Born January 14, Dudley Randall was a poet and founder of Broadside Press, which published many works of poetry. He was also Detroit’s first Poet Laureate
His book: The Black Poets
Another book: Roses and Revolutions
A book about him: Wrestling With the Muse
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
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) will soon be publishing the 2025 Best of the Best Books (BOTB). In the meantime, check out these books from the 2024 BOTB list.
Elementary: A Voice of Hope The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story by Nadia Saloman; illustrated by London Ladd
Middle Grade: Onyx & Beyond by Amber McBride
Young Adult Tanglefoot by Kalela Williams
Born December 30, 1928, guitarist and singer Bo Diddley transitioned from the blues to rock and roll. Two books about him:
Book 1: Bo Diddley: Living Legend
Book 2 (a children’s book): Bo Diddley Rock & Roll All Star
Florence Griffith Joyner, aka Flo-Jo, was and is the fast woman ever recorded in track and field. Here is a tribute to her life and career.
Book: She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner by Rita Williams-Garcia and Chelsea Clinton
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960. He was a phenomenal artist whose art expanded the art world.
Book 1: Jean Michel Basquiat King Pleasure
Book 2: To Repel Ghosts by Kevin Young
Book 3: Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe
Carter G. Woodson was born on December 19, 1875 Known as the Father of Black History, we continue to celebrate his life and legacy.
His seminal book The Mis-Education of the Negro
Book 1: Carter G. Woodson A Life in Black History by Jacqueline Goggin
Book 2: Carter G. Woodson The Man Who Put Black in American History by James Haskins and Kathleen Benson
Book 3: Carter Reads the Paper by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Don Tate
Belated birthday wishes to Cicely Tyson who was born on December 19, 1924.
Her memoir: Just As I Am
A children’s book about Cicely was written by Renee Watson; illustrated by Sherry Shine
These books tell the story of the legendary Bass Reeves, the first Black Deputy Marshal in the Wild West
Book 1: Black Gun, Silver Star
Book 2: Bass Reeves
Book 3: Bass Reeves Biography
Book 4: Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Michael Nelson
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
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 