Biography

Two books for LGBTQ+ collections

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett (Candlewick, 384 pages, grades 8 and up). The title gives a pretty good idea of what this book is: a graphic novel of trans history, starting in ancient times and going to the present, with an emphasis on western cultures. Much of the history is told through the stories of individuals, from ancient Egyptian pharaoh Maatkare Hatshepsut, “a person who was raised to be a queen but instead became a king” to Adelaide/Alexina/Camille/Herculine Barbin, a French intersex woman from the 19th century to trans activists of the twentieth century like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Their stories give some idea about beliefs and treatments of trans people were like at that time. The final chapter profiles present-day activists, each of which is written in their own voice. Includes many pages of source notes and a lengthy index.

I often reflect on how much I’ve learned from the thousands of books I’ve read for this blog, and nowhere is this more apparent than in my greater understanding of trans people. Authors like Alex Gino and Kyle Lukoff have helped me understand what it’s like to be a trans kid, and now Alex Combs and Andrew Eakett have added a whole new level of understanding with this outstanding graphic history. Focusing on individuals makes for a fascinating read, and the interviews with contemporary activists are compelling. It’s a huge amount of information, occasionally a bit overwhelming, but definitely an important book to educate readers in such an engaging format.

Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby (Christy Ottaviano Books, 224 pages, grades 5-8). In 22 essays, LGBTQ+ people tell the stories of their athletic experiences. Most of the narratives lift up supportive teammates, but there are also examples of bullying and prejudice encountered in sports. Interspersed with personal essays are brief biographies of successful LGBTQ+ athletes like tennis player Billie Jean King, WNBA players (and married couple) Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, and Olympic gold medalist rugby player and trans activist Ellia Green. The sports are varied: sled dog racing, water fitness, longboarding, and sailing, among others, and each athlete’s experience is equally unique. Introductory material includes a note on pronouns and the history of Title IX, and in the back you’ll find profiles and photos of all the contributors, information on how to be a good teammate and ally, steps to take to form a Queer Athletics Alliance or Gender and Sexuality Alliance at your school, and source notes.

I loved this positive presentation of sports, an area that has been particularly fraught for LGBTQ+ participants, especially trans athletes. The writers are honest about their experiences, and the way gender divisions in sports often made them feel uncomfortable. Each essay could stand on its own as a powerful argument for inclusion in sports, but taken all together that argument becomes all the more compelling.

Making a difference

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World by James Howe, illustrated by Jack Wong (Harry N. Abrams, 48 pages, grades 1-5). Growing up in Paris and New York City, Yo-Yo Ma showed his musical gifts early, playing cello from the age of 4, performing for President John Kennedy at 7, and debuting at Carnegie Hall at 15. But Yo-Yo wanted more than just the life of a musical prodigy. As a teen, he started questioning who he was, aside from being an obedient son and a cellist. He studied anthropology at Harvard and learned about music as a universal language. As an adult, Yo-Yo has used his music to bridge the gaps of culture, language, and generations. He continues to develop his musical gifts and to share them with people of all ages from all over the world. Includes a timeline, notes from the author and illustrator, and lists of additional resources.

I love how this book shows how Yo-Yo Ma, an incredibly talented and hard-working musician from an early age, has never rested on his laurels, but has used music in innovative ways to have positive impacts on the world. Through his appearances on Mr. Rogers, Arthur, and Sesame Street, his creation of Silkroad Project to bring together musicians from around the world, and his performances of “Songs of Comfort and Hope” during the pandemic, Yo-Yo shows us all how to use our unique talents in creative and powerful ways.

The Friendship Train: A Story of Helping and Healing After World War II by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Boris Kulikov (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 48 pages, grades 2-5). In the fall of 1947, Europeans were facing a winter of hunger due to postwar devastation. Journalist Drew Pearson had the idea of creating a Friendship Train that would start in California and travel to the east coast, stopping along the way to pick up donations of food from across the U.S. While Mr. Pearson initially worried that there wouldn’t be enough donations to fill a boxcar, the final collection was enough for 500 boxcars. The food was transferred onto ships which sailed for Europe in December of 1947 and brought welcome relief to Europeans. The French people reciprocated with a Merci Train, collecting and shipping gifts in 1949 that were distributed all around the US. Includes a two-page author’s note with additional information about the Friendship Train and ways readers can address the problem of hunger today, as well as a list of sources and a bibliography.

This well-researched book tells a heartwarming story of Americans rising to the occasion to help Europeans get through the winter before the Marshall Plan was implemented. It would make a great read-aloud for Thanksgiving or the December holidays. My curiosity led me to read more about Drew Pearson, who sounds like a remarkable person deserving of his own biography. I also learned that his wife Luvie was equally involved in the project, although she’s not mentioned in this story. And if you want to find out about what happened to the Merci Train donations to your state, you can learn about it here.

Women environmentalists

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Women Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull (Millbrook Press, 40 pages, grades 2-5). The Black Mambas are the first women park rangers in South Africa and the first women-led anti poaching unit in the world. They tell their story, explaining how they first got interested in protecting animals and describing some of the resistance they experienced from friends and family members who weren’t sure women could do this job traditionally held by men. They named themselves after the most feared snake in South Africa. Now they work out, train to survive in the wilderness, and patrol the reserve day and night, looking for signs of poachers and making arrests if they catch them. Their reserve, the Olifants West Nature Reserve, has become one of the most difficult reserves to poach animals, and the Black Mambas’ work has been recognized around the world. Includes more information about some of the animals on the reserve, the NATO Phonetic Alphabet that the rangers use, an author’s note, and a list of additional resources.

I loved this book, and I think a lot of kids will, too. Not only does it feature a lot of animals, but the Black Mambas are inspiring in their dedication, hard work, and success. The photos really capture the reserve the the women at work. I enjoyed the activities in a couple sidebars, like matching animal tracks and reading a map, which will keep kids engaged.

Marjory’s River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the Everglades by Josie James (Christy Ottaviano Books, 40 pages, grades 2-5). Marjory Stoneman Douglas moved to Florida soon after her graduation from Wellesley College, moving in with her journalist father whom she hadn’t seen since she was six. She joined him on the Miami Herald, starting as a society editor, but soon writing pieces about the Florida Everglades, a mysterious but beautiful ecosystem that her father had introduced her to. As real estate developers rushed to drain and reclaim the land, Marjory and other activists lobbied to make the Everglades a national park, protecting this wild area that provides the majority of southern Florida’s water. The publication of her book The Everglades: A River of Grass helped spread the word about this cause, and in 1947, Everglades National Park was officially dedicated. Despite this conservation effort, developers still sought to build in the Everglades, and Marjory was involved in a successful campaign to stop airport construction there in the 1970’s. Her activism and love for the Everglades continued until her death in 1998 at the age of 108. Includes an author’s note and photo of Marjory, additional information about the importance of clean water, a bibliography, and source notes.

This inspiring biography is an excellent starting point for learning about the life of this dedicated journalist and environmental activist. I appreciate the limitations of a picture book in telling the story of a woman who lived for more than a century, but I was sorry there wasn’t any information about Marjory’s childhood or marriage (both of which sounded pretty traumatic when I looked her up on Wikipedia). The bibliography will help those who want to more about Marjory’s life.

Lady of the Lines: How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the Desert by Michaela MacColl, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri (Astra Young Readers, 48 pages, grades 2-5). Born in 1903 in Germany, Maria Reiche moved to Peru to be a nanny, but quickly became fascinated by the ancient Incan culture. When American anthropologist Paul Kosok showed her aerial photos of mysterious lines in the Nazca Desert, Maria was hired to investigate them. The Lines became her obsession, and Maria spent the rest of her life exploring and preserving them. She began by buying as many brooms as she could find to sweep away the dust that obscured them. Eventually, she realized that the Lines made shapes of enormous animals: a spider, a monkey, birds, and more. As she learned more about these ancient designs, Maria became an activist for their preservation, fighting off attempts to irrigate the the desert, then dealing with the tourists who came as a result of her publicity campaign. One thing Maria did not succeed at was figuring out the meaning of the designs in the desert, but she claimed to enjoy the mystery. “If everything were clear,” she said, “I would lose interest.” Includes additional information about the Nazca people, the Lines, and Maria, as well as a timeline and lists of additional resources.

Kids are sure to be fascinated by the Nazca Lines, which are now visible to everyone through Google Earth. Maria Reiche is almost as much of a mystery as the Lines are, completely dedicating her life to their study and preservation, to the exclusion, it would seem, of pretty much all else. She definitely is someone who lived life on her own terms and clearly did exactly what she wanted to do.

Disabilities

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea (Penguin Workshop, 304 pages, grades 6 and up). James Robinson was born with strabismus, or misaligned eyes. He shares with readers how this affected him in school, both his struggles with reading and the reactions of others, whom he addresses as “Starers.” He grew up to be a documentary filmmaker, and the book is based on a short film he created for the New York Times to help people understand how he perceives the world. The book has some visuals and activities from the film, giving kids an opportunity to get some idea of how James sees things. The last part is more of a memoir, telling how his mom creatively homeschooled him and his older brother who had dyslexia, helping them to pursue their passions and succeed. Includes a list of citations.

Readers will learn a lot about what it takes to succeed when you have a disability, and James (and his mom, who sounds amazing) offer inspiring lessons about persevering when it feels like there is little or no progress. The illustrations are very cool and an excellent aid in understanding James’s condition. The book felt a little disjointed, with the last part feeling quite different than the rest of the story.

We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussing, illustrated by Kirbi Fagan (Carolrhoda Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). This celebration of people with disabilities portrays a diverse group of kids and adults with all kinds of disabilities. Whether they’re in a wheelchair, walking with a white cane or a guide dog, or getting some sort of medical treatment, they are shown dancing, playing, making art and music, and always surrounded by others, sharing a sense of belonging. They are celebrated for adapting and overcoming difficulties and accepting help without thinking of themselves as a burden. All of this can be exhausting, and resting and taking care of yourself are also encouraged. A two-page spread near the end portrays several inspiring disability activists, with information about each in the back matter. There are also notes from the author and illustrator, who both drew on their experiences growing up with disabilities to create this book.

I was glad to find this book just as I was finishing up Whale Eyes, and it seemed like it would have been super helpful to James Robinson after hearing of his struggles with the label “disability” to describe his vision. This beautiful poem will inspire and reassure kids with disabilities, as well as their peers, but I think they will be especially drawn to the illustrations that portray so many different types of people living life joyfully and in community. The notes at the end about the author’s and illustrator’s experiences add an extra dimension.

Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet (Catty Corner, book 1) by Julie Murphy (Union Square Kids, 128 pages, grades 1-4). Like her mother, Catty is half-cat, half-human (Dad’s just a regular person), and she’s been homeschooled all her life, never having to worry about containing her feline instincts. But when her mom gets a job, it’s time for Catty to try school. She’s nervous, but also excited about the possibility of making new friends. Her first day is something of a disaster, in which she shreds a map when her teacher uses a laser pointer and bites a potential new friend when someone steps on her tail. Back home, Mom shares her mother’s and her own childhood diaries, which show some of the cat-astrophes they experienced. Catty’s able to return to school the next day with new confidence and learns that she can fix her mistakes and contribute with her own unique talents. Book 2 was published simultaneously.

This may seem like a strange choice for this post–and honestly, it’s one of the more bizarre premises for a book series that I’ve come across–but I was struck when reading it how Catty is different from her classmates in ways that are similar to kids with disabilities. She faces stares and mean teasing and has to work extra hard to fit in with a body that’s different from her classmates’. It could make an excellent starting point for some interesting discussions with primary elementary kids.

Hook, line, and sinker

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger by Patricia Newman, illustrated by Becca Hall (Millbrook Press, 40 pages, grades 1-5). Although Cristina Zenato grew up in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), she and her family were Italian and returned to Italy every summer. There, Cristina grew to love swimming in the sea and was especially fascinated by sharks. She longed to learn how to scuba dive, and she finally got her chance after college on a trip to the Bahamas. Cristina decided to move there and spent hours in the water, getting to know the world underwater. Clad in a chain suit, with mackerel treats, she soon earned the trust of many of the sharks. She learned that sharks often get fishing hooks stuck in their bodies, and soon she was removing them from sharks’ gills, fins, tails, and even their throats. At first, she threw the hooks away, but eventually she collected them to use as an educational tool for humans to learn about their dangers to sharks. Includes additional information about sharks and Cristina Zenato, including a note from Cristina with a photo, and a list of books about sharks.

A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jamie Green (Roaring Brook Press, 40 pages, grades 2-5). Ruth Asawa first became aware of lines when she drew them in the dirt on her family’s farm in California. The middle of seven children, she had plenty of chores to do on the farm, but she still found time to create art, whether it was practicing calligraphy at Japanese school on Saturdays, making bracelets from discarded wire, or painting a prize-winning poster of the Statue of Liberty. When World War II broke out, an invisible line divided the Japanese and American parts of Ruth’s life. Her father was taken away, and the rest of the family was sent to a camp. Ruth practiced her art there, getting lessons from professional artists who had worked for Disney, and eventually was able to leave camp to go to college. Even after she got married and had six children of her own, she continued to create art, first making wire sculptures with thousands of intersecting lines and later getting commissions to sculpt fountains and a memorial for families imprisoned during World War II. Includes a lengthy author’s note with additional information, a couple of photos of Ruth with her art, and a bibliography.

Both Cristina and Ruth followed their unique dreams, despite the obstacles, and although both have had success in their chosen fields, it’s obvious that their joy in life came from following their passions rather than the external rewards. I was happy to read about a Ruth Asawa retrospective opening at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on the very same day that I read this book.

Life during wartime

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman (Viking Books for Young Readers, 288 pages, grades 4-7). Marta and her papa are traveling aboard the Lusitania, trying to get back to Germany with falsified documents. Just as her father’s true identity is discovered, the Lusitania is torpedoed, and the two must fight for their lives. Although they both survive, Papa is arrested immediately upon their arrival in England, while Marta manages to slip away. Hiding in a barn, she’s befriended by an Irish girl named Claire, whose family is poor but manages to find food and shelter for Marta. Marta’s talent for acting and imitating accents comes in handy to conceal her German identity and impersonate a Dutch girl. The two girls work together in a chocolate factory, and Marta saves her earnings for a train ticket to Amsterdam, where she hopes she can book passage back to Berlin. Despite having been taught to hate the British, Marta can’t help but respond to Claire’s friendship and the loving kindness of her family. When Marta’s true identity is discovered by a factory employee, Claire is horrified at first, but eventually she too realizes that their friendship is real and helps Marta escape. The last pages see Marta getting ready to travel to Amsterdam, worried but hopeful that her family will be reunited at last in Germany.

Readers will be drawn into this book right away with the tragic sinking of the Lusitania in the early chapters, followed by Marta’s struggle to survive and find her way home. I was hoping for a bit more resolution to her story, as well as finding out what happened to her father, but it’s a realistic ending given the time and place. The reflections on humanity and who is an enemy occasionally felt a little didactic but could definitely engender some interesting discussions.

Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, The Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom by Karen Blumenthal and Jen McCartney, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley (Roaring Brook Press, 40 pages, grades 2-5). Mary Katharine Goddard didn’t get to go to school like her younger brother William did, but her mother taught her reading and math at home. When William decided to pursue bigger ambitions, Mary and her mother took over his print shop. After her mother died, Mary took charge, running a successful business until her brother asked her to move to Baltimore to help him with another shop. Once again, he left to pursue other interests, and Mary took over. As news of a revolution made its way through the colonies, Mary engaged in the risky business of publishing news and opinions about independence. After the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Continental Congress moved from Philadelphia to Baltimore, where they made the bold decision to send a copy of the document to each of the thirteen colonies. Mary was chosen as the printer, and she included her name on the declaration, using her full name, Mary Katharine Goddard instead of her usual M. K. Goddard signature. Includes additional information about Mary Katharine Goddard, the Declaration of Independence, and printing and publishing in colonial times; also a bibliography and an author’s note from Jen McCartney that tells how she completed this book after her mother (Karen Blumenthal) died in 2020.

This engaging story of a courageous woman deserves a place in any study of the American Revolution. The text and illustrations are lively, with action words like crank, whoosh, pound, and revolution woven into the pictures. The author’s note about completing the book after her mother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 61 adds a poignant note to the story of a woman who was inspired by her own strong mother.

Mathemagical

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’t by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chris Hu (Charlesbridge, 40 pages, grades 3 and up). It’s hard to imagine a world without zero, but for much of human history, calculations were made without it. This book begins with a look at some of the earliest people to use the concept that came to be zero: Babylonians, Mayans, and Indians. Zero came to be accepted in the Arabic world, and European traders to that area brought the idea back to Europe, where it was met with…derision and scorn. While some mathematicians enthusiastically embraced zero, other Europeans mistrusted something that came from a different part of the world and continued to use Roman numerals. The invention of the printing press helped spread the word about zero, and when it was finally universally accepted, it opened the door up up to the complex ideas of modern calculus and physics. Includes additional information about zero and some of the other words we use for the concept, a map of places mentioned in the book, a bibliography, a list of math books for younger readers, a “blurry” timeline of zero, and some notes about the art.

This is a fascinating story of something most of us don’t think about, but which has been a key to scientific and technological advancement. The history of its evolution shows the dangers of not being open to the contributions of other cultures. There’s a lot of information and a huge span of history covered, making me wonder exactly what ages to recommend it for. I can see some older elementary students finding it interesting, but I think it could also be used in middle school or high school STEM classes.

The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by Anna Bron (Candlewick, 40 pages, grades 2-5). As a child, Marjorie Rice was fascinated by shapes and arts. She learned to read at an early age, starting second grade at the age of five. Despite her interests and intelligence, her parents encouraged her to pursue a career as a secretary, and she didn’t go to college. Marjorie married and had five children. As they grew up, she started reading her son’s Scientific American and particularly enjoyed Martin Gardner’s “Mathematical Games” column. She was intrigued by one column about the problem of finding pentagons that could be tessellated infinitely without gaps. Gardner stated that all such pentagons had been discovered, but a month later, a reader discovered a new one. This inspired Marjorie to look for new ones on her own, and she eventually found four more. In 1995, she was recognized at a Mathematical Association of America meeting with a standing ovation, a true amateur who was motivated solely by her own interests and passion for shapes and art. Includes an author’s note about her personal connections to Marjorie Rice; additional information about the problem Marjorie worked on; information on how to discover a shape; a bibliography; and a couple of photos.

This engaging biography is an inspiration to follow your passions, no matter where you are in life. The storytelling is lively, and I particularly enjoyed the illustrations that do a great job of bringing Marjorie’s work to life. I struggled a little to understand exactly what she was working on, and like the previous book, this is one that may be enjoyed more by older readers with more of a mathematical background.

Feminism, past and present

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Tear This Down by Barbara Dee (Aladdin, 304 pages, grades 4-7). Freya has always liked asking lots of questions and having strong opinions, but as she’s gotten older, she’s learned to stay quiet rather than risk being made fun of. A school project leads her to the discovery that town founder Benjamin Wellstone, an outspoken abolitionist, opposed giving women the vote. Teaming up with new friend Callie, Freya embarks on a series of actions to tear down Wellstone’s statue and replace it with one of a local suffragist Octavia Padgett. After the girls sneak out of the house for some late-night statue vandalism before a big town festival, they are both grounded and forced to reconsider their tactics. Freya’s activist grandmother helps her to see that there’s room for both Benjamin and Octavia in town and leads her to come up with an idea of creating a quilt celebrating the suffragists that unites people rather than tearing them apart.

A good choice for Women’s History Month, the latest by Barbara Dee portrays an idealistic, outspoken protagonist who sometimes feels like her strong opinions need to be silenced. I always enjoy Dee’s books that tackle difficult issues with a light touch. Thanks to Aladdin Books for providing me with a free copy.

One Girl’s Vote: How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (Calkins Creek, 40 pages, grades 2-5). From an early age, Lucy Stone felt the unfairness of the ways she and other girls were treated as inferior to boys. Her teacher called on the boys before Lucy, even though Lucy’s hand was raised first, and her father dictated family policy, including the decision that Lucy would not attend college like her brothers. Lucy was determined, though, and earned enough money to pay her tuition at Oberlin College, the first American college to accept women. But even at Oberlin, there was inequality, and Lucy fought back, organizing a secret women’s debate society and striking for equal wages to men’s for her campus jobs. After graduation, she was hired by William Lloyd Garrison to work for the New England Anti-Slavery Society. She soon became well-known as a passionate speaker, and her work evolved to include women’s rights. The work and travel was exhausting, but Lucy Stone’s voice helped pass the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, and paved the way for women to get full voting rights 27 years after her death. Includes a timeline for Lucy Stone and the fight for women’s rights and equality for all, a couple photos, fun facts, and a bibliography.

In my experience, Lucy Stone is lesser known than fellow suffragists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, so I’m happy to see this delightful picture book that emphasizes Lucy’s early days but gives a nod to her tireless work for abolition and women’s rights. The timeline offers quite a few milestones in women’s history. I did not know that Lucy Stone was married to Elizabeth Blackwell’s brother, and that women who kept their maiden names, as Lucy did, were sometimes called Lucy Stoners.

Black History for younger kids

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Greatness by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt (Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, ages 4-8). When Nasir and Imani visit Grandma, she pulls out a special photo album handed down to her from her mother. Inside are photos of great people from Black history. The kids get out dress-up clothes and pretend to be Bessie Coleman, a Tuskegee Airmen, and business people from Black Wall Street. Then some magic happens, and they are pulled into the album, where they become the famous people in the photos, like Katherine Johnson, Barack Obama, Colin Kaepernick, and Ruby Bridges. For Grandma, though, nothing compares to the greatness she saw in the two babies pictured at the end–and after spending so much time imagining themselves among greatness, Imani and Nasir feel like nothing is impossible. Includes some photos and additional information about all the people from the photo album.

Every year, I gather books for our big Black History read-aloud, where community members come to our school and read to all the classes. It can be challenging to find books for the younger grades, and this one would make a great introduction to a wide variety of historical figures, encouraging kids to think about their own dreams. The photos of the kids dressed up are fun and inspiring, although I wish there had been photographs of all the famous people at the end.

Sharing the Dream by Shelia P. Moses, illustrated by Keith Mallett (Nancy Paulsen Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Agnes is excited to be on a bus with her parents, traveling from Birmingham, Alabama to Washington, D.C. in August, 1963 to attend the March on Washington. There’s a stop at Frederick Douglass’s house, where Agnes is amazed to see Black and white people drinking from the same water fountain. Then it’s on to the March, where Agnes sits on Daddy’s shoulders to hear John Lewis and Josephine Baker speak, and Mahalia Jackson sing. Finally, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. steps up to the podium. “Tell ’em about the dream,” Agnes hears Mahalia Jackson say, and Dr. King delivers his now-famous words about his dream. Afterwards, Agnes sees Black and white people sitting side by side, soaking their tired feet in the reflecting pool, before she and her parents get back on the bus heading home to Birmingham. Includes an author’s note and thumbnail profiles of six people at the March who are mentioned in the story.

I’m so happy to see this book describing the 1963 March on Washington from a young child’s perspective. Agnes is probably about six years old, telling about events in a way that primary students will understand. There’s plenty of information packed into her story, though, with an introduction to such celebrities of the time as Lena Horne, Sidney Poitier, and Jackie Robinson. The straightforward story and illustrations make this a perfect introduction to this important event from Black history.

Poetry to celebrate Black History

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Girls on the Rise by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loveis Wise (Viking Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 5-9). “We are girls on the rise./Today, everyone’s eyes/Are on us as we make waves/Pave the way, and save the day. Today, we finally have a say.” With simple rhymes and lush illustrations, this book celebrates girls of all types, encouraging them to support and empower each other through difficult times. Girls are celebrated for being strong and brave enough to right wrongs in the world. “Because when one girl is on the rise,/It means everyone else is, too.”

Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem: Dressmaker and Poet Myra Viola Wilds by Nancy Johnson James, illustrated by Diana Ejaita (Harry N. Abrams, 32 pages, ages 5-8). This book-length poem encourages readers to dream, citing the dreams of Myra Viola Wilds, a Black woman who grew up in Kentucky before moving to the city to get an education. She became an accomplished dressmaker until the close work damaged her eyes. Myra didn’t give up on her creative dreams, though, turning from sewing to poetry and publishing a book of her poems in 1915. The back matter includes additional biographical information and a photo, and the book begins and ends with two of Myra’s poems.

Both of these poetry books celebrate following dreams and lifting each other up. Amanda Gorman’s work speaks to these themes in general terms, while Nancy Johnson James offers a story of a woman who succeeded despite multiple hardships and was supported by the Black community that helped publish her work.

Both of these books would be excellent for celebrating Black History Month; if you’re looking for more resources, I have recently updated my Black History book list.