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African American

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures

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Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Format: Book
Who it’s for:  Kids

This new, fun book for kids is written by Nikki Grimes, an award-winning author and the illustrations are by Elizabeth Zunon who grew up in the Ivory Coast.  Ms. Grimes hasn’t written a book in a while so this was a good one to read.  Ms. Zunon has a background in art as she works in paint, collage, sewing, silkscreens, jewelry and more.  The illustrations reflect her interest and are a combination of realism and fantasy.

Mommy and Daddy are trying to get their cantankerous toddler son to go to bed but the boy definitely isn’t interested in settling down.  Mommy tries to coax him into bed and then reads a story to him.  It looks like it’s going to work.  Until…  See for yourself how she finally solves the problem.

This is a good bedtime book to read to little ones for Black History month.  Read this delightful book to see how mother finds a way to calm her son.

Find it in our catalog.

 

 

New Kid

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New Kid by Jerry Craft
Format: Graphic Novel
Who it’s for:  Kids, Teens, Adults

Jordan Banks is starting his 7th grade year in a new school.  A new PRIVATE school with lots of privilege and not a lot of diversity.  He really wishes to go to art school, but his parents think this new private school will be good for him.  It’s never easy for a new kid in any school, but this one isn’t in his neighborhood and none of his friends go there.  The first person he meets doesn’t even talk to him.  He quickly notices that he is one of the few black kids.  And yet, he makes friends and soon finds his way navigating the new school.  Now he’s worried he is going to lose his friends in his neighborhood.

Jerry Craft shows us what it is like to be the new kid.  And, he teaches us about micro-aggressions against marginalized groups.  We see the white teacher that can never get the black kids’ names right   And, we see the black kid getting the blame for what the bad white kid did.  Craft teaches us about racism and bias.  Jordan finds out that even he is biased when he has to sit with the weird girl and finds out more about her.

While there wasn’t a big story line other than what it is like to be a new kid in middle school, I think this is an important read for kids today.  You see Jordan’s perspective as a black kid, as a minority.  It’s funny and relatable and I think kids will like it.  I hope that Jerry Craft makes this a series so that we can learn more about Jordan and his friends.

Find it in the catalog.

Quickest Kid in Clarksville

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The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Frank Morrison
Format: Book
Who it’s For: Kids

Alta loves to run. She’s fast too, the fastest kid in all of Clarksville and everyone knows it, even with holes in her soles and dirty laces. But today Alta has something else on her mind. Tomorrow she will get to see her hometown hero in person – none other than the famous runner Wilma Rudolph, three time Olympic gold medalist who’ll be appearing in the big parade in town! Wilma grew up here, like Alta . Her family had little money, like Alta’s. But she overcame illness and impossible odds to make it as an Olympic athlete, just like Alta’s dream. Until Charmaine, with her attitude, her uptown shoes and speed to match moves into the neighborhood. Will Alta still be the quickest kid in Clarksville, just like Wilma? This is a great story of girlhood dreams, inspiration and unexpected friendship.

Find it in the catalog

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

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The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Format: Digital Audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

This book is hilarious. The audiobook is exuberantly read by the author and her grit and honesty shine through from the very first line. Haddish unfurls an intense string of experiences that make readers feel a personal connection with her. She shares stories of her grade school bullies, her time in foster care, a mother with mental illness, experiences with sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Her hardships have been intense but through humor and bravery she refuses to fail.
Haddish opens her life to her us with no filter. The language is excessively profane but the blunt retelling of her experiences makes the reader feel spellbound by her strength and self confidence. This book leaves readers with the feeling that they can succeed through anything. If you’re looking for a gritty, uplifting read, this is a winner. Find it in the catalog.

The Undefeated

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The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Format: Book
Who’s it for: Everyone

This Newbery Award-winning author has written a gripping and moving poem to honor Black American life, both their triumphs and their troubles. The stunning illustrations, drawn by Kadir Nelson, pull the reader into the further by creating haunting and captivating atmospheres. There are portraits of famous, history makers, as well as depictions of the horrors committed against African Americans.

This is a beautiful, thought provoking book that also brings hope and joy. Find it in the catalog.

 

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.