365 Black Books: Detroit Public Library Booktalk Sunday

Book: No Human Involved by Cheryl Neely

I listened virtually to this very difficult but much needed subject. NHI (no human involved: is an acronym used by law enforcement for marginalized black and brown girls who are murdered. Ms. Neely’s first chapter is about her friend, who disappeared and was found dead. Law enforcement’s indifference and lack of attention to this murder lead to many other murders which could have been prevented. The book presents additional information on other serial killings of black girls and women. Very disturbing but a must read to bring awareness to our community.

365 Black Books 2019 CSK Book Awards Saturday

2019 Author Winner: A Few Red Drops by Claire Hartfield

2019 Illustrator Winner: The Stuff of Stars; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

2019 Author Honor Title: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

2019 Illustrator Honor Title: Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

365 Black Books: 2022 CSK Award Winners Wednesday

2022 CSK Author and Illustrator Award Winner: Unspeakable The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Floyd Cooper

2022 Author Honor Book: Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

2022 John Steptoe New Talent Author Award Winner: Me(Moth) by Amber McBride

2022 John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award Winner: The Me I Choose to Be; illustrated by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt

365 Black Books 2023 CSK Book Awards Tuesday

The following books were 2023 CSK Book Award Winners

2023 Author Winner: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

2023 Illustrator Winner: Standing in the Need of Prayer; illustrated by Frank Morrison

2023 John Steptoe New Talent Author Award Winner: We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds

2023 John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award Winner: Choosing Brave; illustrated by Janelle Washington

365 Black Books: Coretta Scott King Book Awards

This week I will feature award winners and honors from the Coretta Scott Book Awards. This year’s winners and honors:

2025 Author Winner: Twenty-four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds

2025 Illustrator Award Winner: My Daddy is a Cowboy illustrated by C. G. Esperanza

2025 Author Honor Book: Black Girl You are Atlas by Renee Watson

2025 Illustrator Honor Book: Coretta, The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King illustrated by Ekua Holmes

365 Black Books Ernest J. Gaines Thursday

Born January 15, 1933, Ernest J. Gaines is an African American author of eight novels and several short stories. Three novels became movies: A Lesson Before Dying, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and A Gathering of Old Men. One short story, The Sky is Gray, was adapted for a movie. More information about his books can be found here

There is also an award given to a rising African American author: The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

365 Black Books Sharon Robinson Tuesday

Born January 13, Sharon Robinson is the daughter of Jackie Robinson. She is also a nurse-midwife, health writer, author, and educator. She has written several books about Jackie Robinson and herself.

Book 1: Her memoir, Child of the Dream

Book 2: Jackie Robinson’s biography, Promises to Keep

Book 3: Jackie’s Nine