Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream For Me
By: Daniel Beaty
Illustrated By: Bryan Collier
“Papa, come home, ’cause I want to be just like you, but I’m forgetting who you are.”
This story is representative of the author’s actual lived experience, whose father got incarcerated when he was only 3 years old. Whether it is through incarceration, divorce, or even death… this book provides a positive outlook on what a parent can leave behind for their child, even in their absence. I was moved, and even cried after reading this book because it put so much into perspective for me, as I always try to see the good in every situation (glass is always half full over here). “Absent father” is usually followed by “troubled child,” but this book highlights the contrary and demonstrates a father’s ability to still have a positive impact on the life of his son; even when he is not physically there to guide him through it. When time, space, distance, or death becomes the bridge between you and a parent/guardian there are always little pieces of them that are left behind for you to learn from. A beautiful story of a life far too many of us are familiar with, but also a story that must be shared. LOVE this book from start to finish.
Bintou’s Braids
By: Sylviane A. Diouf
Illustrated By: Shane W. Evans
“She asks, Bintou, why are you crying?” I say, “I want to be pretty like you.” She says, “Little girls can’t have braids. Tomorrow I’ll cornrow your hair.” That’s all I ever get–cornrows.”
A tale from West Africa, Bintou wishes she could have braids in her hair just like her sister and other village women. Unfortunately, little girls cannot have braids, so she’s stuck getting cornrows or wearing those four little tufts on her head. Haha! This story made me chuckle a bit, because there was a time when all I ever wore was cornrows! And I don’t remember getting tired of them until about 7th-8th grade. By the time I got to high school I had joined the Creamy Crack Squad and got a perm (womp). I was so over crying out of frustration just to get my huge mane of coarse-fluffy hair into a neat pony. AND LOOK AT ME TODAY, completely natural… loving what the good Lord birthed me with (YAS). Bintou too, learns that she is beautiful just the way she is and that she can style her tufts in ways that make her unique. Children should never have to concern themselves with the notion that they need to grow up faster in ANY aspect of life –and no society, no trend, no person should ever make them believe otherwise.
Freedom In Congo Square
By: Carole Boston Weatherford and R. Gregory Christie
Caldecott Honor Book
“Slaves had off one afternoon, when the law allowed them to commune. They flocked to New Orleans’ Congo Square. Sundays, slaves and free met there.”
For starters, the illustrations in this book are compelling and profound. Congo Square was a place where hundreds of slaves in New Orleans would meet to dance, sing, play instruments, and socialize amongst each other. According to a law called the Code Noir, Sundays were holy days and this was the only day of the week slaves had off from work. For some, slavery has sadly become just a memory but Freedom In Congo Square provides children and adults with the education that is necessary to understand the foundation of #BlackCulture and how we continue to fight today. This book has lots of information, with both the Foreword and Author’s Note sections providing historical facts about the history of Congo Square. Fun Fact! Jazz was born out of Congo Square where the mixture of African, Caribbean, and European styles led to the development of new music. I have been to New Orleans, but not Congo Square, so that is definitely on my list of places to go to next time around! Still today, Sunday continues to serve as the day where people gather and play music etc. in Congo Square… Now THAT would be a sight to see!
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
By: Nikki Grimes
Illustrated By: Bryan Collier
“Barack heard God say, “Slow down.
Look around you.
Now look to me. There is enough hope here to last a lifetime.”
This book tells of the life of a man we know and love SO dearly, number 44 and the-best-to-ever-do-it, Mr. Barack Obama. It takes you through his journey from little boy, to the day he became America’s 44th President. With as many times as we’ve heard his story, it gets even greater, and really does something to you. At a young age Barack knew he wanted to live a life of service and advocacy, and he knew a quality education would get him there. Barack stood as the first example for every Black child, who now, can add “President” to their list of potential careers. I can still remember the day he got elected. I was a sophomore in high school… I cried tears of joy while my brother blasted Tupac Shakur’s “Changes” shouting loudly, “and although it seems heaven sent, we aint ready to see a black President,” but GOD. When he was re-elected I was a sophomore in college, and I ran across the campus quad screaming, “MY PRESIDENT IS BLAAACKKKK” Ah! haha, unforgettable. Barack’s story is grounded in hope, and he believed in the promise that one day he would impact the world. On November 4, 2008 and for 8 years more, yes he did. Yes he did.
Our People
By: Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrated By: Michael Bryant
“Daddy says our people have had a glorious past, but that I have a glorious future.”
A young girl is taken through African-American history, as her father tells her all about what our people have accomplished. From building pyramids, to creating inventions that we use every day, her father presents to her the many black hands that contributed to our advancement. The little girl wishes she could have taken part in every moment of #BlackExcellence from her people’s past, but her father ensures her that she can impact her people’s future. Everything about this book is beautiful. From the illustrations, to the history, to the fun-loving relationship that is demonstrated between a father and his daughter; this book serves as a reminder that a child will only know as much as we teach them. Education starts at home, and if we don’t do the job, that can open the door for other influences to begin infiltrating what they think they know. After reading this book, you will be left feeling proud of our people, and excited for YOUR future.
sweetSARendipity 