Published by HarperCollins

Summary:  The story begins with the author recounting how her family loved watching the original Star Trek, particularly because of Lieutenant Uhuru, acted by Nichelle Nichols, a Black woman who played the communications officer on the Enterprise.  The narrative then goes back to Nichelle’s childhood where she was encouraged by her parents to do whatever she wanted.  She loved performing, first as a ballet dancer and later as a singer and actress.  This gave her confidence when she got the part on Star Trek, but that confidence began to wane when she experienced racism on the show.  She told Gene Rodenberry that she was quitting, but changed her mind when she met a fan–Martin Luther King, Jr. who told her Star Trek was the only show he and his wife let the kids stay up late to watch.  He convinced her to stay on the show and serve as a role model to Black children.  Includes information on Nichelle’s role with NASA helping to recruit a more diverse workforce, including Mae Jemison and Guion Bluford; also an author’s note.  40 pages; grades 1-5.

Pros:  I’m excited to read this book to several of my classes beginning today.  The subject matter, the engaging writing style, and the colorful illustrations make it an excellent choice for sharing Black history…and the cameo by MLK was a fun surprise!

Cons:  No additional resources listed.

Published by HarperCollins

Summary:  The author of Unsettled tells the story of her grandmother, Milloo, who grew up in India in the early 20th century.  Milloo loved school, but her parents told her at the end of fifth grade that she was done with education.  Milloo launched a campaign all summer long and finally got her parents’ permission to enter sixth grade.  She went on to finish high school and college at the top of her class, then became a teacher herself.  After getting married, she tried staying at home as her husband wanted, but found that cooking and sewing were not her thing.  She started a girls’ school in her home, and when classes outgrew that space, she founded a series of schools.  The author’s note tells that the Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan are still thriving.  40 pages; grades K-4.

Pros:  Both the text and the collage illustrations exude a bright energy that reflects Milloo’s enthusiasm and passion for education.  File this away to read for Women’s History Month next month.

Cons:  I was a bit confused by Milloo being referred to as Maryam in the subtitle, which was not explained until the author’s note (Milloo was her father’s nickname for her, and she’s referred to by that name throughout the story).

Published by Orchard Books

Summary:  Zelda Jackson was an artist, poet, and storyteller who dreamed of working for the Black newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier.  She got her break writing a story about boxing that was published using her childhood nickname, Jackie.  Once she was an established columnist, she tried her hand at art, creating a comic strip character named Torchy Brown, a young woman who moved from her home in Mississippi to New York City.  After marriage and a move to Chicago, Jackie worked for the Chicago Defender, creating a new comic called Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger, which she used to comment on civil rights and other issues important to Black people.  Jackie became a community activist, using the money she made from her comics to fund causes she believed in, and drawing the attention of the FBI, who spied on her for a decade.  After retiring Patty-Jo, Jackie gave up comics, pursuing other forms of art until her death in 1985.  Includes notes from the author and artist, photos, and a bibliography.  48 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros:  This fascinating biography with striking comic-style artwork will inspire graphic novel fans who may want to try creating comics of their own and shows them how comics can be used for both fun and communicating a more serious message.

Cons:  I wish there had been a bit more information on Jackie’s post-comics art career.

Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, this book traces the story of Mae Reeves, a Black woman who left Georgia in the 1930’s to become a milliner.  She eventually opened her own shop in Philadelphia, creating hats for celebrities like Marian Anderson, Lena Horne, and Ella Fitzgerald.  She kept her business going while raising three children and being active in her community, helping other Black businesses.  Mae lived to be 104, long enough to see artifacts from her shop included in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.  Includes interviews with Mae’s daughter Donna and with Dr. Reneé Anderson, Head of Collections at NMAAHC, as well as information about the museum and a list of sources.  48 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros:  A fascinating biography of a woman who never became famous but who lived a full life, following her own dreams and helping others.  Readers will be inspired to head to Washington, D.C. to see Mae’s hats in the museum.

Cons:  It’s a long picture book for reading aloud.