Monday, February 02, 2015

Book Review: We've Got A Job

Black History Month is an excellent time to revisit outstanding titles focusing the African American experience as well as introduce newer books.
Originally published 20 years ago in 1995, THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis has become a favorite of elementary teachers and librarians. This compelling work of historical fiction tells the story of an African American family living in Flint, Michigan in 1963. The fictional family travels to Birmingham Alabama and becomes involved in the factual 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.
The year 1963 is also at the center of a recently published book titled WE’VE GOT A JOB by Cynthia Levinson. This work of nonfiction incorporates the stories of four young people and historical photographs to help young readers better understand their nonviolent fight to end racial segregation in 1963. The goal was to confront white Birmingham through a series of peaceful protests such as lunch counter sit-ins, store picketing, and marches. Levinson does a masterful job combining a fast-paced narrative featuring the lives of real African American youth protesters, along with an overarching discussion of the key historical events and activities. By weaving the experiences of the four youth into the story, the author helps readers feel the events come to life. The book concludes with the “afterworld” providing a glimpse into the lives of Audrey, Wash, James, and Arnetta since their involvement in the Children’s March. An author’s note, timeline, map, notes, bibliography, and index are also included.
The We’ve Got a Job website provides additional information and insights into the Children’s March. Go to http://www.wevegotajob.com/.
To learn more about the author, visit her website at http://www.cynthialevinson.com/.

Website Review: African American History Month

The AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH website from the Library of Congress contains a wealth of resources to help your school library celebrate during the month of February.
The ABOUT page provides information about the history of this event that began with Negro History Week back in 1925.
The EXHIBITS & COLLECTIONS pages provides access to dozens of online collections focusing on topics such as Art & Design, Baseball, Civil Rights, Culture & Folklife, Government & Politics, Historic Places, Military, Music & Performing Arts, Religion, and Slavery. Resource Guides and Profiles are also available.
The IMAGES page provides access to historical photos, maps, and other primary source documents.
The AUDIO/VIDEO page connects to multimedia presentations related to African American history from participating agencies. These include webcasts, musical recordings, sound artifacts, and other media assets.
The FOR TEACHERS page provides access to lesson plans, activities, guides, and other resources from the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, and the National Park Service.
To visit the website, go to http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/.

Youth Media Award Winners from ALA

Drumroll please… the American Library Association youth media awards have been announced. I’ve reviewed many of the winners over the past several months. 

Check out a complete list at http://live.webcastinc.com/ala/2015/live/doc/yma_15_wrap_final.pdf