Title

Author

Synopsis

Circle of Gold

Candy D. Boyd

1984  This endearing novel reveals how the loss of a little girl’s father has left the close-knit, happy family dazed and divided.  Mother’s Day is 

approaching, and Mattie desperately 

wants to give her mother the perfect gift in hope of reuniting their family.

The Meanest Thing to Say

Bill Cosby

1997.  The serious social issue of bullying is addressed in this picture book.  The story promotes peace education and features children as problem solvers.

Bigmama's

Donald Crews

1991.  This picture book details rich traditions and festivities enjoyed by three generations of a family during summer visits to the grandmother's house in the country.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

Christopher Paul Curtis

1995.  This novel is a captivating account of exciting events, revelations, and harrowing encounters in an engrossing story about a Michigan family's visit to the South.  (funny!)

Bud- Not Buddy

Publisher:  Delacorte

1999.  Ten-year-old Bud flees from a horrendous foster home with the unyielding determination to find the man he believes is his father, the famous bandleader Herman E. Calloway.

The Patchwork Quilt

Valerie Flournoy

1985.  Three generations of love and keepsakes are laced into each patch of a quilt made by a little girl, her mother, and her grandmother.              

A Kente Cloth for Kenya

Juwanda G. Ford

1996.  A little girl learns from her grandmother about the history of the kente cloth and displays her knowledge about her ethnic heritage during a special school activity.

Grandpa's Face

Eloise Greenfield

1988.  A little girl becomes upset when she sees her grandfather, an actor, portraying an angry role.  Potentially negative feelings are released in a soothing, amiable manner that youngsters can relate to.

Amazing Grace

Mary Hoffman

1991.  Adversity in reference to ethnicity and gender are rejected with style and grace by a little girl who accomplishes her goal of being Peter Pan in the school play.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

Deborah Hopkinson

1993.  The essence of bravery and ingenuity are demonstrated by a little girl who weaves a map that helps guide slaves t the Underground Railroad and subsequent freedom.

Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later).  

Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

1991.  Brilliant illustrations accentuate this picture book about two sisters and the magical Sunday visits shared with their Great-Great Aunt Flossie.

I Have a Dream

Martin Luther King, Jr.

1997.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  soulfully expresses his dreams for a world where all people live in peace in his famous speech, which is beautifully illustrated in this picture book.

Sidewalk Story

Sharon Bell Mathis

The neighbors are sympathetic but passive when Lily Etta's best friend, Tanya, and her family are evicted from their apartment.  Lily Etta is determined to find a way to make the men move the furniture back and let Tanya's family stay.

Uncle Jed's Barbershop

Margaree King Mitchell

1993.  A young woman looks back over the years and marvels at her uncle's persistence in striving to achieve his dream- opening his own barbershop-despite severe setbacks.

If a Bus Could Talk:  The Story of Rosa Parks

Faith Ringgold

1999.  A talking bus tells the story of Rosa Parks, thoroughly explaining the significance of her historic act of courage-remaining seated on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

Irene and the Big Fine Nickel

Irene Small

1991.  Reflections of African American's Heritage and the Harlem Renaissance are heralded in this book that depicts the sheer happiness experienced by a little girl and her best friends when they make a wonderful discovery.

Mimi's Tutu

Tynia Thomassie

1996.  Vibrant illustrations in this picture book spotlight a little girl who celebrates  her individuality, self-confidence, and ethnic heritage when she dances with her friends.

Cornrows

Camille Yarbrough

1979.  This book highlights African traditions and symbols, such as the cornrows hairstyle, as they are passed down to a little girl and her brother by their mother and great-grandmother.