September is Black Reading Month! I am kicking off the month featuring and celebrating books about black folks written by black authors. My plan and goal is to feature at least one book a day. Some of these books I may or may not have read.
Day 1: To kick off Black reading month and in honor of black workers, check out this book by Blair LM Kelley:
The Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) has released its 2022 Best Book list. This list represent the best fiction and nonfiction books published in 2022 that are historically accurate, authentically represent the culture, and well-written. The entire list can be found by visiting the site:
Day 22 features author/illustrator Jerry Craft, author of the book, The Offenders, and illustrator of the book, The Zero Degree Zombie Zone. Read about this versatile author/illustrator here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/23/day-23-jerry-craft/
Lucille Clifton, award winning poet and author of the acclaimed Everett Anderson series, is featured in Day 22 of the 28 Days Later Campaign from The Brown Bookshelf. Read about this multi-talented writer here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/22/day-22-lucille-clifton/
Mildred Pitts Walter, author of several books including Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World, Suitcase and others, is the featured author for Day 20 28 Days Later Campaign. Read about this multi-talented author here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/20/day-20-mildred-pitts-walter/
Award winning fiction and information author Fredrick McKissack is Day 12 28 Days Later Campaign author. He joined the ancestors on April 28, 2013, but he left a written legacy to be enjoyed by others forever. Read about this author here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/12/day-12-fredrick-mckissack/
Day 10 introduces a new “up and comer” educator, author, and activist. Her name is Jackie Wellington. Read about this rising author here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/10/day-10-jackie-wellington/
On this day in 1939, Jerry Pinkney, a future award winner children’s book author/illusrator was born. Read about this multifaceted and award winning author/illustrator here:
More information about Jerry Pinkney:
Exhibition: http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/787.html
The Pinkney family: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/multi-day/net-profiles/6-pinckney-family.html
New York Times Book Review: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/books/review/Sutton-t.html?_r=0
Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/pinkneyj/featuredbooks
Interview: http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/LA/0916-jul2014/LA0916Conversation.pdf
March 12 Woman of the Day is Virginia Hamilton, an award winning children’s and young adult’s author, who was born on this day in 1936. Information about this amazing author can be found by clicking here:
Additional resources: Biography.com: http://www.biography.com/people/virginia-hamilton-21106647 Scholastic.com: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/virginia-hamilton Audio from Open Road Media: http://video.openroadmedia.com/UTq3/meet-virginia-hamilton/
TeachingBooks.net: http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=444&a=1
During Black History Month, I like to learn about relatively unknown African Americans, some who may be called “unsung heroes.” One such person was Bass Reeves, an African American Deputy U.S. Marshall. Thanks to award winning author, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, and award winning illustrator, R. Gregory Christie, together they created the book, Bad News for Outlaws The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall. This title is available in hardcover library binding, Kindle, audible, and paperback.m
Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838. Although he had a tough life, he had a strong sense of right and wrong that many people admired. The Indian Territory was a haven for many outlaws. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring order to this territory, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. marshal. Bass proved to be the best man for the job.
Bass worked more than thirty years capturing more than 3000 outlaws. His techniques were cunning, respectful, and peaceful. Violence was Bass’ last resort. As a result of Bass’ techniques, he killed only 14 men in the line of duty. To read how he accomplish this, you must read the book.
Nelson’s thorough research of Bass Reeves’ and her storytelling skills is evident at the beginning of the story. Readers will immediately be drawn into the story when they read the first sentence: “Jim Webb’s luck was running muddy when Bass Reeves rode into town.” Christie’s illustration on the next page captures the fear on Jim Webb’s face, and the quiet, solemn demeanor of Bass Reeves chasing him. Young readers will recognize the themes of justice and fairness, and love the large images of Big Bad Bass Reeves and also the fine attention to details. Once you read this story, you will love it too and include it in your collection.
Additional resources, both print and electronic, on Bass Reeves are listed below.
Burton, Art T., Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves
Paulsen, Gary., The Legend of Bass Reeves
NPR: Bad News for Outlaws http://www.npr.org/books/titles/195248918/bad-news-for-outlaws-the-remarkable-life-of-bass-reeves-deputy-u-s-marshal
Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/10131675/Was-the-real-Lone-Ranger-black.html
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/fosm/historyculture/bass_reeves.htm
Times New Record: http://swtimes.com/sections/news/special-reports/bass-reeves-former-slave-lived-unusual-life.html
The Life and Times of Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves: http://mentalfloss.com/article/33537/life-and-times-deputy-us-marshal-bass-reeves
Activities:
https://childrenslit-socialstudies.wikispaces.com/Bad+News+for+Outlaws+Reinforcing+Activity
http://www.islma.org/2012BluestemResources/BadNewsOutlaws.pdf
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 