Celebrate African-American History Month with Award-Winning Children's Books from Chronicle Books
February is African-American History Month
Meet an unsung singer, a trash-collecting hero, a girl inspired by an Olympic champion, and a young couple who changed history in books for young readers that celebrate and honor the achievements of African Americans.
Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
By Laura Veirs - Illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
Ages 5 to 8
This lyrical, loving picture book from popular singer-songwriter Laura Veirs and debut illustrator Tatyana Fazlalizadeh tells the story of the determined, gifted, daring Elizabeth Cotten—one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time. Elizabeth Cotten was only a little girl when she picked up a guitar for the first time. It wasn't hers (it was her big brother's), and it wasn't strung right for her (she was left-handed). But she flipped that guitar upside down and backwards and taught herself how to play it anyway. By age eleven, she'd written "Freight Train," one of the most famous folk songs of the twentieth century. And by the end of her life, people everywhere—from the sunny beaches of California to the rolling hills of England—knew her music.
"The message of never giving up on a dream, no matter the circumstances, will resonate deeply with readers." --School Library Journal, starred review
Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans
By Phil Bildner - Illustrated by John Parra
Ages 5 to 8
This lyrical, loving picture book from popular singer-songwriter Laura Veirs and debut illustrator Tatyana Fazlalizadeh tells the story of the determined, gifted, daring Elizabeth Cotten—one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time. Elizabeth Cotten was only a little girl when she picked up a guitar for the first time. It wasn't hers (it was her big brother's), and it wasn't strung right for her (she was left-handed). But she flipped that guitar upside down and backwards and taught herself how to play it anyway. By age eleven, she'd written "Freight Train," one of the most famous folk songs of the twentieth century. And by the end of her life, people everywhere—from the sunny beaches of California to the rolling hills of England—knew her music.
⭐"Trumpets the power of one person's efforts in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds to inspire an entire community." --Shelf Awareness, starred review
The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
By Pat Zietlow Miller - Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Ages 5 to 8
It's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship.
"Gentle tribute to the legend of the pathbreaking African-American sprinter Wilma Rudolph." --The New York Times
Loving vs. Virginia : A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case
By Patricia Hruby Powell - Illustrated by Shadra Strickland
Ages 12 and up
From acclaimed author Patricia Hruby Powell comes the story of a landmark civil rights case, told in spare and gorgeous verse. In 1955, in Caroline County, Virginia, amidst segregation and prejudice, injustice and cruelty, two teenagers fell in love. Their life together broke the law, but their determination would change it. Richard and Mildred Loving were at the heart of a Supreme Court case that legalized marriage between races, and a story of the devoted couple who faced discrimination, fought it, and won.
"Tells a quiet yet powerful story." --The Chicago Tribune
And coming in May 2019,
We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders
Introduction by Harry Belafonte
Ages 8 to 12
Sixteen award-winning children's book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this stirring and beautiful book. Featuring an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others, this inspirational collection sets a powerful example for generations of young leaders to come. It includes illustrations by Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara, Christopher Silas Neal, John Parra, Brian Pinkney, Greg Pizzoli, Sean Qualls, Dan Santat, Shadra Strickland, Melissa Sweet, and Raúl the Third.