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:
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:
Belated birthday wishes Kwame Mbalia! Born May 12, Kwame Mbalia is an award winning author of the Tristan Strong series. His other notable books are:
Belated birthday wishes Christopher Paul Curtis! Born May 10, Christopher Paul Curtis is an award winning children’s book author. His notable books are:
For Throwback Thursday, I am featuring three books that were published 50 years ago.
Book 1: The Adventures of Aku by Ashley Bryan
Book 2: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Book 3: Roots by Alex Haley
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
Happy birthday Marilyn Nelson! Born April 26, Marilyn Nelson is an award-winning children’s and young adult poet, author, and professor. Here are just a few of her award winning books:
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
Belated birthday wishes Javaka Steptoe! Born April 19, Javaka Steptoe is an award winning children’s book illustrator/artist. Here are just a few of his notable works:
The 2025 BCALA BOTB has been published and is now ready to be released.
Book 1: Prek-4: Dream A Dress, Dream a Poem by Nancy Johnson James; illustrated by Diana Ejaita
Book 2: 5-8: The True Story of Vanilla by Ann Richards; illustrated by Arden Taylor
Book 3: 9-12: Nic Blake and The Remarkables: The House of Anansi by Angie Thomas
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 