Ellen’s Broom

by Kelly Lyons

Summary: Cherishing the special broom resting above her hearth for its representation of the slave heritage that once forbade legal marriages, Ellen prepares for her parents' triumphant registry at a Reconstruction-era courthouse as lawful husband and wife and proudly carries the broom so that they can repeat a cultural wedding tradition.

This is a historical fiction story. It is lengthy, but an excellent resource for discussing slavery and human rights. This is an ideal read at this time because it is Black History Month.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 3

Happy February!

February is Black History Month

February 2nd is Groundhog's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day

February 20th is Presidents Day

February 29th is Leap Day

Check out the labels below for related books!



HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

Also known as Three Kings Day and the Epiphany

(January 6th)

MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIOR DAY IS
JANUARY 16TH

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

(January 23rd)

See the labels below for books related to these holidays



Only the Mountains Do Not Move: A Maasai Story of Culture and Conservation

by Jan Reynolds

Summary: A photographic essay about the Maasai people in Kenya, explores the contemporary challenges they face, focusing on environmental changes such as the overgrazing of land and the threat of wildlife extinction, and how the Maasai are adapting their agricultural practices and lifestyle while preserving their culture.

This is a fascinating nonfiction book. In addition to information, the text includes wise proverbs of the Maasai culture. Most ideal for grades 4-6, the text allows for serious discussions, including how to respect and preserve the Earth. During Black History Month, this book can be used to discuss African culture. This book may be appreciated by mature primary grade students or middle school students interested in culture or environmental students.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 6

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

by Langston Hughes

Summary: Artist E.B. Lewis acts as interpreter and visionary, using watercolor to pay tribute to Hughes's timeless poem.

Lewis won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor award, a prestigious American Library Association Award, for this book. The vivid watercolor illustrations accompany the previously written text beautifully. One could have a long discussion about the text. This is an excellent for celebrating Black History Month.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

My People
by Langston Hughes

Summary: Langston Hughes’ spare yet eloquent tribute to his people has been cherished for generations. Now, acclaimed photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. interprets this beloved poem in sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.

The illustrations in this book accompany the previously written text very well. This is an excellent share for Black History Month.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life

of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Summary: Retells the life of Bass Reeves, a former slave who became a deputy U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory and was exceptional at tracking down fugitives and bringing them to justice.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson was given the American Library Association’s prestigious Coretta Scott King award for this book. This biography is a great read during Black History Month or during an unsung hero discussion. I like the notes in the back; especially the comment that this book appears to be a tall tale but is true. For this reason, young advanced readers or young listeners with a long attention span may enjoy this Wild West tale.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 6

These Hands

by Margaret H. Mason

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

This is a wonderful picture book to share with children in conjunction with a Black History or Civil Rights lesson. The illustrations are simple and beautiful, like the text.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Ellla Fitzgerald-The Tale of a Vocal Virtuoso
by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Summary: A brief recounting of the career of this jazz musician in the voice of "Scat Cat Monroe."

The cat speaks in lingo of the jazz era. Though children may not be familiar with these words, I think they would enjoy the rhythm of the words, especially when read to in a lively manner.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Ruth and the Green Book

Ruth and the Green Book

 by Calvin Alexander Ramsey

Summary: When Ruth and her parents take a motor trip from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandma, they rely on a pamphlet called "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to find places that will serve them. Includes facts about "The Green Book."

This is a wonderful historical fiction read most appropriate for older elementary school students. This book could be used during Black History Month or for discussing segregation.

Interest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Happy February!

February is Black History Month!

February 14th is Valentine's Day!

Check out

recommended books from last year

on February themes

by clicking on the labels below.

Librarianjk recommends Shadow

Shadow

by Blaise Cendrars

Summary: Free verse evocation of the eerie, shifting images of Shadow which represents the beliefs and ghosts of the past and is brought to life wherever there is light, fire, and a storyteller.

This book has eerie but beautiful illustrations. I recommend this tale to older readers interested in folk tales or fairytales that do not involve princesses or fairies. I can not help but wonder if the “Shadow Man” from Disney’s The Frog and the Prince was inspired by this tale.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

by Edwidge Danticat

Summary: Junior tells of the games he played in his mind during the eight days he was trapped in his house after the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Includes author's note about Haitian children before the earthquake and her own children's reactions to the disaster.

This story is not only about the tragedy of the earthquakes in Haiti during January 2010, but the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. This book is also a celebration of what Haiti was before the earthquake, and what it may be again. I would not recommend this to a young child to read independently, but with an adult’s assistance it could be a valuable tool to discuss tragedy and history.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends God's Dream

God’s Dream

by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The author shares his vision of God's dream with young readers, and offers the essence of his ubuntu philosophy of unity and forgiveness.

You do not have to be Christian to appreciate this book on acceptance and love by the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner from South Africa. This book teaches a concept common in many religions. The illustrations depict children of a variety of nationalities and religions.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Black History Month Young Adult Reads

Click on image for larger print 

Black History Month Reads for Sixth to Eighth Graders

Click on image for larger print

Black History Month Reads for Grades 3-5

Click on image for larger print

Black History Month Reads for Grades 1-2

Click on image for larger print

Black History Month Reads for PreSchoolers and Kindergartners

Click on image for larger print