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

365 Black Books Angela Johnson Friday

Belated birthday wishes Angela Johnson! Born June 18, Angela Johnson is an award-winning children’s and young adult author, poet, and an 2003 McArthur Fellow. Here are just a few of the 40 books she has written since she began writing in 1989.

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American children's literature, African American Picture Books, African American Poetry, African American Poets

365 Black Books Eloise Greenfield Monday

Belated heavenly birthday wishes to Eloise Greenfield! Born May 17, 1929, Eloise Greenfield was an award winning African American children’s book and biography author and poet famous for her descriptive, rhythmic style and positive portrayal of the African-American experience. She passed away in 2021. Here are just a few of her notable works:

KRLemmons African American Art, African American Artists, African American Authors, African American children's literature, African American History, African American Illustrators, African American Nonfiction

365 Black Books Kadir Nelson Sunday

Belated birthday wishes Kadir Nelson! Born May 15, Kadir Nelson is an award winning author, illustrator, and artist. His work has appeared on several New Yorker covers. He is the 2026 Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award for his body of artwork. Here are some of his notable works:

KRLemmons African American children's literature, African American Middle Grades Literature, African American Young Adult Literature

365 Black Books Wellness Wednesday for Children and Young Adults

Months ago, I featured titles for “Mindfulness Monday” Today, I am featuring some fiction titles that might help children and young adults mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Book 1: I am Enough by Grace Byers

Book 2: A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott

Book 3: Stuntboy by Jason Reynolds

Book 4: We Are All Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

Book 5: The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon

Book 6: Break This House by Candice Iloh

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American children's literature, African American Illustrators, African American Middle Grades Literature, African American Young Adult Literature

365 Black Books Fun Friday with a classic and some books from the 2025 BOTB booklist

Today, it’s about having fun on a Friday. Starting with:

Book 1: Water, Water a classic by Eloise Greenfield; illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Book 2: Soggy Like Cush Cush by Karly Pierre; illustrated by Kristen Uroda.

Book 3: Black Diamond Kings by Charles R. Smith; illustrated Adrian Brandon

Book 4: Under the Neon Lights by Arriel Vinson