Submitted by Ms. Catherine!
Before slavery was outlawed in the United States, the marriages of slaves were not protected by laws. Men and women who wanted to be married could only pledge themselves to each other and symbolize this by jumping over a broom together. But after slavery was done away with, former slaves could be legally married. In Ellen’s Broom, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, and illustrated by Daniel Minter, we see the story of one family’s joy in finally being officially married. The story is told from the perspective of the couple’s youngest daughter who feels it is important to keep the tradition of the broom alive, even if her parents can be legally married now. With rich and colorful illustrations, the reader witnesses a beautiful story based on history. The author’s note at the end of the book will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to discuss how the United States has changed and how our country is a better place now that slavery is outlawed. This will be a wonderful picture book to share with elementary school students. See this book listed in our catalog
African American
A Beach Tail
Ruth and the Green Book
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Ruth and her parents are taking Ruth’s first road trip, in their first car, from Chicago to Alabama. During the 1950’s, most African Americans couldn’t afford to own a car, so this will be an adventure for Ruth and her parents! It feels funny to Ruth, to see her neighborhood disappear as they drive out of Chicago. Unfortunately, Ruth and her family find out that black travelers are not welcome in many service stations, hotels, or towns, and that they can be turned away due to the “Jim Crow” laws. They have a few bad experiences in places where they are not welcome, and have to spend the night sleeping in their car. Eventually, Ruth and her family are lucky enough to meet a friendly attendant at an Esso station, who shows them a book called “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” It provides a list of places that black travelers can go that will welcome them, and their business. Ruth and her parents are very relieved to have a guide book to help them make a safe journey to Grandma’s house. This story contains factual information about “The Green Book” and how it helped African Americans travel more safely. See this book listed in our catalog
Beautiful Blackbird
Hip Hop Dog
The Steel Pan Man of Harlem
Submitted by Catherine from Charlotte Hall!
“The Pied Piper of Hamlin” is a story that is familiar to most. The gloomy tale teaches a lesson of honesty and the importance of keeping one’s word. However, its dark theme and plot makes it one that many children will find scary. The Steel Pan Man of Harlem by Colin Bootman teaches the same lessons with a much lighter touch. Set in Harlem, rather than the German countryside, the mysterious man, gifted with the ability to drive away the rats, hails from the Caribbean, and it’s a steel drum rather than a pipe that makes the magical music. With beautiful water color illustrations that are as much a part of the story as the text, Bootman updates this tale with a new twist: the ending, so dark and frightening in the original, is made funny instead. Rather than every child in town being led to their doom, only the cruel mayor is made to dance away from the town. If you are looking for a lesson on honesty, or simply an updated version of this classic tale, The Steel Pan Man of Harlem will be a great choice. See this book listed in our catalog