Display Case: Black History Month @ Fresno State Library

My fade is fresh With so many beautiful hairstyles to choose from like perms and locs, a little girl decides to get the freshest fade on the block.

I, too, am America Presents the popular poem by one of the central figures in the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting the courage and dignity of the African American Pullman porters in the early twentieth century.

Ruby's reunion day dinner Inspired by the rich tradition of African American reunions, a multigenerational story follows the experiences of young Ruby, who helps loved ones prepare the foods they are bringing while trying to think of a signature dish of her own.

Stacey's extraordinary words When she is chosen to compete in the local spelling bee, Stacey learns that, win or lose, her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all, in this debut picture book from the iconic voting rights advocate.

Daddy speaks love A tribute to the joy and grounding that fathers bring to their children's lives

I am every good thing Let's hear it for everything that makes you the amazing, awesome, inspiring kid that you are... Your curiosity and creativity. Your bravery and kindness. Your sense of humor and fun. Your ability to get up again when you get knocked down. Your way of helping others. Yeah--you are all that and more! You are every good thing that makes the world go round. So go ahead and show us your magnificence--all the things that make you, you.

All because you matter A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.

Hey Black child A lyrical, empowering poem that celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young ones to dream big and achieve their goals

The queen of kindergarten Instilled with confidence by her parents, a young girl has a great first day of kindergarten.

Always with you, always with me For any child who needs a little reassurance or just to share a sweet gesture of affection, Always with You, Always with Me is a loving tribute to families that honors the work a mother does both inside and outside of the home.

Soul food Sunday Granny teaches her young grandson how to cook the family meal, in this celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table. Includes recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.

Uncle John's city garden While visiting her uncle John in the city for the summer, an African American girl, L'il Sissy, her siblings, and uncle transform an empty lot into a vegetable garden.

Stella keeps the sun up When Stella does not want to go to bed, she tries all sorts of ways to keep the sun up

Daddy-daughter day In rhyming text, a father and daughter spend a day doing all kinds of things together.

Family reunion In this contemporary #OwnVoices tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he's sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid's-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.

Little Black girl : oh, the things you can do! A little Black girl confidently and joyously pursues her dream of robotics

Hair love A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.

Memory jars Freda uses jars to save everything from a chocolate chip cookie to the full moon, just as her grandmother saves summer blueberries. Includes a recipe for blueberry jam.

Nigel and the moon When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as...an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too! Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky. But it's Career Week at school, and Nigel can't find the courage to share his dreams. It's easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates--especially when he already feels out of place.

Wednesday Wilson fixes all your problems Wednesday Wilson is in a major funk, and the only thing that can make this day worse is that funks are contagious ... and hers is rubbing off on her brother, Mister. When Wednesday discovers that the true cause of Mister's funk is having to present his family tree at the school assembly, she devises a plan to get Mister a Worry Marble that will fix all his problems.

America, my love, America, my heart America, do you love me? A single question from a single child multiplies across the country with every page turn, inviting in more and more children of color--and their questions

All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom In 1865, members of a family start their day as slaves, working in a Texas cotton field, and end it celebrating their freedom on what came to be known as Juneteenth.

Change sings : a children's anthem As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities, and, most importantly, in themselves.

The year we learned to fly By heeding their wise grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover the ability to lift themselves up and imagine a better world

Black is a rainbow color A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on

Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist Weaving together searing personal essay and cultural commentary, Bowen interrogates sexism, fatphobia, and capitalism all within the context of race and hip-hop. In the process, she continues a Black feminist legacy of unmatched sheer determination and creative resilience.

Lifting as We Climb: Black Women's Battle for the Ballot Box Tells the important, overlooked story of Black women as a force in the suffrage movement--when fellow suffragists did not accept them as equal partners in the struggle.

Changing the Equation: 50+ US Black Women in STEM Explores the black women who have changed the world of STEM.

Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights One hundred years before Rosa Parks took her stand, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jennings tried to board a streetcar in New York City on her way to church.

Before She was Harriet A lush and lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman, written in verse. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.

Bold words from Black women : inspiration and truths from 50 extraordinary Black women who helped shape our world This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of quotes from 50 inspirational Black women who have shaped the world we live in, from Toni Morrison to Angela Davis, from Solange and Beyonce Knowles to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex

Sisters: Venus and Serena Williams Tells the story of champion tennis players--and sisters--Venus and Serena Williams.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph became the World's Fastest Woman A biography of Wilma Rudolph, an African-American who overcame crippling polio as a child to become the first woman to win three gold medals in track during a single Olympics.

Mae Among the Stars Mae wanted to be an astronaut. She dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. Her parents encouraged her, saying, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." This encouragement, along with Mae's own curiosity, intelligence, and determination, paved the way for her to become the first African American woman to travel in space.

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African-American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, this is the story of a remarkable pioneer. Full color.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul With words that sing and art that shines, this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance A feminist-forward new collection of poetry celebrating the little-known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance-- paired with full-color, original art from today's most talented female African-American illustrators.

A is for Aretha : 26 trailblazing Black women who changed music from A-Z An exciting ABC board book featuring Black women musicians whose artistry and activism globally changed the way we hear and interact with music, one song at a time

Black girls unbossed : young world changers leading the way Young Black leaders have always been at the forefront of the fight for justice, freedom, and equity. And Black girls today are stepping up and leading in bold, creative ways. In a world overrun by power and greed, now is the time to look to Black girls for lessons in resilience, leadership, tenacity, spirit, and empathy.

Counting the stars The story of Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematician whose work was critical to the first US space flight

Say her name Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls

Rise : from caged bird to poet of the people, Maya Angelou A biography of African American writer, performer, and activist Maya Angelou, who turned a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime.

Bloom From the author of Curls and Glow comes a joyfully poetic board book that delivers an ode to African American girls as naturally beautiful in our human garden. Introduce young readers to the idea of self-love in a simple, playful rhythm with this luminous story where each little girl is as unique and beautiful as a blossoming flower.

Lullaby (for a Black mother) A poem by an African American author of the Harlem Renaissance about a mother's love for her child is paired with color illustrations. Its sweet, lulling rhythm celebrates a bedtime ritual and the bond between a mother and child.

Firebird : ballerina Misty Copeland shows a young girl how to dance like the firebird With spare, poignant text, American Ballet Theatre soloist Misty Copeland writes of a young dancer whose confidence is fragile. Through hard work and dedication, Misty shows her how she can reach the same heights as Misty, even becoming the Firebird, Misty Copeland's signature role.

Ida B. Wells, voice of truth : educator, feminist, and anti-lynching civil rights leader An inspiring picture book biography of Ida B. Wells--who was an educator, journalist, feminist, businesswoman, newspaper owner, public speaker, suffragist, civil rights activist, and women's club leader--as told by her great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster

Stacey Abrams : lift every voice Picture book biography of U.S. politician Stacey Abrams that depicts how influences from her youth guided the causes she fights for as an adult

Your legacy : a bold reclaiming of our enslaved history Your story begins in Africa. Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you. Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children. While your ancestors' freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accomplishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered-and how their stories should be taught

Standing in the need of prayer : a modern retelling of the classic spiritual The popular spiritual, Standing in the need of prayer, has been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American people and their history.

Follow Chester! : a college football team fights racism and makes history A little known civil rights hero and college football MVP finally gets a voice in this fictional account detailing Chester Pierce's game-changing play as he became the first black college football player to compete south of the Mason-Dixon Line. In 1947, no African American player can play at a southern school; in return, the opposing team benches a player of "equal talent."

Freedom in Congo Square This poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African American history captures a human's capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans Congo Square was truly freedom's heart.

The roots of rap : 16 bars on the 4 pillars of hip-hop Presents the history of hip-hop including how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and breakdancing that formed around the art form.

H is for Harlem A richly informative alphabet picture book celebrating Harlem's vibrant traditions, past and present

Sing a song : how "Lift Every Voice and Sing" inspired generations This stirring book celebrates the Black National Anthem and how it inspired five generations of a family

The undefeated Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes.

The teachers march! : how Selma's teachers changed history Reverend F.D. Reese was a leader of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. As a teacher and principal, he recognized that his colleagues were viewed with great respect in the city. Could he convince them to risk their jobs--and perhaps their lives--by organizing a teachers-only march to the county courthouse to demand their right to vote?

Stamped : racism, antiracism, and you This book takes you on that journey, showing how racist ideas started and were spread, and how they can be discredited

What is Black Lives Matter? Tells the history of a political and social movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience and protests against incidents of police brutality -- and all racially motivated violence -- against Black people.

The Black Panther Party : a graphic novel history Using dramatic comic book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the Party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy

I have a dream An illustrated edition of Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech.

And we rise : the Civil Rights Movement in poems A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.

Evicted! : the struggle for the right to vote This critical civil rights book for middle-graders examines the little-known Tennessee's Fayette County Tent City Movement in the late 1950s and reveals what is possible when people unite and fight for the right to vote.

Black Jack : the ballad of Jack Johnson Art and poetry combine to tell the story of boxer Jack Johnson, who became the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion in the early part of the twentieth century.

Brown girl dreaming Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.

Let 'er buck! : George Fletcher, the people's champion African American George Fletcher loved horses from an early age. When he unfairly lost the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up to a white man, the outraged audience declared him "people's champion"

Above the rim : how Elgin Baylor changed basketball A member of the early, scrappy NBA and one of the first professional African American players, Elgin (b. 1934) played in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, taking risks on and off the court. Known for his acrobatic style of moving and shooting, he inspired others to get creative with their game. But when traveling for away games, hotels and restaurants weren't as welcoming of Elgin as they were of his white teammates. Together, Elgin and his teammates boycotted places practicing segregation until the entire NBA followed suit.

Infinite hope : a Black artist's journey from World War II to peace Imagine keeping a secret for decades. People have always known Ashley Bryan as a celebrated artist, storyteller, writer - a legend. But there was a role Ashley had that almost no one knew: soldier. In 1943, at nineteen years old, Ashley was drafted out of art school and into World War II.

Facing Frederick : the life of Frederick Douglass, a monumental American man Coretta Scott King Honor winner Bolden sheds light on new research and interpretations of one of America's most influential African Americans. She focuses on Douglass the man rather than the historical icon. In chronicling his shortcomings and the low points in his life as well as his victories, Bolden creates a portrait of this relentless warrior as a speaker, a once-enslaved abolitionist, but most importantly, as a human being.

Black heroes of the wild west Celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black historical figures in the Old West: Mary "Stagecoach" Fields, a cardplaying coach driver; Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshall west of the Mississippi; and Bob Lemmons, a cowboy famous for his ability to tame mustangs

Thurgood Before Rosa Parks, before Martin Luther King Jr., before the civil rights movement there was Thurgood, fighting for African Americans - and winning. Here is the powerful story of the trailblazer who proved that separate is not equal.

Maya's song This gorgeous picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of Maya Angelou, whose words have uplifted and inspired generations of readers. The author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya was the first Black person and first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, and her influence echoes through culture and history.

Josephine : the dazzling life of Josephine Baker A portrait of the passionate performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker, the woman who worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages in the world. Meticulously researched by both author and artist, Josephine's powerful story of struggle and triumph is an inspiration and a spectacle, just like the legend herself.

We can : portraits of power Fifteen-year-old Tyler Gordon's journey from a regular kid growing up in San Jose, California, to a nationally recognized artist wasn't without its challenges.

Box : Henry Brown mails himself to freedom The author, in poems, narrates Henry Brown's story of how he came to ship himself in a box from slavery to freedom.

Defiant : growing up in the Jim Crow South The memoir of Wade Hudson, a Black man and Civil Rights activist who came of age in the 1960s at the height of the Civil Rights Movement

Trombone Shorty Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest

Moving forward : from space-age rides to Civil Rights sit-ins with Airman Alton Yates A picture book biography on Alton Yates, a Black man who served in the Air Force in the 1950s and contributed to key research on flight safety for pilots and passengers. After returning home, Alton dedicated his life to standing against Jim Crow and fighting for racial equality

Voice of freedom : Fannie Lou Hamer, spirit of the civil rights movement Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson's interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats

The secret garden of George Washington Carver Gene Barretta's moving words and Frank Morrison's beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship--a tale that begins in a secret garden.

Look up with me : Neil deGrasse Tyson : a life among the stars A biography of famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and awe-inspiring facts about our universe

Between the lines : how Ernie Barnes went from the football field to the art gallery Ernie Barnes was one of the most important artists of his time, known for his style of elongation and movement. His work has influenced a generation of painters and illustrators and can be found in collections and museums such as the California African American Museum as well as the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

The highest tribute : Thurgood Marshall's life, leadership, and legacy A picture book portrait of the first Black justice on the Supreme Court, presented by two Coretta Scott King Honor winners, includes coverage of Thurgood Marshall's upbringing in segregated Baltimore, achievements with the NAACP and contributions to landmark equality rulings.

Bread for words : a Frederick Douglass story Frederick Douglass knew that learning to read and write would be the first step in his quest for freedom. Told from first-person perspective and using some of Douglass's own words, this biography draws from his experiences as a young boy and his attempts to learn how to read and write.

Not done yet : Shirley Chisholm's fight for change Stirring free verse chronicles Shirley Chisholm's fight for fairness and change on her journey to becoming the first Black woman ever elected to Congress and, in 1972, the first woman to seriously run for president

A place to land : Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech that inspired a nation In lyrical prose and strikingly illustrated by the renowned Jerry Pinkney, this is a book about Martin Luther King Jr. like no other.

Song for Jimi : the story of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix The story of guitarist Jimi Hendrix's career told in verse

I am Ruby Bridges When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.

One last word : wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance -- including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era -- by combining their work with her own original poetry.

The people remember This book tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

In your hands A prayer from mother to son that he will always be in safe hands

Punching the air Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal's bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn't commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it. With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth, in a system designed to strip him of both.

Black boy joy From seventeen acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors comes a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems about the power of joy and the wonders of Black boyhood.

The hate u give Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Black enough : stories of being young & black in America A collection of short stories explore what it is like to be young and black, centering on the experiences of black teenagers and emphasizing that one person's experiences, reality, and personal identity are different than someone else.

Ain't burned all the bright jason reynolds, using three longggggggg sentences, and jason griffin, using three hundred pages of a pocket-size moleskine, have mind-melded this fierce-vulnerable-brilliant-terrifying-whatiswrongwithhumans-hopefilled-hopeful-tender-heartbreaking-heartmaking manifesto on what it means not to be able to breathe, and how the people and things at your fingertips are actually the oxygen you most need

Recognize! : an anthology honoring and amplifying Black life An anthology featuring over thirty Black authors and illustrators to honor Black life past, present, and future

One true loves While on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise with her family, Lenore Bennett meets a hopeless romantic with a ten-year plan who helps her find something she's been looking for--love.

Holler of the fireflies Javari knew that West Virginia would be different from his home in Bushwick, Brooklyn. But his first day at STEM Camp in a little Appalachian town is still a shock. Though run-ins with the police are just the same here. Not good. Javari will learn a lot about science ... And also about rich people, racism, and hidden agendas. But it's Cricket, a local boy, budding activist, and occasional thief, who will show him a different side of the holler--and blow his mind wide open

Ace of spades Devon and Chiamaka, two Black students at an elite prep school, compete for valedictorian until anonymous texts reveal their darkest secrets, forcing the pair to fight back, as the cyberbully's game soon turns deadly.

Take back the block Sixth-grader Wes Henderson sets out to save the Oaks, the neighborhood where he's lived his whole life, from being sold to a real estate developer

Mimi and the boo-hoo blahs Boo-hoo! Mimi is not having a good day. She can't get her pigtails to sit right, she's not in the mood for her favorite breakfast, and she's far from feeling like her usual self. Mimi has a case of the Blahs, where nothing feels quite right. With the help of Penelope, her magical toy dog and best friend, she sets out to find a way to get rid of this icky feeling. Will Mimi reclaim her spark, or will the Blahs get the best of her?

Fights : one boy's triumph over violence Propelled into a world filled with uncertainty and desperation, young Joel is pushed toward using violence to solve his problems by everything and everyone around him. But fighting doesn't always yield the best results for a confused and sensitive kid who yearns for a better, more fulfilling life than the one he was born into, as Joel learns in a series of brutal conflicts that eventually lead him to question everything he has learned about what it truly means to fight for one's life

Frizzy Marlene loves three things: art, her cool tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend, Camilla. But according to her mother, Paola, the only things she needs to focus on are school and growing up. That means straightening her hair every weekend so she can have "presentable," "good" hair. But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her.

The book itch : freedom, truth & Harlem's greatest bookstore In the 1930s, Lewis's dad, Lewis Michaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch - a book itch. how to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore. And as far as Lewis Michaux Jr. could tell, his father's bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store, even famous people - Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Langston Hughes, to name a few. In his father's bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of his father's book itch. Read the story of how Lewis Michaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in.

Hidden figures : the true story of four Black women and the space race Explores the previously uncelebrated but pivotal contributions of NASA's African American women mathematicians to America's space program, describing how Jim Crow laws segregated them despite their groundbreaking successes. Includes biographies on Dorothy Jackson Vaughan (1910-2008), Mary Winston Jackson (1921-2005), Katherine Colman Goble Johnson (1918- ), Dr. Christine Mann Darden (1942- ).

As brave as you Scooping poop at his grandparent's house - that sure as heck wasn't the way eleven-year-old Genie expected to be spending his summer. But when his parents send him and his big brother, Ernie, to Virginia to experience the great (not!) outdoors, they're in for some big surprises. First, there are chores galore (picking peas, really?). Second, Grandpop just might be completely off his rocker. The man has a big ol' secret - and once Genie learns what it is, all of Grandpop's oddities start to make sense. Like why he locks himself up in a room that's filled with birds. And why he never - not ever, no sir, no how, no way - steps foot outside. On top of that, Grandpop has a crazy idea for how to celebrate Ernie's fourteenth birthday. Actually, to Genie it isn't so crazy, but Ernie thinks it's completely wack. Genie wonders if that's because Ernie isn't brave enough. but is being brave doing something? Or knowing when not to?

Monday's not coming : a novel This is the story of how my best friend disappeared. How nobody noticed she was gone except me. And how nobody cared until they found her ... one year later." Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia seems to be the one person who notices. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable - more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn't turn up for the first day of school, Claudia starts to worry. When she doesn't show for the second day, or the second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn't just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. With her grades on the line, Claudia needs her best - and only - friend now more than ever. But Monday's mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday's sister April is even less help. As Claudia digs deeper into her friend's disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she's gone? In her dark, thrilling, and timely sophomore novel, acclaimed author Tiffany D. Jackson unravels a complex mystery and explores the traumatic effects of the truth.

Jackie Ormes draws the future : the remarkable life of a pioneering cartoonist Zelda Jackson - or Jackie - was born in Pittsburgh in 1911 and discovered early on that she could create any adventure. A field she could run through as far as her hand could draw. An ocean she could color as blue as she liked. As she grew, Jackie put her artistic talents to use, doodling and chronicling daily life for her high school yearbook. But she was already deaming of bigger things. Jackie would go on to create cartoon characters from the 1930s to 1950s - Torchy Brown, Candy, Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger - who entertained readers of African American newspapers. The characters were honest and bold and witty, and through them, Jackie tackled racism, pollution, and social justice - and made the world listen. Here is an inspiring picture-book biography about the first Black female American cartoonist, written and illustrated by one of the first Black female New Yorker cartoonists.

Augusta Savage : the shape of a sculptor's life Augusta Savage was arguable the most influential American artist of the 1930s. A gifted sculptor, she flourished during the Harlem Renaissance and became a teacher to an entire generation of African American artists. Nelson's poems are paired with photographs of Savage's work, and photographs from her life. The result is an important portrait of an exceptional artist who, despite the limitations she faced, was compelled to forge a life through art and creativity.

Thirteen ways of looking at a black boy A fresh perspective of young men of color depicting thirteen views of everyday life: young boys dressed in their Sunday best, running to catch a bus, and growing up to be teachers, and much more. Each of Tony Medina's tanka is matched with a different artist including recent Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award recipients.

A phoenix first must burn : sixteen stories of black girl magic, resistance, and hope From folktales retold to futuristic societies, this collection of stories centers on Black women and gender nonconforming individuals dealing with love and betrayal, strength and resistance. In all of them, the heroines shine brightly--characters in which you cannot help but see yourself reflected.

Lux : the new girl Meet the Flyy Girls. The group of girls who seem like they can get away with anything. Veteran author Ashley Woodfolk pens a gorgeous and dynamic series of four Harlem highschoolers, each facing a crossroads of friendship, family, and love. Lux Lawson is on a spree. Ever since her dad left, she's been kicked out of every school that would take her, and this is her last chance: Harlem's Augusta Savage School of the Arts. If this doesn't work, Lux is off to military school, no questions asked. That means no more acting out, no more fights, and definitely no boyfriends. Focus on her photography, and make nice friends. That's the deal. Enter the Flyy Girls, three students who have it all together. The type of girls Lux needs to be friends with to stay out of trouble. And after charming her way into the group, Lux feels she's on the right track. But every group has their secrets, including Lux. And when the past starts catching up with her, can she keep her place as a Flyy Girl? In this searing series opener, Lux takes center stage as she figures out just how hard it can be to start over. With simply stated text and compelling characters, Flyy Girls is a series that's perfect for readers of any level

Maya and the robot A forgotten homemade robot comes to life just when aspiring fifth-grade scientist Maya needs a friend - and a science fair project.

Required reading for the disenfranchised freshman Savannah Howard sacrificed her high school social life to make sure she got into a top college. When she is accepted to the ivy-covered walls of Wooddale University on a full ride, how can she say no? But she discovers Wooddale is far from the perfectly manicured community it sells on its brochures. Savannah comes face-to-face with microagressions stemming from racism and elitism. When the statue of Clive Wilmington, Wooddale's first Black president, is vandalized with blackface, the prime suspect is Lucas Cunningham, Wooddale's most popular student and son to a local prominent family. When she discovers the truth about Wooddale's past, will it cost Savannah her own future?

The revolution of Birdie Randolph Dove "Birdie" Randolph works hard to be the perfect daughter and follow the path her parents have laid out for her. She quit playing her beloved soccer, she keeps her nose buried in textbooks, and she's on track to finish high school at the top of her class. When Birdie falls hard for Booker, a sweet boy with a troubled past, she knows her parents will never approve. Then her estranged aunt Carlene returns to Chicago and moves into the family's apartment above their hair salon. Carlene spent decades in and out of treatment facilities for addiction. As long-buried secrets rise to the surface, everything Birdie has known to be true is turned upside down.

Curve & flow : the elegant vision of L.A. architect Paul R. Williams As an orphaned Black boy growing up in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, Paul R. Williams became obsessed with the concept of 'home.' He not only dreamed of building his own home, he turned those dreams into drawings. Defying the odds and breaking down the walls of racism, Williams was able to curve around the obstacles in his way to become a world-renowned architect, designing homes for the biggest celebrities of the day ... while creating a number of Los Angeles historic landmarks and thousands of private and public buildings across the United States.

Singled out : the true story of Glenn Burke Tells the true story of Glenn Burke, the inventor of the high five and the first openly gay MLB player: from his childhood growing up in Oakland, his journey to the MLB and the World Series, the joy in discovering who he really was, to more difficult times: facing injury, addiction, and the AIDS epidemic.

The season of Styx Malone Caleb Franklin and his big brother Bobby Gene have the whole summer for adventures in the woods behind their house in Sutton, Indiana. Caleb dreams of venturing beyond their ordinary small town, but his dad likes the family to stay close to home. Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbor Styx Malone. Styx is sixteen and oozes cool. He's been lots of different places. Styx promises Caleb and Bobby Gene that together, they can pull off the Great Escalator Trade--exchanging one small thing for something better until they achieve their wildest dream. But as the trades get bigger, the brothers soon find themselves in over their heads. It becomes clear that Styx has secrets--secrets so big they could ruin everything--and Caleb fears their whole plan might fall apart. In this madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure, friendships are forged, loyalties are tested ... and miracles just might be possible.

She was the first! : the trailblazing life of Shirley Chisholm A picture biography of educator and politician Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 was the first Black woman elected to Congress and in 1972 was the first Black candidate from a major political party (the Democratic party) to run for the United States presidency. An afterword with additional information, photographs, and source lists are included

Going places : Victor Hugo Green and his glorious book As a mail carrier, Victor Hugo Green traveled across New Jersey every day. But with Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation since the late 1800s, traveling as a Black person in the US could be stressful, even dangerous. So in the 1930s, Victor created a guide--The Negro Motorist Green-Book--compiling information on where to go and what places to avoid so that Black travelers could have a safe and pleasant time. While the Green Book started out small, over the years it became an expansive, invaluable resource for Black people throughout the country--all in the hopes that one day such a guide would no longer be needed

Whoosh! : Lonnie Johnson's super-soaking stream of inventions You know the Super Soaker. It's one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson's life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

Jump at the sun : the true life tale of unstoppable storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston Zora was a girl who hankered for tales like bees for honey. Now, her mama always told her that if she wanted something, "to jump at de sun", because even though you might not land quite that high, at least you'd get off the ground. So Zora jumped from place to place, from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem. And everywhere she jumped, she shined sunlight on the tales most people hadn't been bothered to listen to until Zora. The tales no one had written down until Zora. Tales on a whole culture of literature overlooked...until Zora. Until Zora jumped.-- Amazon.com.

Nina : a story of Nina Simone Nina Simone was an icon. Her music was the backdrop for a freedom movement. But before she was Nina Simone, she was Eunice Kathleen Waymon, a prodigy who sang before she could walk and learned to play the piano o on her father's knee.. But when doors were closed to her because of the color of her skin, she quickly discovered her talent might not be enough to succeed. Nina tucked away the hurt and persevered, finding a way to perform despite the obstacles, and with t a voice like soft thunder, she triumphed. But as Nina's career soared, her people were hurting, marching for their very lives. Nina soon joined them, now raising her thunderous voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination. She demanded justice. Her voice echoed throughout the nation, changing hearts and minds. Beautifully and lyrically told by debut author Traci N. Todd and brought to stunning and glorious life by Caldecott honoree Christian Robinson, Nina is the stirring and victorious story of little Eunice, who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone, and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy that remains a call to action and a call for hope today.

Black girl unlimited : the remarkable story of a teenage wizard Echo Brown is a wizard from the East Side of Cleveland, where apartments are small and parents suffer addiction to the white rocks. Yet there is magic everywhere. Every day Echo travels between worlds, attending a rich white school on the West Side. But there are dangers to leaving behind the place that made you ...

William Still and his freedom stories : the father of the Underground Railroad The remarkable, little-known story of William Still, known as the Father of the Underground Railroad from award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate. William Still's parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. And then one day, a strangely familiar man came into William's office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be? Motivated by his own family's experience, William began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry "Box" Brown, and William and Ellen Craft. Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still's life and work as a record keeper of enslaved people who had fled to freedom. Tate's powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad

Carrimebac : the town that walked The Civil War may be over, but times are not substantially improved for the freed Black citizens of Walkerton, Georgia, who are shunned by the white folks of the surrounding towns. One day, though, ol' Rootilla Redgums and her grandson, Julius Jefferson, arrive. Rootilla teaches the citizens of Walkerton how to make all sorts of beautiful things, and the white people can't get enough. But some aren't so happy. When a hooded mob threatens to burn down the town, Julius and Rootilla must work wonders to protect Walkerton and its people--even if it means moving heaven and earth itself

Black History Month: Select Resources for Teachers

Black History Month: Exhibits and Collections

National Geographic for Kids: Black History Month

ASALH: About Black History Month

NMAAHC: Black History Month 2024 Initiatives