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
Belated birthday wishes to Willie Mae (Big Mama) Thornton, who in 1952, recorded the song “Hound Dog” that was later recorded by Elvis Presley. Two books were written about this pioneer singer.
Book 1: Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music by Michael Spörke
Book 2: Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters by Lynnee Denise
Our bookclub discussed a historical fiction novel about Hattie McDaniel, the first African actress to receive an Oscar for a supporting role in a film (Gone With the Wind). ReShonda Tate, the author, researched Hattie McDaniel and used some creative liberties in creating a story about a pioneer, a fighter, and classy woman.
Book 1: The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate
Book 2: Hattie McDaniel Black Ambition, White Hollywood by Jill Watts