Librarians' Picks

Selected Reading Unearthed from the Youth Collection
Ann Arbor District Library

For a 1998 supplement to this list, see the AADL's African-American Perspectives II.

Table of Contents

• Picture Books, Readers, and Board Books
• J Fiction
• Y Fiction
• J and Y Non-Fiction

PICTURE BOOKS, READERS AND BOARD BOOKS

Adoff, Arnold (Illus. by Emily Arnold McCully). Black is Brown is Tan. 1973.

The family life of brown-skinned Momma, white-skinned Daddy, their children, and assorted relatives is described in verse. Others: Flamboyan; Where Wild Willie.
E ADO

Albert, Burton (Illus. by Brian Pinkney). Where Does the Trail Lead? 1991.

A boy follows an island path through flowers and pine needles, over the dunes, to a reunion with his family at the edge of the sea.
E ALB

Allison, Diane Worfolk. This is the Key to the Kingdom.1992.

In the illustrations accompanying the traditional rhyme, a child finds a key and goes on a magical trip away from her squalid inner-city environment into a landscape filled with color, excitement, and love.
E ALL

Bang, Molly. Wiley and the Hairy Man.1976.

With his mother's help, Wiley outwits the hairy creature that dominates the swamp near his home. Others: Ten, Nine, Eight.
Reader BAN

Barrett, Joyce Durham (Illus. by Pat Cummings). Willie's Not the Hugging Kind.1989.

Willie's best friend Jo-Jo thinks hugging is silly, so Willie stops hugging everybody, but he soon misses giving and getting hugs from his family.
E BAR

Bogart, Jo Ellen (Illus. by Janet Wilson). Daniel's Dog.1990.

A young boy adjusts to the arrival of his new baby sister with the help of his imaginary dog, Lucy.
E BOG

Bradman, Tony and Eileen Browne. Through My Window.1986.

Staying home sick for the day, Jo waits eagerly for her mother to return from work with a promised surprise. (Interracial family). Others: Wait and See.
E BRA

Breinburg, Petronella (Illus. by Errol Lloyd). Shawn's Red Bike.1975.

Because his mother can't afford to buy the new red bicycle in the shop window, Shawn saves all the money he earns to buy it for himself. Others: Doctor Shawn; Shawn Goes to School.
E BRE

Brenner, Barbara (Illus. by Don Bolognese). Wagon Wheels.1978.

Shortly after the Civil War, a black family travels to Kansas to take advantage of the free land offered through the Homestead Act.
Reader BRE

Caines, Jeannette (Illus. by Pat Cummings). Just Us Women.1982.

A girl and her aunt enjoy a special time together on a long leisurely ride to visit relatives in North Carolina. Others: Abby; Daddy; I Need a Lunchbox; Window Wishing.
E CAI

Carlstrom, Nancy White (Illus. by Sucie Stevenson). Baby-O.1992.

Three generations of a West Indian family gather together on a journey that takes them and their wares to the local market. Others: Wild Wild Sunflower Child Anna.
E CAR

Clifton, Lucille (Illus. by Ann Grifalconi). Everett Anderson's Year.1974.

A poem for each month of the year reflects the major and minor events in the life of a young boy. This is one of seven books about Everett Anderson. Others: Everett Anderson's 1, 2, 3; Everett Anderson's Christmas; Everett Anderson's Friend; Everett Anderson's Goodbye; Everett Anderson's Nine Month Long; Some of the Days of Everett Anderson.
E CLI

Clifton, Lucille (Illus. by Michael Hays). Three Wishes.1992.

When a young girl finds a good luck penny and makes three wishes on it, she learns that friendship is her most valued possession. Others: All Us Come Cross the Water; Amifika; The Boy Who Didn't Believe in Spring; Don't You Remember?; My Brother Fine with Me.
E CLI

Corey, Dorothy (Illus. by Nancy Poydar). Will There Be a Lap for Me?1992.

Kyle misses his time on Mother's lap while she is pregnant.
E COR

Crews, Donald. Bigmama's.1991.

Visiting Bigmama's house in the country, a young boy finds his relatives full of news and the old place and its surroundings just the same as the year before. Others: Shortcut.
E CRE

Cummings, Pat. Jimmy Lee Did It.1985.

Artie keeps telling his sister that the messes all over the house are the work of the elusive Jimmy Lee. Others: Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon!
E CUM

DePaola, Paula (Illus. by Janet Wolf). Rosie and the Yellow Ribbon.1992.

Although it was her favorite hair ribbon, Rosie learns that her friendship with Lucille means more to her than the missing ribbon. (Interracial friendship)
E DEP

Dragonwagon, Crescent (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). Home Place.1990.

While out hiking, a family comes upon the site of an old house and finds some clues about the people that once lived there. Others: Half a Moon and One Whole Star.
E DRA

Eisenberg, Phyllis Rose (Illus. by Jill Kastner). You're My Nikki.1992.

Nikki needs reassurance that her mother won't forget her when she goes out to work.
E EIS

Flournoy, Valerie (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). The Patchwork Quilt.1985.

Using scraps cut from the family's old clothing, Tanya helps her mother and grandmother make a beautiful quilt that tells the story of her family's life.
E FLO

Freeman, Don. Corduroy.1968.

A toy bear in a department store wants a missing button, but when a little girl finally buys him, he finds what he always wanted most of all. Others: A Pocket for Corduroy.
E FRE

Garland, Sarah. Billy and Belle.1992.

A newborn baby and the exciting confusion of Pet Day at school combine to make a very special day for siblings Billy and Belle. (Interracial family)
E GAR

Greenfield, Eloise (Illus. by George Ford). Darlene.1980.

Once she starts having fun with her uncle and cousin, a young girl, who is confined to a wheelchair, si not longer anxious to go home. Others: First Pink Light; Good News (Formerly Bubbles); Grandmama's Joy; Grandpa's Face; She Come Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl.
E GRE

Greenfield, Eloise (Illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist). Big Friend, Little Friend; Daddy and I; I Make Music; My Doll, Keshia. (All four titles) 1991.

Board books for the youngest child.
BOARD BOOK

Guy, Rosa (Illus. by Caroline Binch). Billy the Great. 1992.

Despite his mother's disapproval, Billy wants to play with friendly new neighbor Rod. Later, when their fathers bristle at each other over a broken window, Rod and Billy defuse the tension with a series of gleeful cartwheels. (Interracial friendship)
E GUY

Hale, Sarah Josepha (Photos by Bruce McMillan). Mary Had a Little Lamb.1990.

The familiar nursery rhyme gets new life in this photographic version featuring an African-American Mary (with glasses).
E HAL

Hamm, Diane Johnston (Illus. by Sally G. Ward). Laney's Lost Momma.1991.

When Laney can't find her mother in the department store, she and her lost momma remember exactly what to do to find each other.
E HAM

Hanft, Philip (Illus. by Thomas B. Allen). Never Fear, Flip the Dip is Here.1991.

Flip acquires self-confidence and sports skills from Buster, a former minor league ballplayer. (Interracial friendship)
E HAN

Haskins, Francine. I Remember "121." 1991.

The author describes her family life and daily activities from the ages of 3 to 9 and celebrates the experience of growing up in a traditional African-American community in Washington, D.C.
E HAS

Havill, Juanita (Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien). Jamaica Tag-Along.1989.

When her older brother refuses to let her tag along with him, Jamaica goes off by herself and allows a younger child to play with her. Others: Jamaica's Find.
E HAV

Hayes, Sarah (Illus. by Jan Ormerod). Eat Up, Gemma. 1988.

Baby Gemma refuses to eat, throwing her breakfast on the floor and squashing her grapes, until her brother gets an inspired idea. Others: Happy Christmas, Gemma.
E HAY

Hoffman, Mary (Illus. by Caroline Binch). Amazing Grace.1991.

Although a classmate says she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she set her mind to do. Others: Nancy No-Size.
E HOF

Hort, Lenny (Illus. by James Ransome). How Many Stars in the Sky?1991.

One night when Mama is away, Daddy and child seek a good place to count the stars in the night sky.
E HOR

The House that Jack Built. (Illus. by Jenny Snow). 1992.

Vibrant collages in paint, ink and crayon give a whole new look to this well-known nursery rhyme, here set in the Caribbean.
E HOU

Howard, Elizabeth Fitzgerald (Illus.by James Ransome). Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later).1990.

Sara and Susan share tea, cookies, crab cakes, and stories about hats when they visit their favorite relative, Aunt Flossie. Others: Chita's Christmas Tree; The Train to Lulu's.
E HOW

Hudson, Cheryl Willis and Bernadette G. Ford (Illus. by George Ford). Bright Eyes, Brown Skin.1990.

Strong artwork and a simple text combine to celebrate everyday activities.
E HUD

Hudson, Wade (Illus. by George Ford). Jamal's Busy Day.1991.

At school and play, Jamal enjoys his "work"--growing up.
E HUD

Isadora, Rachel. Ben's Trumpet.1979.

Ben wants to be a trumpeter, but plays only an imaginary instrument until one of the musicians in a neighborhood nightclub discovers his ambition.
E ISA

Jensen, Virginia Allen (Illus. by Ann Strugnell). Sara and the Door.1977.

While trying to free herself from the front door, Sara learns about buttons.
E JEN

Johnson, Angela (Illus. by James Ransome). Do Like Kyla. 1990.

A little girl imitates her big sister Kyla all day, until in the evening Kyla imitates her. Others: One of Three; Tell Me a Story, Mama; When I am Old with You.
E JOH

Johnson, Dolores. What Will Mommy Do When I'm at School?1990.

A child worries about how her mother will cope at home on her own during the schoolday. Others: The Best Bug to Be; What Kind of a Baby-Sitter is This?
E JOH

Jonas, Ann. When You Were a Baby.1982.

A child is reminded of all the things he or she couldn't do as a baby. Others: Color Dance; Holes and Peeks; Now We Can Go; The Quilt.
E JON

Jones, Rebecca C. (Illus. by Beth Peck). Matthew and Tilly.1991.

Like all good friends, Matthew and Tilly have an occasional tiff, but their friendship prevails despite their differences. (Interracial friendship)
E JON

Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy Day.1962.

Expressive color collages show a young boy enjoying the typical pleasures of a snowy day. Others: Goggles!; John Henry, an American Legend; A Letter to Amy; Pet Show!; Peter's Chair; Whistle for Willie.
E KEA

Ketteman, Helen (Illus. by Irene Trivas). Not Yet, Yvette.1992.

A girl waits impatiently as she and her father prepare a surprise birthday party for her mother.
E KET

Lessac, Frane. My Little Island.1984.

A young boy goes with his best friend to visit the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where he was born.
E LES

Little, Lessie Jones and Eloise Greenfield (Illus. by Carole Byard). I Can Do It By Myself.1978.

Donny is determined to buy his mother's birthday present all by himself, but he meets a scary challenge on the way home.
E LIT

Lloyd, Errol. Nini at Carnival.1978.

A young Jamaican girl is without a costume for Carnival until a bigger girl, in the guise of a fairy godmother, makes some deft transformations.
E LLO

McKissak, Pat (Illus. by Dena Schutzer). A Million Fish. . .More or Less.1991.

A boy learns that the truth is often stretched on the Bayou Clapateaux, and gets the chance to tell his own version of a bayou fishing tale. Others: Flossie and the Fox; Nettie Jo's Friends.
E McK

Medearis, Angela Shelf (Illus. by Maria Cristina Bruscca). The Zebra-Riding Cowboy: A Folk Song from the Old West.1992.

In this western folksong, an educated fellow mistaken for a greenhorn proves his cowboy ability by riding a wild horse. Others: Dancing with the Indians; Picking Peas for a Penny.
E MED

Monjo, F.N. (Illus. by Fred Brenner). The Drinking Gourd.1970.

Tommy's conscience develops as he helps a slave family move along on the Underground Railroad.
Reader MON

Moss, Marissa. Regina's Big Mistake.1990.

When told to draw a jungle in art class, Regina experiences feelings of failure and creative insecurity, but manages to create a beautiful picture that's all her own.
E MOS

Nolan, Madeena Spray (Illus. by Jim LaMarche. My Daddy Don't Go to Work.1978.

A family is troubled by Daddy's unemployment.
E NOL

Pinkney, Gloria Jean (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). Back Home.1992.

Eight-year-old Ernestine returns to visit relatives on the North Carolina farm where she was born.
E PIN

Polacco, Patricia. Chicken Sunday.1992.

To thank Miss Eula for her wonderful Sunday chicken dinners, three children sell decorated eggs to buy her a beautiful Easter hat. (Interracial friendship)
E POL

Pomerantz, Charlotte (Illus. by Frane Lessac). The Chalk Doll.1989.

Rosy's mother remembers the pleasures of her childhood in Jamaica and the very special doll she used to play with.
E POM

Ringgold, Faith. Tar Beach.1991.

A young girl dreams of flying above her Harlem home, claiming all she sees for herself and her family. Based on the author's quilt painting of the same name.
E RIN

Samuels, Vyanne (Illus. by Jennifer Northway). Carry Go Bring Come.1988.

A young boy has his hands full when he helps his sister prepare for her wedding.
E SAM

San Souci, Robert (Illus. by Brian Pinkney). The Boy and the Ghost.1989.

A poor boy hopes to win a fortune for himself and his family by spending the night in a haunted house and bravely stands up to a frightening ghost.
E SAN

Scott, Ann Herbert (Illus. by Symeon Shimin). Sam.1967.

Sam is too small to share many things with his family, but mother finds a job in the kitchen for which he is just right.
E SCO

Sharmat, Marjorie Weinman (Illus. by Lillian Hoban). I Don't Care.1977.

A young boy discovers that denying his grief doesn't make it disappear.
E SHA

Smalls-Hector, Irene (Illus. by Tyrone Geter). Irene and the Big, Fine Nickel.1991.

For seven-year-old Irene, the world of 1950's Harlem is an open door to adventure and community. Others: Jonathan and his Mommy.
E SMA

Sonneborn, Ruth A. (Illus.by Leo Carty). I Love Gram.1991.

When her grandmother is hospitalized, a little girl discovers how much Gram means to her.
E SON

Spohn, David. Winter Wood.1991.

A young boy and his father go out to the winter woods to chop firewood, enjoying the work and the natural world around them. (Interracial family) Others: Nate's Treasure; Starry Night.
E SPO

Steptoe, John. Daddy is a Monster--Sometimes.1980.

Bweela and Javaka relate the incidents that make Daddy a monster in their eyes. Others: Baby Says; Birthday; My Special Best Words; Stevie.
E STE

Thomas, Ianthe (Illus. by Ann Toulmin-Rothe). Willie Blows a Mean Horn.1981.

A young boy adores his jazz musician father and contemplates becoming a performer himself. Others: Eliza's Daddy; Hi, Mrs. Mallory!; Lordy, Aunt Hattie; My Street's a Morning Cool Street; Walk Home Tired, Billy Jenkins.
E THO

Tusa, Tricia. Maebelle's Suitcase.1987.

An elderly woman sacrifices a treasured prize to help her friend, a young bird, make his first flight south.
E TUS

Udry, Janice (Illus. by Eleanor Mill). What Mary Jo Shared.1966.

Shy Mary Jo finally gathers up enough courage and creativity to share the best thing of all at show-and-tell in school: her father!
E UDR

Walter, Mildred Pitts (Illus. by Pat Cummings). Two and Too Much.1990.

Seven-year-old Brandon's attempt to take care of his two-year-old sister Gina results in one disaster after another. Others: My Mama Needs Me; Ty's One-Man Band.
E WAL

Williams, Sherley Anne. Working Cotton.1992.

A young girl relates the daily events of her family's migrant life in the cotton fields of central California.
E WIL

Williams, Vera B. Cherries and Cherry Pits.1986.

An imaginative, colorful story about a girl who loves to draw and make up stories.
E WIL

Winter, Jeanette. Follow the Drinking Gourd.1988.

Following the directions in a song, "The Drinking Gourd," runaway slaves journey north along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada.
E WIN

Young, Ruth. Golden Bear.1992.

Vibrant illustrations and a rhythmic text capture the friendship between a young child and his special playmate.
E YOU

J FICTION

Bunting, Eve. Summer Wheels.1992

The Bicycle Man trusts neighborhood kids with the bikes he fixes up, but a new boy betrays that trust.

Cameron, Ann. The Stories Julian Tells.1981.*

Julian's little brother believes everything Julian tells him, and the results are usually funny.

Christopher, Matt. No Arm in Left Field.1974.

Terry has two problems during his first season with a new baseball team: a terrible throwing arm and a prejudiced teammate.

Elmore, Patricia. Susannah and the Blue House Mystery.1980.*

After the death of a kindly old man, Susanna and her friends search for a treasure he might have left one of them.
J Mystery

Feelings, Tom. Tommy Traveler in the World of Black History.1991.

Using a cartoon format, artist Feelings sends young Tommy Traveler to meet six famous people from history.

Fenner, Carol. The Skates of Uncle Richard.1978.

With her uncle's encouragement, a nine-year-old takes the first step toward realizing her dream of becoming a figure skater.

Fife, Dale. Who's in Charge of Lincoln?1965.*

In a series of wild adventures, Lincoln is left in charge of himself when the family's new baby arrives early and Lincoln's babysitter doesn't arrive at all.

Green, Bette. Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe.1974.*

Eleven-year-old Beth Lambert tells about a year in her life and her crush on her classmate, Philip Hall.

Greenfield, Eloise. Koya Delaney and the Good Girl Blues.1992.

Sixth-grader Koya learns to express her feelings, thanks to a visit from her famous cousin Del.

Hamilton, Virginia. Cousins.1990.

During one memorable summer, Cammie's feelings for family members range from intense love to intense dislike; and after a tragic accident they include guilt and grief.

Hamilton, Virginia. The House of Dies Drear.1968.*

An old house in Ohio reveals some astonishing secrets.
J Mystery

Hansen, Joyce. The Gift-Giver.1980.*

Doris makes friends with Amir, a foster child and very special person.

Hill, Elizabeth Starr. Evan's Corner.1967; rev. 1990.

Needing a place to call his own, Evan is pleased when his mother points out that their crowded apartment has eight corners, one for each family member.

Mathis, Sharon Bell. The Hundred Penny Box.1975.

Michael's love for his great-great-aunt leads him to intercede with his mother, who wants to throw Aunt Dew's old things away.

McKissack, Patricia G. Mirandy and Brother Wind.1988.

To win first prize in the Junior Cakewalk, Mirandy tries to capture the wind to be her partner.

Mendez, Phil. The Black Snowman.1989.

Through the powers of a magical Kente, a black snowman comes to life and helps Jacob discover the beauty of his heritage.

Moore, Emily. Whose Side Are You On?1985.

When Barbara's sixth grade math tutor disappears, she sets out to "rescue" him.

Myers, Walter Dean. Me, Mop, and the Moondance Kid.1988.*

After their adoption, T.J. and his brother Moondance remain involved with their friend Mop's attempts to be adopted also.

Shearer, John. Billy Jo Jive, Super Private Eye: The Case of the Missing Ten Speed Bike.1976.*

The first in a series of easy mysteries featuring Jive, "the best, the bravest, the smartest Private Eye in the world."
J Mystery

Walter, Mildred Pitts. Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World.1986.

Justin complains about "women's work" until a visit to Grandpa's ranch shows him that a real man can even bake biscuits.

Walter, Mildred Pitts. Mariah Loves Rock.1988.*

The arrival of Mariah's older half-sister threatens to disrupt Mariah's life--including her plans to attend a once-in-a-lifetime concert.

Wilson, Johnniece Marshall. Robin on His Own.1990.

A young boy tries to deal with his mother's death, his aunt's marriage, and a proposed move.

Y FICTION

Armstrong, Jennifer. Steal Away.1992.

In 1885, two thirteen-year-old girls, one black and one white, run away together, heading north to freedom.

Boyd, Candy Dawson. Breadsticks and Blessing Places.1985.*

Twelve-year-old Toni's preparations for the King Academy entrance exams are severely disrupted by the death of her best friend. (Paperback title: Forever Friends)

Brown, Kay. Willy's Summer Dream.1989.

Slow learner Willy gets a boost to his self-confidence, thanks to tutoring from an older girl and his ability to help a younger boy.

Burgess, Barbara Hood. Oren Bell.1989.*

Oren Bell of Detroit and his twin sister Latonya discover that, though the house next door isn't really haunted, it does hide secrets.

Guy, Rosa. The Friends.1973.

Phyllisia realizes that her pride has created a gulf between her and her best friend.

Guy, Rosa. The Ups and Downs of Carl Davis III.1983.

In a series of letters to his parents, twelve-year-old Carl chronicles his anger, confusion, disdain, and then change of heart about being sent to live with his grandmother in a small southern town.

Hamilton, Virginia. Justice and Her Brothers.1978.*

In the first book of a fantasy trilogy, an eleven-year-old girl and her older twin brothers discover they have strange powers.

Hamilton, Virginia. A Little Love.1984.

Although her grandparents raised her lovingly, Sheema feels driven to search for her father.

Hunter, Kristin. Guests in the Promised Land.1973.

Eleven short stories include supernatural, funny, and painful events in the lives of young people.

Hurmence, Belinda. A Girl Called Boy.1982.

An eleven-year-old girl is mysteriously transported back in time to the days of slavery.

Lester, Julius. Long Journey Home: Stories from Black History.1972.

Six powerful short stories are based on true incidents in the lives of slaves and former slaves.

Lipsyte, Robert. The Contender.1967.*

A Harlem high school dropout embarks on a boxing career.

Moore, Yvette. Freedom Songs.1991.

When Sheryl's Uncle Pete joins the Freedom Riders in the 1960's, urging voter registration South, Sheryl organizes a gospel concert in Brooklyn to help.

Myers, Walter Dean. The Mouse Rap.1990.

Mouse and his friends spend their summer searching for a treasure supposedly hidden in Harlem by gangster Al Capone.

Myers, Walter Dean. Scorpions.1988.

After he reluctantly takes on the leadership of a Harlem gang, Jamal finds his enemies treating him with respect when he acquires a gun, but the gun leads to tragedy.

Myers, Walter Dean. Somewhere in the Darkness.1992.

A teenage boy accompanies his father, who has recently escaped from prison, on a trip that turns out to be an often painful time of discovery for both of them.

Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.1976.*

A farm family in the 1930s faces prejudice and discrimination but retains its pride and dignity and maintains strong family ties.

Williams-Garcia, Rita. Blue Tights.1988.

Growing up in a city, fifteen-year-old Joyce, unsure of herself and not quite comfortable with her maturing body, tries to find a place and express herself through dance.

Woodson, Jacqueline. Last Summer with Maizon.1990.*

Eleven-year-old Margaret struggles with a summer of changes when her father dies and her best friend Maizon goes away to a private school.

Yarbrough, Camille. The Shimmershine Queens.1989.

Two fifth-grade girls try to instill the desire to work toward achieving dreams in themselves and their classmates.

J AND Y NON-FICTION

Adoff, Arnold. In for Winter, Out for Spring.1990.

A collection of poems, told from the perspective of a young girl, celebrates family throughout the year.
E 811.54 Ad

Aliki. A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver.1988.

Text and pictures present the life of a man born a slave who became a scientist and devoted his life to helping the South improve its agriculture.
J 921 Carver

Anderson, David. The Origin of Life on Earth: An African Creation Myth.1991.

This retelling of the Yoruba creation myth, in which the deity Obatala descends from the sky to create the world, is illustrated by Kathleen Atkins Wilson.
J 398.2 An

Beaton, Margaret. Oprah Winfrey: TV Talk Show Host.1990.

The life of the actress and talk show host is traced from her childhood in Mississippi to her achievements in broadcasting.
J 921 Winfrey

Bryan, Ashley. All Night, All Day: A Child's First Book of African-American Spirituals.1991.

Twenty beautifully illustrated spirituals include piano accompaniment and guitar chords.
J 783.3 Al

Children of Promise: African-American Literature and Art for Young People.1991.

Poems, prose, photographs and paintings explore the African-American experience through art and literature.
Y 700.899 Ch

Conklin, Thomas. Mohammad Ali: The Fight for Respect.1991.

A biography of the boxer known as "The Greatest."
Y 921

Davidson, Margaret. I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King.1986.

A biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
J 921 King

Davis, Burke. Black Heroes of the American Revolution. 1976.

An account of the black soldiers, sailors, spies, scouts, guides and wagoneers who participated and sacrificed in the struggle for American independence.
Y 973.3 Da

Doob, Leonard. A Crocodile Has Me by the Leg; African Poems.1967.

Poetry of the people of Africa, illustrated with striking prints.
J 896 Do

Evans, Mari. Singing Black.1976.

Poems depict aspects of African-American life.
J 811 Ev

Feelings, Tom. Daydreamers.1981.

Striking illustrations capture children's moods as they daydream.
J 811 Fe

Ferris, Jeri. Arctic Explorer: The Story of Matthew Henson.1989.

A biography of the black explorer who accompanied Commodore Perry to the North Pole.
J 921 Henson

Giovanni, Nikki. Spin a Soft Black Song.1971.

Pictures and poems about being young and black and growing up.
J 811 Gi

Graham, Lorenz B. Every Man Heart Lay Down.1970.

A West African version of the Christmas story.
J 232.9 Gr HOLIDAY

Greenfield, Eloise. Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir.1979.

A grandmother, mother, and daughter reminisce about their childhoods.
Y 301.451 Gr

Hamilton, Virginia. Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave.1988.

Biography of an escaped slave who caused a furor between abolitionists and those determined to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act.
Y 921 Burns

Hamilton, Virginia. The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales.1985.

Retold African-American folktales of animals, fantasy, and the sorrow of slaves.
J 398.2 Ha

Harris, Joel Chandler (As told by Julius Lester). The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit.1987.*

The famous adventures of Brer Rabbit, his friends, enemies, and relations; retold in today's language.
J 398.2 Ha

Haskins, Jim. Against All Opposition: Black Explorers in America.1992.

The lives and adventures of black explorers who helped discover new worlds.
Y 910.92 Ha

Haskins, James. Black Dance in America: A History through Its People.1990.

The history of black dance in America, from its beginnings through tap and modern dance to break dancing.
Y 792.808 Ha

Haskins, James. The Day Martin Luther King, Jr. was Shot: A Photo History of the Civil Rights Movement.1992.

The civil rights movement is presented through photographs, newspaper clippings, and text.
Y 323.119 Ha

Hughes, Langston. A Pictorial History of Black Americans.1973.

A photo album of some of the events which have marked the history of African Americans.
Y 301.451 Hu

Jaquith, Priscilla (Illus. by Ed Young). Bo Rabbit Smart for True.1981.

Four humorous animal tales told in Gullah dialect.
J 398.2 Ja

Kamerman, Sylvia E. Plays of Black Americans: Episodes form the Black Experience in America, Dramatized for Young People.1987.

This collection includes "The Hall of Black American Heroes," "John Henry," "I Have a Dream" and eight other plays.
Y 812 Ka

Larrie, Reginald. Black Experience in Michigan History.1975.

A well-documented history of African-Americans in Michigan.
Y 977.4 La

Lester, Julius (Illus. by Ralph Pinto). The Knee-High Man and Other Tales.1972.

The author retells six African-American folktales.
J 398.2 Le

Livingston, Myra Cohn. No Way of Knowing: Dallas Poems.1980.

Poems from the author's experiences in Dallas's black community, 1952-1964.
J 811 Li

Make a Joyful Sound: Poems for Children by African-American Poets.1991.
J 811.008 Ma

Michels, Barbara and Bettye White (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). Apples on a Stick: The Folklore of Black Children.1983.

A collection of playground rhymes, circle games, jump rope rhymes, and hand claps.
J 796.1 Ap

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Arrangement and original material copyright © 1998 the Ann Arbor District Library. This list may be copied and distributed without requesting permission, so long as this notice remains attached and appropriate credit to the compilers is given.

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