A feast for the eyes today! Learn about a few great artists while soaking in the masterful work of these authors and illustrators. Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem, by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, illustrated by Christopher …
Month: February 2016
Black History Month: Athletes
Here’s my last post for Black History Month. It’s been a joy to create these. I hope you’ll read ’em all! Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game, by John Coy, illustrated by Randy DuBurke published in 2015 by …
music in beauty and sorrow…an elegant memoir of life in China
Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing, by Guo Yue and Claire Farrow, illustrated by Helen Cann published in 2008 by Barefoot Books; 125 pages The poetry of language, music, cooking, friendship, love, and nature gleam like moonlight on snow …
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Black History Month: The Arts
This week, I’m celebrating the rich contributions to the arts made by courageous, persevering African Americans, starting with dance: My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey, by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome published in 2015, …
digging into the stacks for Jane Gardam’s books
I don’t know how many of you read or followed up on my post about one of my favorite titles from 2015, The Hollow Land. If you missed it, you can find that review at the link here. I highly …
first mothers, first ladies, first daughters…hail to them on Presidents Day!
I’ve covered a number of titles on U.S. presidents over the years. You can find them in the Subject Index if you wish. This year, I felt weary of New Angles on Abe and Words about Washington. I decided to go spelunking for …
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Black History Month: Slavery
There’s been a storm of conversations recently in the children’s literature world over carefulness and truthfulness in our depictions of slavery. The good news in all of this is that we are having these conversations. This week, I’ve got seven strong …
of mice and hedgehogs…the brilliance of Beatrix
If you haven’t already heard, 2016 is being fondly celebrated by a world-ful of Beatrix Potter fans. July 28 marks her 150th birthday, and I should say that bread and milk and blackberries would make the ideal birthday tea. Today, I’m here …