Almost Zero by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Abstract: Dyamonde really wants red high-top sneakers. Too bad they're so expensive! A classmate tells her it's her mom"s job to give her what she needs, but when Dyamonde tries that argument, her mom teaches her a lesson by literally only giving her what she needs.






Publisher: G.P. Putnam's, 96 p.

Rich by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Abstract: Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library’s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is one hundred dollars—just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. And when they get to know Damaris, they realize the one who could use the prize money the most also happens to be the best poet in class.


Publisher: Putnam's Sons, 96 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

Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown

Abstract: Three Southern children, two black and one white, escape from their homes during the horrors of the Civil War and, after meeting in the woods, gradually come to rely on each other as they make their way slowly north, enduring hunger, fear, sickness, and constant danger, before arriving in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.



Publisher: Putnam's, 272 p.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Abstract: During World War II, a light-skinned African American girl "passes" for white in order to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots.




Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 275 p.

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Abstract: Through letters to his little sister, who is living in a different foster home, sixth-grader Lonnie, also known as "Locomotion," keeps a record of their lives while they are apart, describing his own foster family, including his foster brother who returns home after losing a leg in the Iraq War.







Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 134 p.