#Race

Counting Coup

Author: Joseph Medicine Crow Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Picture a Crow Indian elder, his wizened eyes catching yours in the ancient flicker of firelight. His mesmerizing stories span the ages, from Custer to World War II to the 21st Century. He is the last traditional chief of his people. He is over 90 years old. Now picture that same man lecturing at colleges nationwide, and addressing the United Nations on the subject of peace. National Geographic presents the amazing life story of Joseph Medicine Crow, the man who begins life as Winter Man. Trained as a warrior by his grandfather, Yellowtail, he bathes in icy rivers and endures the ceremony of "counting coup"-facing fierce combat with an enemy Sioux boy. An operation at the local hospital brings the young Crow face-to-face with his worst fears: a Sioux, a ghost, and a white man. He excels at the white man's school and is raised in the Baptist faith. He translates the stories of the elder chiefs, becoming the link to the ancient traditions of the pre-reservation generation. His own dramatic and funny stories span both ages, and the ancient Crow legends are passed on in the storytelling tradition. Joseph Medicine Crow's doctorate degree was interrupted by the call to arms of World War II. On the battlefields of Germany he earned the ancient status of War Chief by completing the four war deeds required of the Crow warrior. In 1948 the Crow Tribal Council appointed Joseph Medicine Crow (now called High Bird) their Tribal Historian and Anthropologist. Counting Coup is a vibrant adventure narrative, bringing Native American history and culture alive for young readers. Joseph Medicine Crow's story illuminates the challenges faced by the Crow people as hurricanes of change raged through America. His epic story and its lessons are an essential legacy for us all. Read more

The Children's Book of Virtues

Author: William J. Bennett Genre: Anthology Illustrator: Michael Hague

The perfect companion to William J. Bennett's bestseller The Book of Virtues, The Children's Book of Virtues is the ideal storybook for parents and children to enjoy together. With selections from The Book of Virtues, from Aesop and Robert Frost to George Washington's life as well as Native American and African folklore, The Children's Book of Virtues brings together timeless stories and poems from around the world. The stories have been chosen especially for a young audience to help parents introduce to their children the essentials of good character: courage, perseverance, responsibility, work, self-discipline, compassion, faith, honesty, loyalty, and friendship. Lavishly illustrated by the well-known artist Michael Hague, these wonderful stories and the virtues they illustrate come to life on these pages. The Children's Book of Virtues is an enduring treasury of literature and art that will help lead young minds toward what is noble and gentle and fine. Read more

Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel)

Author: Sharee Miller Genre: Comics

NATIONAL BESTSELLER! New Kid meets The Baby-sitters Club in this graphic novel series opener about the Curlfriends, four inseparable Black girls who show us the meaning of true friendship—and being your true self. Charlie has a foolproof plan for the first day at her new middle school. Even though she's used to starting over as the new kid—thanks to her military family's constant moving—making friends has never been easy for her. But this time, her first impression needs to last, since this is where her family plans to settle for good. So she's hiding any interests that may seem “babyish,” updating her look, and doing her best to leave her shyness behind her...but is erasing the real Charlie the best way to make friends? When not everything goes exactly to plan, like, AT ALL, Charlie is ready to give up on making new friendships. Then she meets the Curlfriends, a group of Black girls who couldn't be more different from each other, and learns that maybe there is a place for Charlie to be her true self after all. In the Curlfriends series, follow four inseparable Black girls who each have a unique story, and each learn lessons about friendship, family, and being their true selves: Curlfriends: New in Town Curlfriends: Back in Business 2024 Golden Kite Award Winner • An NPR and New York Public Library Best Book of the Year “I want to be friends with them all.” —Vashti Harrison, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History Read more

The Civil War: A Visual Encyclopedia of the American Civil War (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

Author: DK Genre: History

Discover the people, battles, and politics of America's bloodiest conflict, and explore its causes, chapters, characters, and consequences With a topic on every page, Civil War Visual Encyclopedia tells the story of the war using simple explanations and stunning photographs. Profiles on decisive battles, strategic maps, political leaders, military commanders, naval vessels, uniforms, weapons, and equipment shine a light on the key events and other turning points during the five years of fighting. Inside the pages of this children’s civil war book, you’ll discover: • Full-page profiles about key figures and battles • Civil War-era photography and illustrations depicting important events and artifacts • Accurate historical information, faithful presentation of African American history in the context of the Civil War • Unusual and remarkable stories such as the Thanksgiving drummer boys and accounts of the war through personal letters Children will be excited to learn about famous figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee, battles such as Gettysburg, and gain insight into reasons for the war and the viewpoints of the opposing sides. This book also provides children with a fascinating history of how railways, the telegraph were used to fight the war and literature and music that this conflict produced. More lives were lost in the Civil War than in any other in American history. Filled with vivid insights into this historic conflict - from a day in the life of a plantation worker in the south to a personal diary entry of a Union soldier on the action-packed front lines - Civil War Visual Encyclopedia invites young readers to witness the war unfold in a striking new way. This is the ultimate guide for children to the war that changed the USA forever. Read more

Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison’s Little Ones, 1)

Author: Vashti Harrison Genre: History

This beautifully illustrated board book edition of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by #1 New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison showcases women who changed the world, and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Dream Big, Little One features eighteen trailblazing Black women in American history, including heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things—bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air, or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages took a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing. Read more

The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story (Picture Puffin Books)

Author: Joseph Vojtech Bruchac Genre: Anthology

From an award-winning Native American storyteller comes this captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be. Long ago, the first man and woman quarrelled. The woman left in anger, but the Sun sent tempting berries to Earth to slow the wife's retreat. Luminous paintings perfectly complement this simple, lyrical text. "Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely."-- Kirkus Reviews , pointer review Read more

Hero Two Doors Down

Author: Sharon Robinson Genre: Sports

Based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve.But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before.Then it happens -- Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero? Read more

The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend

Author: Sharon Robinson Genre: Sports

The bestselling novel based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. Then it happens--Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero? Read more

I Got This: New and Expanded Edition: To Gold and Beyond – A Latina Olympian's Journey for Young Readers (Ages 8-12)

Author: Laurie Hernandez Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and USA Today Bestseller! Now in an expanded paperback edition with Laurie’s training routine for the Summer 2020 Olympics, her life as cohost of American Ninja Warrior Junior , and more! Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast and Dancing with the Stars champion Laurie Hernandez shares her story in her own words in this debut for fans of all ages—featuring never-before-seen photos and brand-new content. At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez has already made many of her dreams come true—and yet it’s only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn in 2016 when she was chosen to be part of the US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. She then danced her way into everyone’s hearts while competing on—and winning!—the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars . Now Laurie is sharing the true story of her path to Olympic gold and where her phenomenal talents will take her next. From her loving family to her rigorous training, from her career-threatening injuries to her road to recovery, from her intense sacrifices to her amazing triumphs—Laurie pulls back the curtain on her own life and reveals exactly what it took to make her dreams come true. She will tell you what it’s like to be Laurie Hernandez; she will motivate you, inspire you, and make you believe. Read more

The Myths and Legends of the First Peoples of the Americas (Mythology and Legends Around the World)

Author: Joanne Randolph Genre: Mythology

Many First Peoples' creation stories center on the relationships between humans, animals, and our planet. This book demonstrates the range of indigenous peoples' beliefs while also illuminating these kinds of commonalities in the stories they tell. The book features vivid retellings of myths, legends, and folktales from a variety of First Peoples nations and includes fascinating information about the history of the indigenous peoples themselves. Read more

inspiring stories for black teen boys

Author: TimknBridge Stories Genre: Anthology

This collection of twenty captivating tales is more than just a book—it's a journey of discovery. Each story features a brave, creative, and relatable Black teen boy who faces a unique challenge and discovers his inner power. Inside, you'll find: Positive & Diverse Role Models: From a star-gazing astronomer and a time-traveling historian to a community-saving gardener, these characters will inspire your child to dream big. Crucial Life Lessons: Every story is carefully crafted to teach essential values like perseverance, kindness, courage, the power of imagination, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Engaging & Age-Appropriate Adventures: Written specifically for ages 8-12, these short stories are perfect for building reading habits, sparking conversations, and holding the attention of middle-grade readers. A Celebration of Identity & Potential: This book serves as a powerful mirror, allowing Black and African American boys to see themselves as the heroes, creators, and leaders they are destined to be. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, or as a gift that builds self-esteem, Inspiring Stories for Black Teen Boys is the character-building book every young reader needs. Give the gift of inspiration and self-confidence. Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to start the adventure today! Read more

The Story of Harriet Tubman: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

Author: Christine Platt Genre: History

Discover the life of Harriet Tubman―a story about about courage, bravery, and freedom for kids ages 6 to 9 Harriet Tubman became a celebrated leader in the fight to free people from slavery. Before that, she was a determined young girl who believed that everyone deserved to be free. Harriet Tubman bravely used the Underground Railroad―a network of secret routes and safe houses―to free herself and many other enslaved people. Explore how Harriet Tubman went from being enslaved on a plantation in Maryland to one of the most important figures in American history. Independent reading ―This Harriet Tubman biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own. Critical thinking ―Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Harriet's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more. A lasting legacy ―Find out how Harriet fought to make the world a better place in this African American history book for kids. How will her Harriet Tubman's courageous spirit inspire you? Discover activists, artists, and athletes, and more from all across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Ruby Bridges, and Barack Obama. Read more