Heroes of Black History

Inspired by A True Story, St. Louis, Missouri: 1847

by Hopkinson, Deborah

Book - 2016

In 1847 St. Louis, Missouri, when a new law against educating African Americans forces Reverend John to close his school, he finds an ingenious solution to the new state law by moving his school to a steamboat in the Mississippi River. In 1847 St. Louis, Missouri, when a new law against educating African Americans forces Reverend John to close his school, he finds an ingenious solution to the new state law by moving his school to a steamboat in the Mississippi River. Show less

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Preaching to the Chickens

The Story of Young John Lewis

by Asim, Jabari

Book - 2016

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up, a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When Jo...Show more John wants to be a preacher when he grows up, a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm's flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. A a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. Show less

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As Fast as Words Could Fly

by Tuck, Pamela M.

Book - 2013

At 14, Mason Steele helps his father’s civil rights group write letters, and he is thrilled when they buy him a manual typewriter. Then the adult activist...Show more At 14, Mason Steele helps his father’s civil rights group write letters, and he is thrilled when they buy him a manual typewriter. Then the adult activists win the right to integrate high school, but Mason and his brothers face harassment on the school bus and in the classroom. As the fastest typist in his class, Mason is chosen to represent his school in a high-school typing tournament, and he wins, breaking all the records. Show less

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Tiny Stitches

The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas

by Hooks, Gwendolyn

Book - 2016

Vivien Thomas's greatest dream was to attend college to study medicine. Vivien got a job working at the Vanderbilt University medical school. He hoped wor...Show more Vivien Thomas's greatest dream was to attend college to study medicine. Vivien got a job working at the Vanderbilt University medical school. He hoped working there meant he was getting closer to his dream, as he knew the all-white school would never admit him. Despite persistent racial prejudice, Thomas devised a means to perform open-heart surgery on infants who were not getting enough oxygen, a procedure that would save the lives of many infants. Show less

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Our Children Can Soar

A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change

by Cook, Michelle

Book - 2009

Part historical, part poetry, and entirely inspirational, this unique picture book takes the reader through the cumulative story of the U.S. Civil Rights ...Show more Part historical, part poetry, and entirely inspirational, this unique picture book takes the reader through the cumulative story of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, expanding the popular slogan beyond Matin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama to include more key players in the struggle for equality. Show less

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Frederick's Journey

The Life of Frederick Douglass

by Rappaport, Doreen

Book - 2015

Frederick Douglass was born a slave. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered hunger and a...Show more Frederick Douglass was born a slave. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered hunger and abuse, but miraculously, he learned how to read. He believed that all people-regardless of color or gender-were entitled to equal rights. It is Douglass's words, as well as his life, that still provide hope and inspiration across generations. Show less

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Chasing Freedom

The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony : Inspired by Historical Facts

by Grimes, Nikki

Book - 2015

In this imaginative biographical story, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sit down over a cup of tea in 1904 to reminisce about their struggles and triumphs in the service of freedom and women's rights. In this imaginative biographical story, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sit down over a cup of tea in 1904 to reminisce about their struggles and triumphs in the service of freedom and women's rights. Show less

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Boycott Blues

How Rosa Parks Inspired A Nation

by Pinkney, Andrea Davis

Book - 2008

Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat on the bus. When she was arrested for it, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. Soon a community of th...Show more Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat on the bus. When she was arrested for it, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. Soon a community of thousands was coming together to help one another get where they needed to go. Some started taxis, some rode bikes, but they all walked and walked. With dogged feet. With dog-tired feet. With boycott feet. With boycott blues. And, after 382 days of walking, they walked Jim Crow right out of town. Show less

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The Book Itch

Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore

by Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

Book - 2015

Relates the story of the National Memorial African Bookstore, founded in Harlem by Louis Michaux in 1939, as seen from the perspective of Louis Michaux Jr., who met famous men like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X while helping there. Relates the story of the National Memorial African Bookstore, founded in Harlem by Louis Michaux in 1939, as seen from the perspective of Louis Michaux Jr., who met famous men like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X while helping there. Show less

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I Am Martin Luther King, Jr

by Meltzer, Brad

Book - 2016

Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to d...Show more Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America. Show less

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Gordon Parks

How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

Book - 2015

Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. But before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American loo...Show more Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. But before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American looking for work. When he bought a camera, his life changed forever. He taught himself how to take pictures and before long, people noticed. Show less

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Two Friends

Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass

by Robbins, Dean

Book - 2016

Some people had rights, while others had none. Why shouldn't they have them, too? Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for t...Show more Some people had rights, while others had none. Why shouldn't they have them, too? Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. Show less

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