KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Biography, African American Middle Grades Literature, African American Picture Books, African American Young Adult Literature

365 Black Books Best of the Best (BOTB) Medley Monday

Since 2020, BCALA has published a list of Best of the Best (BOTB) Books for PreK-Grade 12. These books are selected based on criteria, that represents the black experience with authenticity. The 2025 BOTB will be published early next year. In the meantime, I will post a medley of books from the 2024 BOTB list.

Book 1: Bridges Instead of Walls The Story of Mavis Staples by Mavis Staples and Carole Boston Weatherford ; illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Book 2: Moko Magic Carnival Chaos by Tracey Baptiste

Book 3: Love Requires Chocolate by Rayvnn K. Stringfield

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Middle Grades Literature, African American Picture Books, African American Young Adult Literature, Children's literature

365 Black Books MiSelf Monday

Today’s posts will feature books from the 2024 MiSelf in Books PK-Grade 12 booklist. These are diverse, are exemplary in literary merit and authentic representation.

Book 1: Bros by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Reggie Brown. (Grades PreK-1)

Book 2: The Last Stand by Atwan Eady; illustrated by Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey (Grades 2-3)

Book 3: Duel by Jessixa Bagley; illustrated by Aaron Bagley (Grades 3-7)

Book 4: The Order of Things by Kaija Langley (Grades 6-8)

Book 5: Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington (Grades 9-12)

KRLemmons African American Artists, African American Authors, African American autobiography, African American filmmakers, African American Photography

365 Black Books Gordon Parks Thursday

November 30 was Gordon Parks birthday. Belated rest in heaven wishes to a multitalented man! This post will feature three of his works. For more information about Gordon Parks, please check out this website: Gordon Parks Museum

Book 1: The Learning Tree: A classic book and movie!

Book 2: A Choice of Weapons

Book 3: Half Past Autumn: A Retrospective

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American autobiography, African American Biography, African American comedians

365 Black Books Pryor Tuesday

After I posted yesterday books, I learned that December 1 was Richard Pryor’s birthday. I loved, loved, loved Richard Pryor! He was talented, sometimes controversial, but most of all funny! Well, IMHO. A few books have been written by and about him. I will focus on two.

Book 1: Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences by Richard Pryor his official autobiography.

Book 2: Becoming Richard Pryor by Scott Saul