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African American

A Princess in Theory

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A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Format: Digital Audiobook, Book
Who it’s for: Adults

This is book one in the Reluctant Royals series, and it features Naledi Smith and Prince Thabiso of Thesolo. Unbeknownst to her, former foster kid Naledi was once betrothed to Prince Thabiso. But, as an orphan with no recollection of her parents or hometown, when she starts receiving emails from Likotsi, assistant to His Royal Highness, she assumes she has been targeted by scammers.

After receiving an unfavorable email response from Naledi, Thabiso intends to confront Naledi and demand an explanation for her parents’ insolence in leaving the kingdom of Thesolo. When Thabiso realizes that Naledi has no idea who he is or who she really is, he decides to shrug off his royal duties in exchange for the opportunity to be a commoner.

What follows is a romantic and passionate courtship that reads like a Disney fairytale, with a touch of humor. Find it in the catalog. 

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

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Submitted by Ms. Tess!

The American Library Association Youth Media Awards were announced this month. It is always an exciting event for librarians when our peers announce their choices for the best children’s books of the year. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, with illustrations by Gordon C. James, received 4 honors, and they were very much deserved in my opinion! Crown is about the transformative power of a really great haircut. It is a tribute to the beauty of African American hair, and “the shop,” a sacred place in African American communities, where barbers elevate their clients with empowering style. A great haircut can make you look like a CEO, make you look majestic, make you look fly. A great haircut can make you feel like royalty! Hello world! Experience the fantastic poetry and paintings of Crown for yourself. You’ll be glad you did. See this book listed in our catalog

In Plain Sight

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

In Plain Sight by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Sophie’s grandpa plays a game of seek and find with her every day after school. Grandpa hides something and it’s always a surprise. They both live with Sophie’s mom and dad. Grandpa, who uses a wheelchair, stays near the window so he can watch Sophie as she comes and goes. He calls and waves to her as he looks out. Then every day after school she looks in on him and says “Here I am, Grandpa. How was the morning?” Grandpa always replies with a surprising statement and asks her to help him find the things that he “lost.” Paperclips, rubber bands, drinking straws are eventually found in an unusual places and in plain sight by Sophie. This book depicts a close relationship of a wheelchair bound grandfather and his sweet and considerate granddaughter who enjoys playing along. See this book listed in our catalog

Game Changer

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Submitted by Ms. Cassie!

Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game by John Coy. In 1944 there was a secret basketball game played. Why was it a secret? Because in North Carolina, 19 years before Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, segregation was the norm. In fact this game, featuring white and black players, was illegal at the time. But courageous coach John McLendon and this group of players were willing to defy the law to break down prejudice and racism. This is a story of bravery and strength. It is a great introduction to a difficult portion of American history, told through the lens of basketball, the American-invented sport. See this book listed in our catalog

Trombone Shorty, Trapped, and Rad American Women

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Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I wanted to share some of my favorite non-fiction picture books of the year so far with you! Here they are:

In Trombone Shorty Troy Andrews a.k.a. Trombone Shorty, a famous jazz musician, tells the story of his childhood in New Orleans, where music is everywhere. He wanted to make music, so he and his friends formed a band (the “5:00 Band” because that’s when they finished their homework). He played a busted trombone, and everyone called him “Trombone Shorty” because the instrument was twice his size. He was even called up on stage at the New Orleans Jazz Fest when he was just a little tyke, and played a song with Bo Diddley. It’s a sweet story about a person who followed his passion and is living his dream, and I think that’s important for kids to see. See this book listed in our catalog
I love Trapped: A Whale’s Rescue by Robert Burleigh about a humpback whale who gets trapped in a fishing net, and the humans who come to her rescue. I think it does a great job of educating children about whales. I thought the illustrations were really awesome, particularly at showing to scale how big the whale is compared to humans, and the book has interesting back matter. See this book listed in our catalog
Rad American Women A-Zby Kate Schatz is a book about women who have changed American history in different ways, for every letter of the alphabet! They come from different backgrounds, and historical periods. They accomplished different things. They are activists, athletes, and artists. Women like Kate Bornstein, the Grimke Sisters, Patti Smith, and Ursula LeGuin. There’s even a letter for the “women whose names we don’t know” – women who history has forgotten, women in our personal lives (like mothers and teachers), and women who will change the future. It’s an inspirational book for anyone. See this book listed in our catalog

Max and the Tag-along Moon

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Submitted by Ms. Amy!

Max and the Tag-along Moon by Floyd Cooper. Max loves visiting his Granpa. When it’s time for Max to go home, Granpa hugs Max while they look at the beautiful full moon. Granpa tells Max that the moon will always shine for him. During the car ride home, Max watches to see if Granpa was right. It’s true–no matter which way Max’s car turns, the moon does seem to follow them! Suddenly dark clouds cover the moon! Max is disappointed. Granpa promised that the moon would always shine for Max. Soon it’s time for bed, and Max feels sad. He misses Granpa, and the moon. Will the moon come back? This a sweet story to share with little ones at bed time, with softly illuminated pictures in night time colors. See this book listed in our catalog