Growing up in the 70's and 80's was challenging as a black girl. Being called the N-word and teased relentlessly because I was black or lanky or slow in my body developing, or just for no apparent reason at all, there were no exemplars or books where I could find someone who shared my experiences or spoke to my pain. Toady, that has to change and is changing and will continue to change. The unrest in the world demands that it changes. But in the mean time, I wanted to share some books that will help that change come about in a small, but important way. I am writing children's books and hope to add my voice to the one's I'm sharing with you today.
Who wouldn't love seeing faces like theirs within the pages of a picture book? So I am delighted to share children's books featuring kids of color, thanks to the increase in the number of diverse books published in recent years.I'll share a few of my favorites that I have in my home library, and I'll also share some links to other list of diverse books.
For Young Adults 45 BLACK YOUNG ADULT NOVELS TO ADD TO YOUR TBR
Some of my FAVS
The Undefeated Kwame Alexander AND Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
The inside cover sums it up beautifully:
This is for the
unforgettable,
The unafraid,
The undefeated.
This is a love letter to America. To black America. To the grit, passion, and perseverance of our greatest artist, athletes, and activists. To the dreamers. To the strength and bravery of everyday people caught in the web of history.
With references and lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.
Combined with the breathtaking illustrations by Kadir Nelson, these two men paint a rich, historical timeline of the black experience in America.
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