for just one more?” William tugs the door to see who’s there . . . only to find a great big BEAR! Is there enough space to spare? Will the other animals be willing to share?

Jada Jones:  Rock Star by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton – Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book.

When Jada Jones’s best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She’d much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada’s teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she’s in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn’t seem to like any of Jada’s ideas. She doesn’t seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?  (publisher’s site)

The Unicorn in the Barn by Jacqueline Ogburn and illustrated by Rebecca Green – For years people have claimed to see a mysterious white deer in the woods around Chinaberry Creek. It always gets away.  One evening, Eric Harper thinks he spots it. But a deer doesn’t have a coat that shimmers like a pearl. And a deer certainly isn’t born with an ivory horn curling from its forehead.  When Eric discovers the unicorn is hurt and being taken care of by the vet next door and her daughter, Allegra, his life is transformed.  A tender tale of love, loss, and the connections we make, The Unicorn in the Barn shows us that sometimes ordinary life takes extraordinary turn. (publisher’s site)

Nyxia by Scott Reintgen – What would you be willing to risk for a lifetime of fortune?
 Emmett Atwater isn’t just leaving Detroit; he’s leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family.  Forever.  Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden—a planet that Babel has kept hidden—where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.

But Babel’s ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human. (publisher’s site)

What’s Coming in 2018?

I’m eager to see what is published by authors in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill next year.  Most especially, Brave Girl by Kati Gardner.  It’s being published in the fall of 2018 by Flux Books.  I had the honor of reading one of her drafts.  Prepare to be wowed.

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner – Cason Martin is the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory. She’s never really had a choice on if she wanted to dance or not, her mother the artistic director, has made all the decisions in Cason’s life. It’s all changing. Cason has been hiding an injury and it’s much worse than anyone imagines. Davis Channing understands all too well what it is like to give up all control in your life. He’s survived cancer, but it was his addictions that nearly killed him. Now he’s been sober for seven months and enjoying his community service at the hospital.
But it all changes. Davis’ ex-girlfriend, who is still battling her addiction, barrels back into his life bringing with it a type of carnage he hadn’t expected. Cason and Davis are not friends. But now they will start to depend on one another. Can they both be brave enough to beat the odds? (Goodreads)

ML’s best friend moved a little over a year ago.  It was hard for ML.  There have been times when she was in tears over various things this past year.  The only thing she wanted was to talk to SJ.  Some were friendship issues.  Some were when she was mad at me.  One was when her hand was pouring blood from squeezing a wine glass.  That’s a blog post in itself.

ML and SJ became friends without parent involvement.  Which is unusual for 5-year-olds.  They met at Y Camp the summer before kindergarten.  SJ’s mom says it best; “People search their whole lives for the kind of friendship ML and SJ have.”

We’ve worked hard to make certain the girls see each other every few months.  Tomorrow, we’ll drive four hours to spend Labor Day Weekend celebrating SJ’s birthday.  I’m fully prepared to hear “Are we there yet?  How much longer?” every five minutes.  I’m excited as ML because SJ and her family are like family to us.

Last fall, we picked up SJ on our way to a wedding in Georgia.  I wish I had a video of their hug when they first saw each other after almost two months apart.  In January  SJ, her mom and brother came for the Woman’s March.  They came up for a portion of spring break too.  (Note to self.  Check to see if they have the same spring break this year).  Then, SJ came for a week this summer.  ML and SJ met at a YMCA Day Camp the summer before elementary school; so they spent their days at the camp.  At night, I enjoyed watching these two make slime, eat at Moes, and the one that made me smile the most… lying on the bed reading books before lights out.

At the beginning of last year, ML put in words how hard it was at school without SJ.  “SJ’s the one who helps bring people together.  When people are mad or disagreeing, she helps find a solution.”  To celebrate this amazing girl, who should be president… and very well may be one day.  I’ve put together a list of 11 books for her to read this year.  It’s based on books I know she loved, her interests and to grow her already compassionate self to see a variety of viewpoints.  This might seem like a lot of books to “assign”  I feel confident several of these books she will read in one night.  I’ve purposely included a variety of genres and writing styles.  I’ve read all but one.  I’ll write a post soon about the one I’ve yet to read; but I already know it’s a winner.  I’m not going to quiz SJ on these books next year; but I do hope she gives each book at least 30 pages.  In the meantime, I’ll be thinking about her Birthday Book List for when she starts middle school next year.

Bubble by Stewart Foster

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

George by Alex Gino

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafal by

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

March, Book 1 by John Lewis with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell

Moo by Sharon Creech

Nine, Ten:  A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Summerlost by Ally Condie

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitgerald

And one to grow on; because not only did SJ meet Cassie Beasely when she came to our local bookstore to promote Circus Mirandus, she and her mom read it aloud and loved it.

Tumble and Blue by Cassie Beasely