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 Biography, African American History, African American Picture Books, African Americans, Shirley Chisholm

365 Black Books Wednesday Women

On November 4, a few cities, including Detroit, elected their first female mayor. These books feature the first African American woman elected to Congress–Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazer.

Book 1: She Was the First! by Katheryn Russell-Brown; illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Book 2: Shirley Chisholm Dared by Alicia D. Williams; illustrated by April Harrison

Book 3: Loud and Proud by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Book 4: Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm

Book 5: The Good Fight by Shirley Chisholm

KRLemmons African American Biography, African American History, African American Picture Books, Children's literature

365 Black Books Hat Friday

Hat season is upon us. These books play tribute to the hat.

Book 1: Crowns Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham & Craig Marberry

Book 2: Aunt Flossie Hats (and Crab Cakes Later by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard; illustrated by James Ransome

Book 3: Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Book 4: Mae Makes a Way

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

365 Black Books Pet Wednesday

These books highlight children and their pets.

Book 1: Thinker My Puppy Poet and Me by Eloise Greenfield; illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi

Book 2: Sounder by William H. Armstrong A classic!

Book 3: Please, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee; illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Book 4: Not My Cat by Stacey Patton; illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Picture Books, African American Poetry, African American Poets

365 Black Books Thankful Tuesday

Today’s post features books about gratitude and community.

Book 1: Thanks A Million by Nikki Grimes. The award-winning poet wrote several poems on thankfulness and gratitude.

Book 2: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. Omu shares her stew with everyone until there is none left for her. What happens next speaks to the power of gratitude and community.

Book 3: Thank You! It’s an Afro by Cassidy Bridges. A true story about self-love and Afro appreciation.

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Music, African American Picture Books, African Americans

365 Black Books Musical Monday

Today’s books feature the history of black music and its impact on various music genres.

Book 1: I See the Rhythm by Michele Wood and Toyomi Igus. Beautifully illustrated and well written book on black music.

Book 2: Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Book 3: Race Music by Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr.

Book 4: My Black Country by Alice Randall

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Historical Fiction, African American History, African American Illustrators, African American Nonfiction, African American Picture Books, African Americans

365 Black Books Green Friday

Today’s books focus on the Green Book, the travel guide for African Africans.

Book 1: Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey; illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Book 2: Driving the Green Book by Alvin Hall

Book 3: Overground Railroad by Candacy Taylor