Picture Books That Bring Black Heroes To Life - Jane Addams Peace Association

PICTURE BOOKS THAT BRING BLACK HEROES TO LIFE

James E. Ransome’s THE BELL RANG beautifully captures several days in the life of an enslaved girl living with her family on a plantation. Plantation life is seen through the innocent yet fiercely observant eyes of the young, nameless narrator. Each day begins with the ringing of a bell…

LET ’ER BUCK! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion, written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (“Bad News for Outlaws”) and illustrated by the Newbery Honor winner Gordon C. James (“Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut”), tells the story of the black cowboy George Fletcher, whose journey began when his family set out on the Oregon Trail from their Kansas town.

A PIONEERING BLACK RODEO COWBOY ENTERS THE PAGES OF HISTORY

“Part of my goal is not only in sharing a good story but also showing important accomplishments of African-Americans. Regarding George Fletcher, he changed the views of a lot of people about African-Americans just by displaying his talent and determination. … His story was inspiring.”

UCSB DEPARTMENT OF THEATER AND DANCE PRESENTS ‘THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM 1963

Based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis and adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 is a story of family, love, and perseverance. The play centers on a buoyant, loving Michigan family of five traveling south to Alabama during the turbulent summer of 1963, a time of racially motivated upheaval and civil unrest.

THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES

“What’s unique about this adaptation is that it tells the story from Kenny’s point of view after the events in Alabama,” said Brainin, who also will direct the Seattle production. “He is experiencing a kind of PTSD of having lived through something and a lot of what matters to Cheryl West in this is, ‘How do our children recover from any kind of traumatic event?’

LITERATURE STARS AND FAMOUS TEXANS TOP SAN ANTONIO BOOK FESTIVAL 2019 LINEUP

As a genre, young adult lit has never been bigger, and the YA authors slated to appear this year include Meg Medina, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Yuyi Morales.

PITTSBURGH AUTHOR WRITES STORIES LEFT OUT OF HISTORY BOOKS

Pittsburgh author Jonah Winter wants to make the founding fathers, the Voting Rights Act, and the Supreme Court accessible to kids.

Q&A WITH AUTHOR JONAH WINTER

Jonah Winter grew up in a Texas home filled with art. His parents were artists and it wasn’t unusual to have their peers, such as Claes Oldenburg or Andy Warhol, visit the family home. With experiences like that, it’s no wonder that Winter grew up to become an award-winning children’s writer.

WHEN SOCIAL MEDIA GOES AFTER YOUR BOOK, WHAT’S THE RIGHT RESPONSE?

‘Two years ago, a children’s book I wrote about the making of the atom bomb was criticized on social media. I was accused of erasing and misrepresenting Native Americans, a crime I did not commit but of which I was nonetheless found guilty in the online court in which I was charged and sentenced…. I chose to remain silent, a course of action I regret.“— Jonah Winter

ARTIST KADIR NELSON VISITS WILMINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

“If there’s someone out there that wants to be an artist, it’s great to hear how someone became an artist. What their story was and the steps that they took,” said Nelson.