Black Books Galore! Guide to Great African American Children's Books about Boys

In 1992 two mothers founded Black Books Galore, the nation's leading organizer of African American children's book festivals, and set out to identify and distribute fine children's literature that was for and about African American kids. Ultimately, authors Donna Rand and Toni Trent Parker selected a stellar assortment of books for boys from birth through eighth grade for inclusion in this fabulous resource for boys (as well as hundreds more in the version for girls: Black Books Galore! Guide to Great African American Children's Books About Girls). Parents, teachers, librarians, and kids themselves will find this an invaluable resource, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The authors include brief, lively descriptions of over 350 books, such as Charlie Parker Played Be Bop and The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963, often including text excerpts and pictures of book covers to impart the flavor of the books. They include several special features, such as "The Creator's Reflections"--spotlights on talented authors and illustrators, from Angela Johnson to Tom Feelings to Mildred Pitts Walter--as well as quotations from well-known African American personages and from young readers and their parents. The selections are arranged alphabetically by title and numbered sequentially for easy cross-referencing. Each entry includes title, subtitle, author, illustrator, publisher of hardcover and paperback editions, original publication date, and a brief synopsis of the book. Significant awards are noted, as well as any sequels, prequels, companions, or series titles. --Emilie Coulter