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Librarians' Picks

Selected Reading Unearthed from the Youth Collection
of the Ann Arbor District Library

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES II

Compiled by the Youth Services Librarians of the Ann Arbor District Library,
January, 1998

This bibliography supplements the AADL's earlier African-American Perspectives I.

Table of Contents

PICTURE BOOKS, READERS AND BOARD BOOKS

Ackerman, Karen (Illus. by Catherine Stock). By the Dawn's Early Light.1994.
Rachel and Josh stay with their grandmother while their mother works nights at the factory making packing boxes. When their mother returns they find time to be together and share a quiet time as they watch the sun come up.
E ACK

Allison, Diane Worfolk. This is the Key to the Kingdom. 1992.
In the illustrations accompanying this traditional nursery 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

Anderson, Janet (Illus. by David Soman). The Key into Winter. 1994.
Clara's mother tells the story of how, as a younger girl, she tried to save her grandmother from dying by stopping the seasons from changing.
E AND

Antle, Nancy (Illus. by E. B. Lewis). Staying Cool. 1997.
While training in his grandfather's gym to compete in the Golden Gloves boxing tournament, Curtis also has his eye on bigger prizes.
E ANT

Barrett, Mary Brigid (Illus. by Sandra Speidel). Sing to the Stars. 1994.
When Ephram becomes friends with a blind man in his neighborhood and finds out that he was a famous pianist who hasn't touched a piano for a long time, he resolves to get the man back on stage.
E BAR

Battle-Lavert, Gwendolyn (Illus. by Gershom Griffith). Off To School. 1995.
Wezielee wants to go to school, but Papa wants her to stay home to prepare the midday meals during harvest season.
E BAT

Belton, Sandra (Illus. by Gail Gordon Carter). May'naise Sandwiches & Sunshine Tea. 1994.
Big Mama reminisces with her grandchild about a childhood experience that helped inspire her to be the first member of her family to attend college.
E BEL

Best, Cari (Illus. by Niki Daly). Red Light, Green Light, Mama and Me. 1995.
After taking the train downtown, Lizzie spends the day at the public library.
E BES

Binch, Caroline. Gregory Cool. 1994.
While visiting his grandparents and cousin Lennox on the island of Tobago, Gregory misses home less and less as he becomes acquainted with his relatives and the beautiful island.
E BIN

Bradby, Marie (Illus. by Chris K. Soentpiet). More Than Anything Else. 1995.
Nine-year-old Booker T. Washington works with his father and brother at the saltworks but dreams of the day when he'll be able to read.
E BRA

Brill, Marlene Targ (Illus. by Janice Lee Porter). Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad. 1993.
Recounts how Allen Jay, a young Quaker boy living in Ohio during the 1840's, helped a fleeing slave escape his master.
Reader 973.711 Br

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

Buckley, Helen E. (Illus. by Jan Ormerod). Grandmother and I. 1994.
A little girl loves spending time with Grandmother, who has a perfect lap. Also: Grandfather and I.
E BUC

Carr, Jan (Illus. by James Ransome). Dark Day, Light Night. 1995.
Manda's Aunt Ruby helps her to deal with some angry feelings by making lists of all the things they like in the world.
E CAR

Chapman, Cheryl (Illus. by Synthia Saint James). Snow On Snow On Snow. 1994.
The author uses repetitive word play to tell the story of an African American boy who loses, and then recovers, his dog while sledding in the snow.
E CHA

Chocolate, Deborah M. Newton (Illus. by Melodye Rosales). On the Day I Was Born. 1995.
Members of an extended African American family celebrate with joy and pride the birth of a firstborn son.
E CHO

Cooke, Trish (Illus. by Helen Oxenbury). So Much. 1994.
Relatives arriving in succession give in to their desire to squeeze and kiss and play with the baby.
E COO

Cosby, Bill (Illus. by Varnette P. Honeywood). The Best Way to Play. 1997.
Little Bill and his friends, avid fans of the television show "Space Explorers," clamor to get the video game version, but they find that they have more fun using their imaginations while playing outside. Others: The Meanest Thing To Say; The Treasure Hunt.
Reader COS

Crews, Donald. Shortcut. 1992.
Children taking a shortcut by walking along a railroad track find excitement and danger when a train approaches.
E CRE

Davol, Marguerite W. (Illus. by Irene Trivas). Black, White, Just Right! 1993.
A girl explains how her African American mother and white father have different tastes in art, food, and pets and how she is different too.
E DAV

DeFelice, Cynthia C. (Illus. by Shelley Jackson). Willy's Silly Grandma. 1997.
Willy doesn't believe in his grandmother's superstitions until he ventures down by the Big Swamp one night and finds out how smart she really is.
E DeF

Duncan, Alice Faye (Illus. by Tyrone Geter). Willie Jerome. 1995.
Willie Jerome, who plays the jazz trumpet, finally makes his mama listen to the music speak.
E DUN

Edwards, Pamela Duncan (Illus. by Henry Cole). Barefoot: Escape On the Underground Railroad. 1997.
In the forest, a group of animals help a runaway slave escape his pursuers.
E EDW

English, Karen (Illus. by Synthia Saint James). Neeny Coming, Neeny Going. 1996.
Essie feels disheartened by the arrival of her cousin because she is no longer interested in life on the island.
E ENG

Falwell, Cathryn. Feast for 10. 1993.
Numbers from one to ten are used to tell how family members prepare a feast.
E FAL

Flournoy, Valerie and Vanessa (Illus. by James Ransome). Celie and the Harvest Fiddler. 1995.
A young African American girl, living in the South in the 1870's, wants to win the costume contest at the All Hallows' Eve harvest festival.
E FLO HOLIDAY

Fox, Mem (Illus. by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson). Sophie. 1994.
As Sophie grows bigger and her grandfather gets smaller, they continue to love each other very much.
E FOX

Gilchrist, Jan Spivey. Indigo and Moonlight Gold. 1993.
Tale of a young girl's understanding of how the relationship with her mother will change with time.
E GIL

Gray, Libba Moore (Illus. by Lisa Cohen). Little Lil and the Swing-Singing Sax. 1996.
When Lil's mother gets sick, Uncle Sudi Man pawns his saxophone to buy medicine and uses his music to make her feel better. Others: Dear Willie Rudd; Miss Tizzy
E GRA

Greenfield, Eloise (Illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist). William and the Good Old Days. 1993.
A little boy remembers his grandmother before she became ill, and tries to imagine how things will be when she gets better.
E GRE

Greenfield, Eloise (Illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist). Big Friend, Little Friend. 1991
Others: Daddy and I; I Make Music; My Doll, Keshia.
Board Book G

Greenfield, Monica (Illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist). Waiting for Christmas. 1996.
Highlights activities done in anticipation of the holiday.
E GRE HOLIDAY

Havill, Juanita (Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien). Jamaica's Blue Marker. 1995.
Jamaica thinks her classmate Russell is a pest who is always getting into trouble, but then she discovers he is moving away. Also: Jamaica and Brianna.
E HAV

Herron, Carolivia (Illus. by Joe Cepeda). Nappy Hair. 1997.
Various people at a backyard picnic offer their comments on a young girl's tightly curled, "nappy" hair.
E HER

Hest, Amy (Illus. by Sheila White Samton). Jamaica Louise James. 1996.
On her eighth birthday Jamaica receives paints which she uses to surprise her grandmother and brighten up the subway.
E HES

Howard, Elizabeth Fitzgerald (Illus. By Gail Gordon Carter). Mac and Marie and the Train Toss Surprise. 1993.
One summer evening a brother and sister eagerly await the train that runs by their house, wondering about the surprise their uncle has promised them.
E HOW

Hru, Dakari (Illus. by E. B. Lewis). The Magic Moonberry Jump Ropes. 1996.
Uncle Zambezi brings his two nieces magical jump ropes from Tanzania.
E HRU

Hutchins, Pat . My Best Friend. 1993.
Despite differences in abilities, two little girls appreciate each other and are "best friends."
E HUT

Jackson, Isaac (Illus. by David Soman). Somebody's New Pajamas. 1995.
Two boys from different backgrounds become friends and exchange ideas about sleepwear as well as family life.
E JAC

Johnson, Angela (Illus. by Ken Page). Shoes Like Miss Alice's. 1995.
A child spends the day with her lively new babysitter, Miss Alice. Others: The Girl Who Wore Snakes; Julius; The Leaving Morning.
E JOH

Johnson, Dolores. Papa's Stories. 1994.
Kari loves to have her father read to her, until she discovers he can't read and is making stories up. Also: Your Dad Was Just Like You.
E JOH

Medearis, Angela Shelf (Illus. by James Ransome). Rum-A-Tum-Tum. 1997.
Describes all the different sounds one can hear on Market Street. Others: Our People; Poppa's New Pants.
E MED

Milich, Melissa (Illus. by Tyrone Geter). Can't Scare Me! 1995.
Mr. Munroe is cured of his fear of ghosts as he spends time in the evening sharing spooky stories with his friend.
E MIL

Miller, William (Illus. by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu). Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree. 1994.
A little known episode in Hurston's childhood convinces Zora that she should fulfill her dreams. Others: The Conjure Woman; A House By the River.
E MIL

Mitchell, Margaree King (Illus. by James Ransome). Uncle Jed's Barbershop. 1993.
Despite serious setbacks, Sarah Jean's Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, pursues his dream of saving enough money to open his own barbershop.
E MIT

Mitchell, Rhonda. The Talking Cloth. 1997.
Amber's Aunt Phoebe tells her the significance of a piece of Ashanti cloth.
E MIT

Moon, Nicola (Illus. by Alex Ayliffe). Something Special. 1997.
Charlie can't find anything to take to school to show for "special" day, until he remembers that he does have a new baby sister.
E MOO

Moss, Thylias (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). I Want To Be. 1993.
A girl describes in poetic terms the kind of person she wants to become.
E MOS

Oppenheim, Shulamith Levey (Illus. by John Ward). Fireflies for Nathan. 1994.
Six-year-old Nathan catches fireflies just as his father did when he was six.
E OPP

Patrick, Denise Lewis (Illus. by James E. Ransome). Red Dancing Shoes. 1993.
Delighted with her new red shoes, a little girl dances through town to show them off to everyone.
E PAT

Peterson, Jeanne Whitehouse (Illus. by Sandra Speidel). My Mama Sings. 1994.
Mama has special old songs for all occasions, until the time comes when she has no song ready and her little boy supplies one.
E PET

Pinkney, Gloria Jean (Illus. by Jerry Pinkney). The Sunday Outing. 1994.
Ernestine, who loves watching trains, finally realizes her dream of going on a train trip south to visit family.
E PIN

Pinkney, J. Brian. Max found Two Sticks. 1994.
Although he doesn't feel like talking, a young boy responds to questions by drumming on various objects, including a bucket and hat boxes.
E PIN

Poydar, Nancy. Busy Bea. 1994.
Bea is too busy to keep track of her own belongings, but she can always find things for her grandmother.
E POY

Rahaman, Vashanti (Illus. by Lori McElrath-Eslick). Read For Me, Mama. 1997.
A young boy who loves to read helps his mother on the road to literacy.
E RAH

Ringgold, Faith. Dinner at Aunt Connie's House. 1993.
In a book based on the author/illustrator's story quilt, "The Dinner Quilt," two children are spoken to by twelve portraits of famous African American women. Also: Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky.
E RIN

Rochelle, Belinda (Illus. by Larry Johnson). When Jo Louis Won the Title. 1994.
Jo's grandfather tells her why she was named for the heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis.
E ROC

Saint James, Synthia . Sunday. 1996.
An African American family with twin girls spends a typical Sunday doing the things they like to do.
E SAI

Sanders, Scott Russell (Illus. by Thomas B. Allen). A Place Called Freedom. 1997.
After being set free from slavery in 1832, young James Starman and his family journey from Tennessee to Indiana to start a new life.
E SAN

Schertle, Alice (Illus. by E. B Lewis). Down the Road. 1995.
Hetty is very careful with the eggs she has bought on her very first trip to the store, but she runs into trouble when she stops to pick apples.
E SCH

Schroeder, Alan (Illus. by Bernie Fuchs). Carolina Shout! 1995.
A young girl describes the music she hears in the cries of the vendors on the streets of Charleston, South Carolina.
E SCH

Smalls-Hector, Irene (Illus. by Kevin McGovern). Father's Day Blues: What Do You Do About Father's Day When All You Have Are Mothers? 1995.
Cheryl learns that even though her father doesn't live with her, he would be proud of her for learning to like herself. Others: Dawn and the Round to-it; Louise's Gift, or, What Did She Give Me That For?
E SMA

Spohn, David. Home Field. 1993.
Matt and his father play baseball on their own home field.
E SPO

Stock, Catherine. Halloween Monster. 1990.
Tommy is reluctant to go out on Halloween until his mother convinces him that there are no real monsters, ghosts or witches.
E STO HOLIDAY

Stroud, Bettye (Illus. By Felicia Marshall). Down Home at Miss Dessa's. 1996.
In the South, in the 1940's, two young African American sisters spend the day caring for an elderly neighbor.
E STR

Wahl, Jan (Illus. by Wil Clay). Little Eight John. 1992.
Little Eight John, a familiar character in African American folklore, persists in disobeying his mother until he finds his mischief backfiring on him.
E WAH

Williams, Sherley Anne (Illus. By Carole Byard). 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

Woodtor, Dee Parmer (Illus. by Dolores Johnson). Big Meeting. 1996.
Family from all over the country travel to the South to attend "Big Meeting" at the Bethel A. M. E. Church, where they get together to renew old ties.
E WOO

Wright, Courtni Crump. (Illus. by Gershom Griffith). Jumping the Broom. 1994.
Eight-year-old Lettie describes the preparations for her sister's wedding; a day of celebration in slave quarters.
E WRI

Wyeth, Sharon Dennis (Illus. by Raul Colon). Always My Dad. 1995.
Although she sees him seldom, a young girl enjoys the time she spends with her father when she and her brothers visit their grandparents' farm.
E WYE

Zelver, Patricia (Illus. by Frane Lessac). The Wonderful Towers of Watts. 1994.
Describes how an Italian immigrant built three unusual towers in his backyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles.
E ZEL

J FICTION

Banks, Jacqueline Turner. Project Wheels. 1993.
While helping to raise money to buy her classmate Wayne a motorized wheelchair, 11-year-old Angela finds her relationships changing with her four best friends.

Barnes, Joyce Annette. The Baby Grand, The Moon in July, & Me. 1994.
In 1969, ten-year-old Annie dreams of being an astronaut, but she realizes it will take hard work to make her dream come true.

Belton, Sandra. From Miss Ida's Porch. 1991.
In the evening, the residents of Church Street gather on Miss Ida's porch to share memories and tell stories.

Blackman, Malorie. Girl Wonder and the Terrific Twins. 1993.
The plans that Maxine, the Girl Wonder and her younger brothers, the Terrific Twins, come up with usually mean trouble for their mother.

Boyd, Candy Dawson. Chevrolet Saturdays. 1993.
When he enters fifth grade after his mother's remarriage, Joey has trouble adjusting to his new teacher and his new stepfather.

Coleman, Evelyn. White Socks Only. 1996.
Grandma tells the story about her first trip alone into town when segregation still existed in Mississippi.

Cooper, Melrose. Life Riddles. 1993.
Twelve-year-old Janelle, a talented writer, uses her skills to cope with her family's problems.

DeGross, Monalisa. Donavan's Word Jar. 1994.
When the jar that Donavan keeps his word collection in fills up, he finds a special way to give his words away and get something wonderful in return.

Eskridge, Ann E.. The Sanctuary. 1994.
When ten-year-old Little Man meets his eccentric neighbor, Lucy Johnson, he discovers how her sanctuary of junk sculpture and photographs of dead people is a place where the spirits of the dead can rest in peace.

Fenner, Carol . Yolonda's Genius. 1995.
Yolonda determines to prove that her younger brother is not a slow learner but a true musical genius.

Forrester, Sandra. Sound the Jubilee. 1995.
A slave and her family find refuge on Roanoke Island, North Carolina during the Civil War.

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.

Guccione, Leslie Davis. Come Morning. 1995.
Twelve-year-old Freedom Newcastle takes over his father's work in the Underground Railroad when his father disappears.

Hoobler, Dorothy. Florence Robinson: The Story of a Jazz Age Girl. 1997.
Flo's father, an ex-soldier, moves his family from Mississippi to Chicago to escape discrimination.

Hooks, William H.. Freedom's Fruit. 1996.
Mama Marina, a slave woman and conjurer, casts a spell on her master's grapes to win freedom for her daughter Sheba and the man Sheba loves.

Hyppolite, Joanne. Seth and Samona. 1995.
A Haitian American boy and an African American girl deal with the fun and problems of friendship and family life.

Johnson, Dolores. Seminole Diary: Remembrances of a Slave. 1994.
Libbie escapes from a plantation and joins a Seminole Indian tribe in Florida.

Mead, Alice. Junebug. 1995.
A boy living in the projects plans to launch his flotilla of fifty glass bottles containing notes with his wish written on them.

McKissack, Patricia. Ma Dear's Aprons. 1997.
Young David Earl knows what day of the week it is, because his mother has a different apron for every day except Sunday.

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Mayfield Crossing. 1993.
When their small school is closed, the children of Mayfield Crossing are sent to a larger school where they encounter racial prejudice.

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Hold Fast to Dreams. 1995.
Twelve-year-old Deirdre feels uncomfortable being the only black student at her new school.

Quattlebaum, Mary. Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns. 1994.
When his mother gives him a garden plot for his birthday, Jackson Jones hopes to earn enough money for a basketball, but all he seems to get is trouble.

Robinet, Harriette Gillem. Washington City is Burning. 1996.
In 1814 Virginia, a slave in President Madison's White House experiences the burning of Washington by the invading British Army.

Rosen, Michael. A School for Pompey Walker. 1995.
A former slave tells the story of his life.

Stewart, Elisabeth. Bimmi Finds a Cat. 1996.
An eight-year-old Creole boy on Galveston Island grieves the death of his cat, Crabmeat.

Stolz, Mary. Coco Grimes. 1994.
Thomas drives to Florida with his grandfather to meet Coco Grimes, an old man who remembers Negro League baseball, but the actual encounter proves bittersweet.

Taylor, Mildred. The Well: David's Story. 1995.
Ten-year-old David Logan's family shares their well water with both black and white neighbors in an atmosphere of potential racial violence.

Wright, Courtni. Wagon Train: A Family Goes West in 1865. 1995.
An African American family travels the Oregon Trail in 1865.

Y FICTION

(* indicates other books available in the series)

Berry, James. Ajeemah and His Son. 1992.
Kidnapped, taken to Jamaica, and sold as slaves, a man and his eighteen-year-old son respond differently to their situation.

Burgess, Barbara Hood. The Fred Field. 1994. *
Oren Bell of Detroit dedicates the summer after seventh grade to creating a memorial for his murdered friend, Fred, and to finding Fred's killer.

Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963. 1995.
The Watson family of Flint, Michigan, goes to Birmingham in the explosive summer of 1963 in a story that is funny, touching, and frightening.

Hamilton, Virginia. Plain City. 1993.
Buhlaire, a "mixed" child, struggles to learn more about her heritage and her missing father.

Hansen, Joyce. The Captive. 1994.
In 1788, a young Ashanti boy is kidnapped and sold as a slave to a New England farmer.

Johnson, Angela.. Toning the Sweep. 1993.
While visiting her dying grandmother, fourteen-year-old Emmy learns a great deal about her family, living and dead.

Levy, Marilyn. Run for Your Life. 1996.
The new community center director starts a track team and Kisha and her friends discover what it means to be winners.

McKissack, Pat. A Picture of Freedom: the Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl. 1997.
A twelve-year-old girl records her experiences as a house slave and her decision about whether or not to run to freedom in 1859.

Meyer, Carolyn. Jubilee Journey. 1997.*
Emily Rose Chartier has always liked being biracial, or "double," as she calls it, but a visit to her relatives in Texas makes her realize she needs to learn more about her mother's family and African American ancestry.

Myers, Walter Dean. Slam! 1996.
A junior in high school, "Slam" Harris is hoping his abilities as a basketball player will lead to a great future away from Harlem; meanwhile, he is struggling with schoolwork, girlfriend difficulties, and troubling changes in his lifelong friend, Ice.

Myers, Walter Dean. Shadow of the Red Moon. 1995.
Near-apocalyptic climate changes have destroyed much of Earth's living spaces and most people live in Crystal City, but a group of young people sets out across the Wilderness, despite grave dangers, to rediscover their ancestral Ancient Land.

Paulsen, Gary. Nightjohn. 1993. *
In the Deep South of the 1850s, a new slave at the Waller plantation offers to teach other slaves how to read, and twelve-year-old Sarny accepts his offer despite the risk of brutal punishment.

Prather, Ray. Fish & Bones. 1992.
A message from Fish Baker starts Bones searching for clues to a bank robbery, but he uncovers some unpleasant secrets in his small town at the same time.

Smothers, Ethel Footman. Down in the Piney Woods. 1992.*
Annie Rye, daughter of a sharecropper, tells about life in the Georgia backwoods with her large and, despite occasional disruptions, loving family.

Thomas, Joyce Carol. When the Nightingale Sings. 1992.
Fourteen-year-old Marigold tries out for the part of lead singer for the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church gospel choir, and finds love and family along the way.

Walter, Mildred Pitts. Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl. 1996.
Based on the true story of Elizabeth Freeman, the slave who sued for freedom in 1871, this is told as if by her sister, Aissa.

Wesley, Valerie Wilson. Where Do I Go from Here? 1993.
Nia and Marcus, students in a mostly white prep school, have become good friends; so when Marcus disappears, Nia sets out to find him and to decide where her own life is going.

Wilkinson, Brenda. Definitely Cool. 1993.
Starting seventh grade in a new school in a more expensive neighborhood, Roxanne worries about fitting in and finding new friends.

Woodson, Jacqueline. Between Madison and Palmetto. 1993. *
Margaret and Maizon, separated when Maizon went away to boarding school, are reunited and attempt to resume their friendship despite changes in their personal lives and their neighborhood.

J AND Y NON-FICTION

In call number order, to facilitate subject area browsing.

Y 071.308 Se
Senna, Carl. The Black Press and the Struggle for Civil Rights. 1993.
An account of the Black press from the first Black newspaper to the integration into the American mainstream.

Y 305.896 Af
Collins, Charles M. and David Cohen (Ed.). The African Americans. 1993.
Hundreds of photographs illustrate the richness and diversity of African Americans and the many roles they play in the life of the United States.

Y 305.896 Do
Douglass, Frederick. Frederick Douglass: In His Own Words. 1995.
Excerpts from the orator's eloquent and impassioned indictments against slavery, injustice, inequality, and racism.

Y 305.896 Ho
Hoobler, Dorothy and Thomas. The African American Family Album. 1995.
The history of African Americans in their own words, from letters, interviews, diaries, newspaper articles, and published writings, accompanied by many photographs.

J 305.896 Ki
Westridge Young Writers Workshop. Kids Explore America's African American Heritage. 1993.
Examines the contributions of African Americans to American culture in such areas as music, food, literature, and celebrations. Includes profiles of significant individuals.

Y 306.85 In
Hudson, Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson (Ed.). In Praise of Our Fathers and Our Mothers: A Black Family Treasury by Outstanding Authors and Artists. 1997.
More than forty distinguished writers and visual artists share memories and images in praise of family and African American ancestors.

Y 323.119 Ar
Archer, Jules. They Had a Dream: The Civil Rights Struggle, from Frederick Douglass to Marcus Garvey to Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. 1993.
Traces the progression of the Civil Rights Movement and its effect on history.

Y 323.119 Bu
Bullard, Sara. Free at Last: A History of the Civil Rights Movement and Those Who Died in the Struggle. 1993.
An illustrated history of the Civil Rights Movement, including a timeline and profiles of 40 people who gave their lives in the movement.

J 323.119 Ke
Kent, Deborah. The Freedom Riders. 1993.
Brief, readable explanation of the interracial bus rides through the deep South that began in 1961 to force compliance with desegregation laws.

Y 323.119 Wa
Walter, Mildred Pitts. Mississippi Challenge. 1992.
Describes the struggle for civil rights for the Blacks in Mississippi, from the time of slavery to the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

Y 326 McK
McKissack, Patricia and Fredrick. Rebels Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts. 1996.
The story of such freedom fighters as Toussaint Louverture, Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, and Cinque.

Y 331.133 Ha
Hanmer, Trudy J. Affirmative Action: Opportunity for All? 1993.
Discusses affirmative action policy in this country, including history and effects.

Y 357.1 Co
Cox, Clinton. The Forgotten Heroes: The Story of the Buffalo Soldiers. 1993.
The history of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, comprised of African American soldiers recruited to open the West to settlers.

J 370.193 Co
Coles, Robert. The Story of Ruby Bridges. 1995.
Six-year-old Ruby Bridges meets hostility when she becomes the first African American student at Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.

J 394.267 McK HOLIDAY
McKissack, Patricia and Fredrick. Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters. 1994.
Describes customs, recipes, and songs used to celebrate Christmas in the big plantation houses and the slave quarters just before the Civil War.

J 394.268 [Various Authors] HOLIDAY
Look at call numbers J 394.268, J 641.592, and J 745.594 in the KWANZAA section of the HOLIDAY shelves for books about this holiday which celebrates African American people, heritage, and culture.

J 398.2 Ha
Hamilton, Virginia. Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales. 1995.
A collection that includes trickster tales, legendary women, ghost stories and three autobiographies.

J 398.2 Le
Lester, Julius. The Last Tales of Uncle Remus. 1994.
The final adventures and misadventures of Brer Rabbit and his friends and enemies are retold with vigor.

J 398.2 Me
Medearis, Angela Shelf. The Freedom Riddle. 1995.
Master Brown agrees to grant Jim his freedom if Jim can stump him with a riddle.

Y 398.2 Ta
Goss, Linda and Marian E. Barnes, (Ed.). Talk That Talk: An Anthology of African American Storytelling. 1989.
A collection of stories from such African American storytellers as Mary Carter Smith, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks.

Y 398.208 Af
Young, Richard Alan and Judy Dockrey Young, (Ed.). African American Folktales for Young Readers. 1993.
Tales from the oral tradition, presented as they have been told by Black storytellers from Rhode Island to Oklahoma.

J 398.22 Le
Lester, Julius. John Henry. 1994.
Retells the life of the legendary hero who raced against a steam drill to cut through a mountain. Wonderful illustrations by Jerry Pinkney.

Y 629.13 Ha
Haskins, Jim. Black Eagles: African Americans in Aviation. 1995.
The exciting and neglected history of black aviation pioneers, from Eugene Bullard and Bessie Coleman to astronauts Guion Bluford, Jr. and Mae Jemison.

J 629.45 Bu
Burns, Khephra and William Miles. Black Stars in Orbit: NASA's African American Astronauts. 1995.
Inspiring story of the men and women who overcame all odds to take their place in the forefront of space exploration and discovery.

J 641.5966 Os
Osseo-Asare, Fran. A Good Soup Attracts Chairs: A First African Cookbook for American Kids. 1993.
Presents over 35 easy to follow recipes from the kitchens of West Africa and Ghana, and instructions on how to throw an African party.

J 709.2 Ri
Turner, Robyn Montana. Faith Ringgold. 1993.
Examines the life and work of the artist whose determination to be true to her African American heritage brought about an influential new art form.

Y 781.643 Jo
Jones, Hettie. Big Star Fallin' Mama: Five Women in Black Music. 1995.
Portraits of five Black women musicians and the kind of music they sang during a period of social change.

J 781.65 Mo
Monceaux, Morgan. Jazz: My Music, My People. 1994.
Short biographies of 41 African American jazz artists, accompanied by bold paintings.

Y Music 781.7 Af
Silverman, Jerry (Comp.). African Roots. 1994.
A songbook of African folk songs and music with pictures and captions.

J 782.4 Jo
Johnson, James Weldon. Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing. 1995.
An illustrated version of the song that has come to be considered the African American anthem.

Y 782.421 Jo
Jones, K. Maurice. Say It Loud!: The Story of Rap Music. 1994.
Explores the origins and development of rap music.

Y 796.357 McK
McKissack, Patricia and Fredrick, Jr.. Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues. 1994.
Traces the history of baseball in the Negro Leagues and its great heroes.

J 810.803 Ch HOLIDAY
Rollins, Charlemae (Comp.). Christmas Gif': An Anthology of Christmas Poems, Songs, and Stories. 1993.
A collection of Christmas poems, songs, and stories written by and about African Americans.

Y 810.992 Fe
Rennert, Richard (Ed.). Female Writers. 1994.
A collection of short biographies of noted Black female writers including Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni. Also by this author: Male Writers (Y 810.989 Ma).

J 811.508 So
Feelings, Tom (Illus.). Soul Looks Back in Wonder. 1993.
Artist Tom Feelings brought together 13 poets to write positive, inspiring selections to accompany his original illustrations of African and African American children.

J 811.54 Gr
Greenfield, Eloise. Night on Neighborhood Street. 1991.
Poems exploring the sounds, sights, and emotions enlivening a Black neighborhood during the course of one evening. Also by this author:Nathaniel Talking and Under the Sunday Tree.

J 811.54 Gr
Grimes, Nikki. Meet Danitra Brown. 1994.
A collection of 13 poems about the friendship of two African American girls. Also by this author: Come Sunday and From a Child's Heart.

J 811.54 Gu
Gunning, Monica. Not a Copper Penny in Me House: Poems from the Caribbean.1993.
The poet's descriptive images and warm characters are accompanied by full-color paintings by Frane Lessac.

J 811.54 My
Myers, Walter Dean. Brown Angels: An Album of Pictures and Verse. 1993.
A collection of poems accompanied by photographs about African American children at the turn of the century.

J 811.54 Th
Thomas, Joyce Carol. Gingerbread Days. 1995.
Poems for each month of the year celebrating themes of family love, individuality, and African American identity. Also by this author:Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea: Poems.

Y 920.009 Ka
Katz, William Loren. Proudly Red and Black: Stories of African and Native Americans. 1993.
Brief biographies of people of mixed Native American and African ancestry who, despite barriers, made their mark on history.

J and Y 921 [Various Subjects]
Various Authors. To find a biography of a person, look for the call number 921 followed by the last name of the person it is about. For example, books about Martin Luther King, Jr. will be found at 921 King. Also, refer to the Biography Notebook at the Reference Desk for suggestions of names of people to look for. You may also use the following series names as Title searches in the electronic catalog:
*Achievers: African Americans in Science and Technology
*African American Artists and Artisans
*African American Biographies
*African American Soldiers
*Black Americans of Achievement
*Outstanding African Americans

J 959.704 My
Myers, Walter Dean. A Place Called Heartbreak: A Story of Vietnam. 1993.
Describes the ordeal of Major Fred Cherry, who was shot down in combat over Vietnam and spent seven-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi.

Y 973.711 Go
Gorrell, Gena K. North Star to Freedom: the Story of the Underground Railroad.1997.
The history of the Underground Railroad from the roots of slavery through the post-Emancipation era, focusing on the lives of the participants.

Y 973.741 Me
Mettger, Zak. Till Victory is Won: Black Soldiers in the Civil War. 1994.
Tells the story of how African Americans gained the right to fight and went on to make stunning contributions on and off the battlefield.

Y 975.87 Br
Branch, Muriel Miller. The Water Brought Us: The Story of the Gullah-Speaking People. 1995.
A portrait of the Gullah people on the sea islands of North Carolina and Georgia who retained their language and ancestral customs.

J 978.02 Ka
Katz, William Loren Black Women of the Old West. 1995.
The fascinating story of women who escaped or moved west, told through pioneer reminiscences, newspaper clippings, and rare frontier photographs.

Y 978.116 Ch
Chu, Daniel and Bill Shaw. Going Home to Nicodemus. 1994.
The Story of an African American frontier town and the pioneers who settled it.

Some other good series names to try as Title Search:
*African American Arts
*African American Experience
*Milestones in Black American History
*The Young Oxford History of African Americans

REFERENCE

In call number order, to facilitate subject area browsing. * indicates additional circulating copies.

R YD 016.81 Wi
Williams, Helen E. Books by African American Authors and Illustrators for Children and Young Adults. 1991.

R YD 028.5 Co
Smith, Henrietta M. (Ed.). The Coretta Scott King Awards Book from Vision to Reality. 1994.

R YD 028.5 MacC
MacCann, Donnarae and Gloria Woodward. The Black American in Books for Children: Readings in Racism (2nd ed.). 1985.

R Y 305.896 Af
Pederson, Jay P. and Jessie Carney Smith. African American Breakthroughs: 500 Years of Black Firsts. (African American Reference Library) 1995.

R Y 305.896 Co
Cowan, Tomas Dale and Jack Maguire. Timelines of African American History: 500 years of Black Achievement. 1994.

R Y 305.896 Ho
Hornsby, Alton and Deborah Gillan Straub. African American Chronology. Vols. 1 & 2. (African American Reference Library) 1994.

R Y 323.119 En
Lowery, Charles D. & Marszalek, John F. (Eds.). Encyclopedia of African American Civil Rights: From Emancipation to the Present. 1992.

R YD 700.922 He
Hedgepeth, Chester. Twentieth-Century African American Writers and Artists.1991.

R Y 796.092 Af
Porter, David L. (Ed.). African American Sports Greats: A Biographical Dictionary. 1995.

R Y 796.48 Pa
Page, James A. Black Olympian Medalists. 1991.

R YD 810.922 Jo
Johnson-Feelings, Dianne. * Telling Tales: The Pedagogy and Promise of African American Literature for Youth. 1990.

R Y 920 Al
Altman, Susan. * Extraordinary Black Americans from Colonial to Contemporary Times. 1988.

R Y 920.009 Af
African American Biography. Vols. 1 - 4. (African American Reference Library) 1994.

R Y 920.009 Af
Straub, Deborah Gillan (Ed.). African American Voices. Vols 1 & 2. 1996.

R J 920.009 Gr
Igus, Toyomi (Ed.). Great Women in the Struggle: An Introduction for Young Readers. Vol. 2. (Book of Black Heroes).1991.

R Y 920.009 Ha
Haskins, James. * One More River to Cross. 1992.

R Y 920.009 Ha
Hawkins, Walter L. African American Biographies: Profiles of 558 Current Men and Women. 1992.

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS

Books on Cassette (BOCs)

Hamilton, Virginia. The Planet of Junior Brown. 1994.
Buddy Clark takes on the responsibility of protecting an emotionally disturbed friend with whom he has been playing hooky. (Also by this author: M.C.Higgins the Great, House of Dies Drear, and Zeely).
BOC Y Fiction

Lester, Julius. To Be a Slave. 1994.
A collection of reminiscences of slaves and ex-slaves about their experiences of leaving Africa through the Civil War and into the early Twentieth century.
BOC Y 326 Le

Lipsyte, Robert. The Contender. 1996.
After a successful start in a boxing career, a Harlem high school dropout decides to aim for different goals.
BOC Y Fiction

Mead, Alice. Junebug. 1996.
An inquisitive young man who lives with his motherand younger sister in a rough housing district of New Haven, approaches his tenth birthday with mixed feelings.
BOC J Fiction

Myers, Walter Dean. Darnell Rock Reporting. 1995.
Thirteen-year-old Darnell writes an article about a homeless man that changes his attitude about school.
BOC Y Fiction

Paulsen, Gary. Nightjohn. 1993.
Twelve-year-old Sarny's brutal life as a slave becomes more dangerous when a newly acquired slave offers to teach her to read.
BOC Y Fiction

Tate, Eleanora E. The Secret of Gumbo Grove. 1997.
Eleven-year-old Raisin solves the mystery of the founding of her home town and gains pride in her family's past.
BOC J Mystery

Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. 1994.
A black family living in the South in the 1930's is faced with prejudice and discrimination which the children do not understand. (Also by this author: Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Road to Memphis).
BOC Y Fiction

Cassettes and Compact Discs

Booker, Cedella Marley. Smilin' Island of Song. 1992.
A musical Caribbean adventure with Cedella Booker and Taj Mahal.
Cassette- CompDisc YD 784 Booker-2

Gleeson, Brian. Anansi.1991.
The Jamaican folktale of Anansi the spider who bargains with Tiger for the right to tell stories.
Cassette YD 398.2 Gleeson-3

Gleeson, Brian. Koi and the Kola Nuts. 1991.
The story of the proud son of a chief who sets out to find his rightful place in the world.
CompDisc YD 398.2 Gleeson-2

Hamilton, Virginia. The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales.1987.
Retold African American folktales of animals, fantasy and the sorrow of slaves.
Cassette YD 398.2 Hamilton-1

Jenkins, Ella. Multicultural Children's Songs. 1995.
Songs from around the world sung by Ella Jenkins.
CompDisc YD 784 Jenkins-19

King, Martin Luther, Jr. Free at Last. 1968.
Sermons and speeches presented on various occasions by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cassette YD 323.4 King

Little Richard. Shake It All About. 1992.
Twelve classic kid's tunes shaken up in a whole new way.
Cassette- CompDisc YD 784.4 Little-10

McGill, Alice. Flying Africans. 1988.
A collection of stories in the African American tradition.
Cassette YD 398.2 McGill-1

Sanders, Rose. Who Will Speak for the Children. 1988.
Songs sung by the children of Selma.
Cassette- CompDisc YD 784 Who-12

Torrence, Jackie. Brer Rabbit Stories.1984.
Jackie Torrence shares her favorite Brer Rabbit tales.
Cassette YD 398.2 Torrence-3

Videocassettes

Black Americans of Achievement Video Collection.
Biographies of famous black Americans.
VideoCas YD 921

Brer Rabbit and the Wonderful Tar Baby. 1990.
Told by Danny Glover with music by Taj Mahal, this is an adaptation of the Joel Chandler Harris classic.
VideoCas YD Br

Brother Future. 1991.
An inner city youth is knocked unconscious and wakes up to find himself in Charleston, South Carolina in 1822, where he is taken captive as a slave.
VideoCas YD Br

The House of Dies Drear. 1990.
A family discovers secrets walled within an old house reaching back to the days of slavery and the underground railroad. (Based on the book by Virginia Hamilton.)
VideoCas YD Fiction House

Jazz Time Tale.1992.
Narrated by Ruby Dee with Fats Waller on the Piano. Young Lucinda is on her way home and stops to hear the music along the way.
VideoCas YD 784.5 Ja

Jenkins, Ella. Ella Jenkins Live! At the Smithsonian.1991.
Children's songs written or arranged by Ella Jenkins.
VideoCas YD 784 Je

Kwanza. (Holidays for Children Video).1994.
Through the rhythmic sounds of West-African drums, young viewers are introduced to an African American family celebration of Kwanza.
VideoCas YD 394.268 Kw

Mighty Pawns. 1987.
A teacher in an inner city junior high school introduces four students to a game of chess.
VideoCas YD Mi

The Quest for Freedom.1992.
Ben enters a mysterious library and finds himself trapped in the past with Harriet Tubman.
VideoCas YD 973.71 Qu

Singing For Freedom: a Concert for the Child in Each of Us. 1995.
Sweet Honey in the Rock sings for children everywhere in this concert of music from around the world.
VideoCas YD 784 Si

Torrence, Jackie. Jackie Torrence Presents: African American Stories Primary.1996.
An internationally acclaimed storyteller shares some of her favorite African American stories.
VideoCas YD 398.2 To

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.

HTML version created Jan 1998.
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