Synergy: Green Book Guidebooks

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guide book produced for African American travelers. Published during the era of Jim Crow laws between 1936 and 1966 when discrimination and segregation were widespread, the books helped travelers identify businesses and services friendly to African American visitors.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

OVERGROUND RAILROAD by Candacy Taylor tells the story of the Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in mid-20th century America. This young adult adaptation traces the history of the Green Book and the courage of both travelers and businesses that stood up against racial segregation. Filled with stunning photographs, fascinating interviews, and engaging narrative, this compelling work of youth nonfiction brings the barriers and hazards faced by Black travelers to life for middle grade readers. The book includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.

NAVIGATING THE GREEN BOOK from the New York Public Library invites readers to visualize a trip using the Green Books and view a map of data from the books. Users can also browse 21 volumes of the Green Books from 1937 to 1964.

To visit the website, go to http://publicdomain.nypl.org/greenbook-map/.

THE NEGRO MOTORIST GREEN BOOK is an online exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Users can learn about the Green Book, examine an online exhibit, and explore stories of people who used the Green Book.

To visit the website, go to https://negromotoristgreenbook.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS Kids.

Synergy: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Anita Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African-American United States Congresswoman. Elected in 1968 to serve an area of Brooklyn, New York, she was an outspoken advocate for race and gender issues. She ran for President in 1972 citing the need for Democratic candidates that represented the needs of minority and inner-city poor voters.

Read the recently published nonfiction biography for youth then learn more at the website.

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT! by Tonya Bolden shares the life story of Shirley Chisholm. Through nineteen short chapters, the author is effective in telling the extraordinary life of this ground breaking politician and activist. Along with a forward written by Stacey Abrams and a full-color photo collage, the narrative features engaging short stories that weave key quotes with key historical figures and events.

SHIRLEY ANITA CHISHOLM is represented in the History, Art and Archives section of the United States House of Representatives website. The page included a comprehensive article about her political life.

To visit the page, go to https://bit.ly/3AgzHMJ.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: Black Panther Party

The Black Panther Party was a political organization formed in the 1960s. Known for both their community activism and controversial approaches to promoting civil rights, the group promoted self-defense and challenged police brutality. Their Ten-point Program advocated for social justice, but their message was often overlooked by the media in favorite of a focus on member violent conflicts and criminal activities.

Read the recently published, award-winning nonfiction history for youth then learn more at the website.

REVOLUTION IN OUR TIME: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon puts this controversial organization and its members within the larger context of Black American history. Providing an accurate and balanced examination of this influential black movement group, the book is a “must read” for teens grappling with today’s issues of social justice. Primary source documents and images are effectively woven into the engaging narrative. Useful end matter includes information about key people, a time line, glossary, and further readings.

BLACK PAST is a website dedicated to providing reliable and accurate information about African American history to promote constructive change. The website contains sections focusing on African American history and global African history along with main and special features. Resources including 101 African American firsts, genealogy materials, office holders, and STEM innovators. A search for Black Panther Party leads to several useful articles and resources.

To visit the website, go to https://www.blackpast.org/. 

BLACK PANTHER PARTY COLLECTION website includes video footage from the 1960s and 1970s related to the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Chapter.

To visit the video collection, go to https://bit.ly/3GCocl6.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Black Seminole People

The Black Seminole people are the descendants of Seminole Indians combined with free Blacks and escaped enslaved people of African lineage. Although Florida had been a refuge for freedom-seeking enslaved people, the Black Seminole people ultimately migrated to Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico in the mid 1800s.

Read the recently published biography for youth then learn more at the websites.

A MAN CALLED HORSE by Glennette Tilley Turner tells the true story of a man of Seminole and African descent who lead his people from Florida to a new home in the West during the 19th century. This well-researched biography reflects the many roles of John Horse from counselor and army captain to conductor on the Underground Railroad. Told through short, visually-rich chapters, Turner follows John Horse’s quest while also providing the larger context of the challenges facing the Black Seminole people. The book concludes with the lasting legacy, additional information, timeline, author’s note, notes, and bibliography.

Rebellion: John Horse and the Black Seminoles is an online project telling the story of John Horse and the Black Seminoles.

To visit the website, go to http://www.johnhorse.com/.

Florida’s Underground Railroad: The Black Seminoles is an online article from Florida Memory describing how runaway slaves fled south into Florida during the 18th and early 18th centuries. 

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3waqPX8.

Black Seminole Indians by Tracé Etienne-Gray is an online article tracing this ethnic group from Florida to their migration to Oklahoma, Mexico, and Texas.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/2Yaxowe.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Reads, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Synergy: John Lewis

John Lewis (1940-2020) was a Georgia congressman and civil rights leader. From 1963-1966, he was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In addition, he was one of the key organizers for the 1963 March on Washington and led the first of three Selma marches.

Read the recently published graphic memoir then learn more at the website.

RUN: BOOK ONE by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin is a companion to the MARCH graphic memoir series. Set after the 1965 Selma marches, this graphic history focuses on John Lewis’ continuing role leading grassroots Civil Right and social justice efforts. The gray-scale comic-style illustrations by L. Fury with Nate Powell combined with hand-drawn reproductions of primary sources such as letters and newspapers add to the reading and learning experience. The book concludes with biographical sketches of key individuals involved with the movement and fascinating notes about specific events connected with the narrative.

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Digital Gateway explores the history and work of this group. From leading voter registration efforts to building grassroots movements, the SNCC documentary website features the work of young activists in empowering the Black community.

To learn more, go to https://snccdigital.org/.

ARC courtesy of First Second.

Synergy: Fatherhood Involvement

Fatherhood involvement focuses on the unique bond between a father and child. Children at every stage of development benefit from the involvement of a positive and supporting adult in their life. Regardless of the family structure, strong families and healthy relationships take patience, respect, and communication.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the websites:

DADDY LET’S PLAY written by Rodney Freeman, Jr. and illustrated by Dorothea Taylor weaves together an endearing father-daughter story with relatable, contemporary themes including the pandemic, diversity, and social activism.

Milah and her father play video games together each evening. When her father ends up in the hospital, they figure out a way to stay in contact through their shared passion for gaming.

The brightly colored illustrations paired with the fast-paced text are sure to engage young readers. This accessible title is an effective way to introduce children to the growing number of picture books that represent fatherhood and specifically black dads in a positive light.

FATHERHOOD.GOV is part of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse supporting strong fathers and families. The website contains tips and hints for dads and kids along with programs and research. The marketing campaign including PSAs reflect ‘#Dadication’ to parenting. A search of the library section reveals dozens of articles focusing specifically on the needs and interests of black fathers.

To visit the website, go to https://www.fatherhood.gov/.

ARC courtesy of Preservation LLC.

Synergy: Tulsa Race Massacre

On May 31 and June 1 1921, a mob of armed, white people attacked homes, looted businesses, and burned the African American community of Greenwood Oklahoma. As many as three hundred black people were killed and thousands were left homeless. The police did nothing to protect the community and the incident was suppressed until recently.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

UNSPEAKABLE written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper retells the true story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Using easy to understand text and engaging illustrations, the story takes readers on a journey before, during, and after the tragic event. An author’s note provides additional information and historical photos.

The CENTER FOR RECONCILIATION website provides a virtual tour including text, images, and videos telling the story of the people, place, and massacre. A Curriculum Resource section provides survivor portraits, stories, historical photos, and learning resources.

To learn more, go to https://www.jhfcenter.org/.

To view photos from the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, go to https://bit.ly/39x68L8

ARC courtesy of Learner Publishing Group.

Synergy: Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) is best known as the father of Black History Month. However, he was also a scholar who sought out and preserved the story of Americans of African descent.

Read the recently published a picture book biography, then learn more at the website:

CARTER READS THE NEWSPAPER by Deborah Hopkinson traces the life of Carter Woodson from his childhood and life as a coal miner to his education and creation of Negro History Week in 1926.

The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site from the National Park Service is a website that explores the life of this important historian.

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

https://www.nps.gov/cawo

ARC courtesy of Peachtree Publishers.

Book: Ghost Boys

GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes tells the powerful and timely story of a black boy killed by a white police officer.

The story begins with the death of twelve-year-old African American boy. Jerome shares his experiences with bullying and poverty leading up to his death while playing in a park with a toy gun. In alternating chapters, Jerome’s ghost meets the daughter of the police officer who shot him. He also learns about the history of other ghost boys who met a fate similar to his.

Librarians will find this compelling story is effective in tackling tough issues including gun violence, racial bias, and class differences. The easy-to-read, fast paced story would work well in reading groups or as part of class discussions connected with current events.

Look for this title on the “best of intermediate level books” for 2018.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on April 17, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Black in History

BLACK IN HISTORY is a blog that highlights the accomplishments of influencers.

This attractive, and easy-to-use website features Black Americans from the past and present. Each entry includes a name, photo, overview, and short biographical sketch. An archive provides easy access to all the entries. Tags are used for each entry making the blog easy to search. In addition, readers can filter entries by subject such as medicine and music. Users are encouraged to submit their own entries.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful addition to Black History Month activities. However more importantly, it provides resources about influential Black Americans that can be woven into the history curriculum as a whole. Encourage children to write their own short entries and submit them to the blog.

To visit the website, go to http://blackinhistory.tumblr.com/.

Digital Spotlight: National Museum of African American History and Culture

The NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE features a digital collection of 37,000 items.

Contents: This large digital collection contains historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and media related to African American history and culture. Users can access the collection by topic, date or era, name, object type, or place. Students may wish to begin with an exploration of topics such as American South, American West, Civil Rights, Clothing and Dress, Communities, Education, Family, Literature, Military, Music, Photography, Politics, Religious Groups, Segregation, and Slavery.

Classroom Connections: Work with history teachers to weave this collection into particular eras of American history or historical themes such as Civil Rights.

Featured Digital Objects:
Civil Rights https://goo.gl/cvUicu
Post Cards https://goo.gl/ToC86Z
1850s https://goo.gl/2WCUSz

To visit the collection, go to https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/collection.

Book Reviews: Fancy Party Gowns

FANCY PARTY GOWNS: THE STORY OF FASHION DESIGNER ANN COLE LOWE by Deborah Blumenthal is a picture book biography.

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells that story of the first African American women to become a high-end fashion designer. As a child, Ann learned to sew from her mother and grandmother. After the death of her mother, Ann took over her mother’s commissions and later went to design school. Ultimately, she designed dresses for people like Jacqueline Kennedy.

Librarians know that it can be difficult to find biographies of interest to reluctant readers. Students interested in fashion design will be happy to find this book about a little-known designer.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.deborahblumenthal.com/.

Published by Little Bee Books on January 17, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Midnight without a Moon

MIDNIGHT WITHOUT A MOON by Linda Williams Jackson is a work of historical fiction exploring the lives of African Americans of the Jim Crow South.

Set in the summer of 1955, Rose Lee and her family experience life in Mississippi and the prospect of moving north. Weaving in real events about a famous trial with fictional stories set in an African American family, the story blends fact and fiction to immerse readers in the time period.

Librarians will find the connection with a real historical event adds interest to this middle grade novel. The sympathetic characters and historical backdrop make it perfect for classroom activities revolving around the Jim Crow era.

Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 3, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: One Last Word

ONE LAST WORD by Nikki Grimes shares dozens of classic poems along with original poems based on the works of master poets of the Harlem Renaissance.

Grimes begins this inspirational poetry book with an overview of the Harlem Renaissance. Divided into three sections, the book then weaves together classic and newly written poems along with artwork created by African American illustrator. The book concludes with poet and artist biographies, along with additional resources.

Librarians will find this work to be an excellent way to introduce the poets of the Harlem Renaissance while making connections with contemporary issues. Collaborate with teachers to combine literature and history learning outcomes for an engaging interdisciplinary unit.

Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books on January 1, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Digital Spotlight: Behind the Veil

BEHIND THE VEIL is a digital collection documenting African American Life in the Jim Crow South.

Contents: Housed at the Duke University Libraries, this collection includes 410 recorded oral histories tracing African-American life in the segregated American South through the mid 20th century. Users can locate oral histories by interview state, birth state, interviewee, gender, or occupation. Audio interviews include a transcript.

Classroom Connections: Teachers will find that these interviews provide personal insights into life during the Jim Crow era. Students will be attracted to the audio format. Ask students to listen to an interview and compare it with the experience of others in their small group.

Featured Digital Objects:
Dora Strong Dennis, Domestic Worker http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvct01115/
Easter Hinton Sanders, Educator http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvnc03032/
Booker T. Federick, Day Laborer http://library.duke.edu/digitalco…/behindtheveil_btvct03034/

To visit the collection, go tohttp://library.duke.edu/digitalcollections/behindtheveil/.

Technology Review: The Story of Pelagie

THE STORY OF PELAGIE is an interactive app and website telling the story of an African American woman and her home in the 18th century.

Both the website and app tell the story of a former slave who became a free woman in Missouri. The interactive, digital story incorporates engaging video, primary source documents, and images from the historic Amoureux House. In addition to the story, a timeline is used to take readers through her life. Users can also go on an interactive home tour.

A teacher’s guide includes curriculum materials, lesson plans, resources, and activities to extend the experience. Links are provided to useful resources and documents to extend the experience.

Librarians will find this app and website to be useful in discussing history, culture, and architecture within the context of a specific person and place. Work with the social studies and history teacher to weave this rich, little-known history into the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://amoureuxhouse.org/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/bauvais-amoureux-hou…/id853313105.

Book Review: The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial

THE FIRST STEP: HOW ONE GIRL PUT SEGREGATION ON TRIAL by Susan E. Goodman tells the inspiring story of the first lawsuit focusing on segregated schools.

Set in the 1840s, this biographical picture book follows the experiences of a young African American girl named Sarah Roberts who sought to attend a white school in Boston. The book concludes by tracing Sarah’s legacy. Although she didn’t win her case, the experience did provide a few small steps forward at the beginning of the fight for civil rights.

Goodman’s straight forward, easy-to-understand narration makes this book an effective resource for classroom social studies and history activities. E.B. Lewis’ touching watercolor images capture the time period and fervor of the times.

The back matter includes useful information including a timeline, biographies, resource list, and author’s note.

Librarians will find that most students and teachers are familiar with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, however they may not realize that the fight against segregation began more than a century earlier in the courts. Use this picture book to jumpstart a discussion of the long history of the Civil Rights Movement.

To learn about the author, go to http://www.susangoodmanbooks.com/.
To learn about the illustrator, go to http://eblewis.com/.

Published by Bloomsbury on January 5, 2016. ARC Courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Jazz Day

JAZZ DAY: THE MAKING OF A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH by Roxane Orgill tells the true story of a graphic designer who wanted to share his passion for jazz music through a photograph.

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book shares the story of how Art Kane invited jazz musicians to a photo session in Harlem. Told through engaging watercolor painting and lyrical verse, this page-turning story immerses readers in 1950s Harlem. From singers to musicians, many of the poems feature famous and everyday people who attended this special event. The Author’s Note, Biographies, and other end notes add to the authenticity of the work.

Librarians will find this unique book fits into a number of different situations. English teachers will be drawn to the verse, while history educators will enjoy the fascinating historical references. Librarians may wish to connect this book with primary source materials involving youth in comparing the photographs taken at the event with the picture book illustrations and story. Get children involved in learning more about the people in the photo. Also, think about ways to incorporate this book into an entire interdisciplinary music unit on jazz through history.

Look for this book on the “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.roxaneorgill.net/.

Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Special Event Website Review: United We Serve

MLK Day of Service on January 19, 2015 is part of the UNITED WE SERVE initiative. Each year, Americans across the county address Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr.’s call for service. He declared “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?”.

The UNITED WE SERVE website at http://www.serve.gov/ calls all Americans to serve their community. Go to the special initiatives page for information about MLK Day of Service at http://goo.gl/Am3dtk.

The Getting Started page provides suggestions for service projects. Consider a focus on literacy and libraries. For ideas, go tohttp://www.serve.gov/site-page/toolkits. Think about sharing your project idea at AllForGood at http://www.allforgood.org/ and getting others to join you.

Create a MLK Day Challenge area in your library for the month of January. As a school, go to the Make the Pledge page at http://goo.gl/6sg5Ql and commit time to the community. Follow the official blog to see what others are doing at http://nationalservice.tumblr.com/. Share your successes athttp://www.serve.gov/site-page/share.

Scholastic’s The Spirit of Service page athttp://www.scholastic.com/mlkday/ contains lots of lesson plan ideas and activities.

For more information, LIKE the Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/mlkday.

Book Review: The Port Chicago 50

THE PORT CHICAGO 50: DISASTER, MUTINY, AND THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS by Steve Sheinkin is at the top of many nonfiction awards lists for 2014. Consider purchasing both the print and audiobook versions. 

A finalist for YALSA’s 2015 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, the book traces the little-known story of 50 African American sailors convicted of mutiny by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Refusing to follow orders to load dangerous explosives onto ships, their story became a rallying cry for those who felt the military’s segregation policies were discriminatory.

Sheinkin brings the story alive through his compelling, well-researched narrative. Woven throughout the story are primary resource materials including historical photos, interviews, and court records. The print and ebook versions contain extensive references and notes that support the narrative.

Middle and high school students often skim works of nonfiction and miss the impact of the narrative. Consider sharing the audiobook version of this story with youth. Dominic Hoffman is a superb storyteller who masterfully switches among a wide range of voices to keep listeners actively engaged in the story.

Many students and teachers who thought they knew about the Civil Rights Movement will be amazed by this gripping, little-known piece of history.

To learn more about the author, go to http://stevesheinkin.com/.

To see a slideshow on historical photos from the book, go to http://us.macmillan.com/theportchicago50/SteveSheinkin.

Watch a short documentary that explores the Great Port Chicago Explosion athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIphGJt5NU.