These Hands, by Margaret H. Mason, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

An African American man tells his grandson about a time when, despite all the wonderful things his hands could do, they could not touch bread at the Wonder Bread factory. Based on stories of bakery union workers; includes historical note.








Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, unpaged

My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden's Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

In Harlem, New York City, an artist follows the rhythms of blues music as he recalls his North Carolina childhood while painting, cutting, and pasting to make art.









Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children, unpaged

My Uncle Martin's words for America, by Angela Farris Watkins, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

In this inspirational story about Martin Luther King Jr.--told from the perspective of his niece Angela Farris Watkins--readers learn how King used his message of love and peace to effectively fight for African Americans' civil rights. Focusing on important words and phrases from his speeches, such as justice , freedom , and equality , Watkins uses King's language to expose young readers to important events during the civil rights era.





Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 39 p.

Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Abstract: Ruth and the Green Book is the story of one black family's trip from Chicago to Alabama by car in the late 1940s. Along the way they encounter prejudice, but they also discover The Green Book, a real guide to accommodations which was published for decades to aid African-American travelers as they faced prejudice on the roads across the country.







Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, Lerner Publishing Group, Inc., unpaged

Little Diva by LaChanze, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Abstract: Nena wants to be a Diva, with a capital D, just like her mommy, who's a star on Broadway. So she learns all she can about singing and dancing when she is at the theater and trains day and night to make her dreams come true.









Publisher: Feiwel and Friends, 1 v. (unpaged)

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Peete with Denene Millner, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Abstract: A girl tells what it is like living with her twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy. Includes authors' note about autism.










Publisher: Scholastic, 1 v. (unpaged)

Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day by Tameka Brown, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb

Abstract: A young girl makes her way through an urban neighborhood filled with children playing, men debating, women cooking, and jazz music playing as her community gathers to celebrate "Neighbors' Day."

9780810989719






Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 1 v. (unpaged)

The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Abstract: The Beatitudes form the backdrop for Weatherford's free-verse poem that traces the African American journey from slavery to civil rights.









Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 1 v. (unpaged)

A Place Where Hurricanes Happen by Renee Watson, illustrated by Shadra Strickland

Abstract: Told in alternating voices, four friends from the same New Orleans neighborhood describe what happens to them and their community when they are separated, then reunited, as a result of Hurricane Katrina.






Publisher: Random House, 1 v. (unpaged).

Lucky Beans by Becky Birtha, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Abstract: During the Great Depression, Marshall, an African American boy, uses lessons learned in arithmetic class and guidance from his mother to figure out how many beans are in a jar in order to win her a new sewing machine in a contest.






Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co., 1 v. (unpaged)

Black Magic by Dinah Johnson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Abstract: Presents a poem celebrating the African-American experience and what it means to be part of a strong, proud, and free people.








Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 1 v. (unpaged)

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Abstract: From the back of the bus, an African American child watches the arrest of Rosa Parks.







Publisher: Philomel, 1 v. (unpaged)