Settle in with the kids and celebrate Black History this month by delving into books that honor African-American heroes, family life, and President Barack Obama’s journey to the White House.

Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole

by Deborah Hopkinson and Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn. $17.95

Hopkinson’s biography chronicles American explorer Matthew Henson’s life, notably his harrowing co-discovery of the North Pole in 1909. At 13, he was already on his own and exploring turn-of-the-century America. He and famous naval engineer Robert E. Peary take part in explorations to Greenland, where they become friends, learn from the Inuit, and after great struggle, make it to the North Pole. Hopkinson nicely incorporates Henson’s own writing into this unique page-turner for elementary school children.

Barack

by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by A.G. Ford

Young children eager to learn more about our nation’s first African-American president can read Barack by Jonah Winter, illustrated by A.G. Ford. This well-written biography traces Barack Obama’s life, from his childhood in Hawaii to community involvement in Chicago. Taking a decidedly unpolitical stance, the author instead focuses on Barak’s message of hope and change. Good for ages 4-8.

Coretta Scott

by Ntozake Shange, Paintings by Kadir Nelson. $19.99
A beautifully illustrated homage to civil rights icon, Coretta Scott King. Author of award winning Ellington Was Not a Street, Ntozake Shange’s poetic style translates well to this picture book. With only a few words and a series of inspiring pictures from Kadir Nelson, Shange touches on King’s life of struggle, redemption, and peace.

When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat

by Muriel Harris Weinstein, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. $16.99
After listening to her mother’s old records, a young girl has a dream that Louis Armstrong teaches her how to scat. The girl goes on a wild adventure of rhyming words with the jazz musician. The book has a short description of scat and of Louis Armstong’s life for readers who want a little more biographical information. It’s a great read-aloud for kindergarten through second grade, and children will enjoy listening to and making up their own scat.

Brothers and Sisters — Family Poems

by Eloise Greenfield, Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. $17.99
Every family should keep a copy of Eloise Greenfield’s book of poetry, Brothers and Sisters, around to relish all the little moments families share together. Her poems touch on issues such as a reflection of a younger brother who can’t figure out why his teenage brother doesn’t want to play with him anymore, the spunkiness and funny sayings of a family’s grandparents, and the bickering everyone remembers taking part in with their siblings. She also touches on the sweet moments of family life when fights give way to tenderness. In “Let’s Make Up,” the author ends with, “Let’s make up, don’t be mad / cause you’re the best sister I’ve ever had.” Kids and their parents will turn back to Greenfield’s book time and time again to make sense of what it means to deal with the emotions of being a kid.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:00 pm and is filed under 11-14, 3-5, 6-10, Activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.