Sweethearts of Rhythm by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Abstract: In the 1940s, as the world was at war, an all-female jazz band performed on the American home front. They dared to be an interracial group despite the cruelties of Jim Crow laws, and they dared to assert their talents though they were women in a “man’s” profession.


Publisher: Dial, 80 pages.

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers

Abstract: This jumping, jazzy, joyful picture book celebrates every child, and every thing that child can be.




Publisher: Egmont, 32 pages.

I Am Barack Obama by Charisse Carney-Nunes, illustrated by Ann Marie Williams

Abstract: I Am Barack Obama is not a book about Barack Obama. Rather, it allows children to see themselves through the inspirational story of President Obama growing up as an ordinary child asking, “Who will change the world?”





Publisher: Brand Nu Words, 36 pages

Olu's Dream written and illustrated by Shane Evans

Abstract: It's time for bed, but Olu would rather play than sleep. When he finally drifts off, Olu discovers he's at the wheel of an extraordinary adventure.






Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 40 pages

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Abstract: Spunky third-grader Dyamonde Daniel misses her old neighborhood, but when she befriends a boy named Free, another new student at school, she finally starts to feel at home.








Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 74 pages

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

From Back Cover: Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive.



Publisher: Carolrhoda, 40 p.

Riot by Walter Dean Myers

Abstract: In 1863, fifteen-year-old Claire, the daughter of an Irish mother and a black father, faces ugly truths and great danger when Irish immigrants, enraged by the Civil War and a federal draft, lash out against blacks and wealthy "swells" of New York City.





Publisher: Egmont, 164 pages

The Ultimate Test by Shelia M. Goss

From the back cover: The Diva's Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall. Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they're entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.




Publisher: Urban Renaissance, 288 pages