Reviewed by Rebecca Lehr Review Source: Independent Book Author: It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw is a biographical children’s book about the African American folk artist who started drawing at the age of 81 and produced over 1,000 drawings and paintings by his death at the age of 95. It chronicles his life […]
Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend: A Civil Rights Story
Reviewed by: Rebecca Lehr Book Author: As Alex’s mother shops for a quilt in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, he sits outside and spots an old mule eating collard greens from a garden. An elderly woman, Miz Pettway, sits down next to him and begins to tell him why Belle, the mule, is allowed to eat all […]
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
Reviewed by: Rebecca Lehr Book Author: Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon tells of the celebrated architect’s path from his childhood in 1950’s Philadelphia to designing the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Beginning with Freelon’s personal struggles with reading and strengths in math and visual arts, it then takes […]
Queer History of the United States for Young People
Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Independent Book Author: While a growing body of scholarship about LGBTQ+ people and history exists, LGBTQ+ history is largely inaccessible for many young people. It is usually not taught in schools or referenced in textbooks. A Queer History of the United States for Young People changes this reality. As […]
Music of What Happens
Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Independent Book Author: Life is comprised of moments that seem asynchronous, but they result in a rich symphony. The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg details the burgeoning relationship between high schoolers Max and Jordan and how they overcome their inner demons. At first, they seem completely incompatible, with […]
Different Differenter: An Activity Book About Skin Color
Reviewed by Dr. Ed Greene Book Author: In 1971, Vivian Church wrote the children’s book, Colors Around Me. It provided an eye-opening explanation of the meaning of the words Black, Negro, and Afro-American, while at the same time presenting positive descriptions and illustrations about the shades of color among African Americans and being part of […]
