Reviews (2)

Ten Inspirational Women...
What do Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune and Shirley Chisholm all have in common?They're three of the ten extraordinary African American freedom fighters in Andrea Davis Pinkney's marvelous collection, Let It Shine.These are strong women who didn't just sit back and accept the status quo, but met challenges head on and took action to change the world and make it a better place.These ten dynamic women were never silent, even when they thought no one was listening, faced discrimination, inequality and racism, triumphed in their battles against oppression and for civil rights and inspired those who followed in their footsteps.Told in easy to read, conversational style, each chapter is rich in both anecdotal and historical detail and accompanied by Stephen Alcorn's beautiful and bold oil painting illustrations.Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, Let It Shine also makes a wonderful read-aloud book the entire family can share and enjoy.

Continuing the Legacy
"Let It Shine: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom Fighters" is an amazing, entertaining, and educational journey back through time for both children and adults alike.The stories accurately depict the changing face of America for all people.The author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, uses a combination of oral stories and historical facts to re-create the lives of ten African American women "freedom fighters" (a.k.a. civil rights activists.)The descriptive language Pinkney uses keeps the style of the text upbeat and enjoyable.Among the list of women are Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks.However, there is also a presence of many unknown women, such as Shirley Chisholm, an inspirational politician, and Biddy Mason, a one-time slave with never ending generosity.The stories are quite diverse, spanning a history of nearly the entire 20th century.Some of these historical references include the signing of the emancipation proclamation, the peaceful demonstrations of the civil rights movement, and the Democratic Convention of 1968. There is one common, underlying goal of each story- inspiration.From Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad to Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, there is a sublte undertone that promotes and requires action.These women learned that justice comes from not only speaking, but doing.Their stories and successes encourage people of all ages to get up and fight against inequality. The combination of descriptive oral stories and historical facts, along with the colorful illustrations, keep readers of any age interested in this text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. African American women civil r    3. African American women civil rights workers    4. African Americans    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    7. Biography & Autobiography - Political    8. Biography & Autobiography - Social Activists    9. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    10. Children: Grades 3-4    11. Civil rights    12. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    13. History    14. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    15. Social Science    16. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    17. Women In The U.S.    18. Women's Studies - General    19. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (1)

A great booster for kids who feel they are "different."
The story is touching and deals with several sensitive issues beautifully. The drawings bring the characters to life. They are lively and expressive ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Family - Siblings    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Moving, Household    10. People & Places - United States - African-American    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Rope skipping    13. Social Issues - General    14. Social Situations - General    15. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    16. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Editorial Review

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, "King of the Keys," was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. "He was a smooth-talkin', slick-steppin', piano-playin' kid," writes master wordsmith Andrea Pinkney in the rhythmic, fluid, swinging prose of this excellent biography for early readers. It was ragtime music that first "set Duke's fingers to wiggling." He got back to work and taught himself to "press on the pearlies." Soon 19-year-old Duke was playing compositions "smoother than a hairdo sleeked with pomade" at parties, pool halls, country clubs, and cabarets. Skipping from D.C. to 1920s Harlem, "the place where jazz music ruled," Duke and his small band called the Washingtonians began performing in New York City clubs, including the Cotton Club, where Duke Ellington and his Orchestra was officially born. By 1943, Duke Ellington--writer of more than 1000 compositions, including ballet and film scores, orchestral suites, musicals, and choral works--had made it all the way to Carnegie Hall. Read more

Reviews (12)

Excellent read aloud
As an elementary school library specialist, this is my all time favorite read aloud. I utilized music/sound files on the web to have the King of the Keys himself accompany his biography. The text itself is a story to be read out loud. A teacher commented that this was his favorite read aloud and I believe a student favorite of all the grades I read this to (grades 3-6). Students were swaying, snapping their fingers, and just tapping away. The older kids didn't do that, but when the music ended, they asked for a repeat and I obliged. Hats off to you Ms. Pinkney!

Put it this way. Jazz is a good barometer of freedom. - D.E.
Being a relatively new reader of children's books, I tend to go about my systematic reading of all good picture books out there in a backwards manner.Case in point, Andrea Davis Pinkney.I first came across this writer, and her talented hubby Brian, through their lovely, "Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuoso".It was through that book that I discovered that the art of scratchboard (remember having to do those in elementary school?) can produce some truly fabulous picture book art.After reading "Ella" I doubled back and found her 1999 Caldecott Honor winning baby, "Duck Ellington".The book that started it all.Also using scratchboard (and without relying on fictional talking felines ala "Ella") the book is a whirlwind biography of one of the world's jazzy greats.There are tons of picture books about jazz musicians out there today.Only one, however, has garnered both the Coretta Scott King Award and the Caldecott Honor.
Singin' and Swingin'
Edward Kennedy Ellington, who preferred being called Duke, didn't like playing the piano at first.As the book made out, he considered piano lessons a chore, although it doesn't directly say this in the text.The boring "umpy-dumpy" noises that the piano made when he hit the keys made him soon quit lessons so he could pursue the interests of a regular boy.It would be a couple of years later until Duke would start practicing piano once more.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1899-1974    2. African Americans    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    6. Biography & Autobiography - Music    7. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    8. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    9. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    10. Children: Grades 1-2    11. Ellington, Duke,    12. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    13. Jazz musicians    14. Juvenile literature    15. Music - Jazz    16. Musicians    17. United States    18. Ellington, Duke    19. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Music   

Reviews (6)

Ella enchanted
You open this book and the endpapers swirl and glow like black painted silk.They're the first indication you receive that this book is something special.Something different.Something apart from the rest.Using the narrating character of one Scat Cat Monroe, an actual well-dressed feline, the story follows Ella from child to lady of the stage.As we watch, Ella moves to Harlem thinking she's gonna make it big through dancing.Once there, however, she switches her focus and unleashes her fabulous voice.She pairs up with the Chick Webb Orchestra and Al Feldman.She then bebops with Dizzy Gillespie and earns herself the name "The Queen of Scat".It's a fabulous upbeat tale that takes the spirit of Ella Fitzgerald and lets her shine.The best possible tribute to her name. A great story to share with young people
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale Of A Vocal Viruosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Scat Cat Monroe is the amazing true-life picture book story of the First Lady of Song, also known as the Queen of Scat, Ella Fitzgerald. This amazingly gifted African-American singer, and her illustrious achievements are presented with free-wheeling, full-color illustrations by Brian Pinkney and a jivin' prose. A great story to share with young people about the joy of music and reaching for one's dreams, this Weston Woods school library packaging edition is enhanced with the inclusion of a CD of the story with page-turn signals.

the first lady of song
The Pinkney couple's biography on Ella Fitzgerald is a delightful read for young children who want to learn more about the talented jazz artist. The use of narrator Scat Cat Monroe as a device to engage children is successful especially due to his use of language. The rhymes and rhythms the authors adopt to tell the story echo the snazziness of the music at the time. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy getting to know more about the artist Fitzgerald through this story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biographical - General    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - Music    5. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    6. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    7. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    8. Children: Grades 2-3    9. Fitzgerald, Ella    10. Jazz    11. Jazz musicians    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Juvenile literature    14. People & Places - United States - African-American    15. Performing Arts - General    16. Singers    17. United States    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Music   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful book!
As a future teacher in an ethnically diverse society, I am very concerned about presenting positive views of other cultures.I stress "positive" because too many books present a negative, stereotyped view of others who fill our world.My search for the perfect "good" book to present a positive message about a black child who did not speak English incorrectly was not easy.I finally did find a book which turned out to be better than I expected. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Ethnic - African American    4. Fiction    5. Moving, Household    6. Photography    7. Prejudices   

Reviews (7)

Great way to appreciate heritage but needs slight improvement
It is a wonderful book to help children appreciate their heritage.The text is well-written.
Perfect for Little One's
This book is great.I bought this for my son shortly after he was born.11 months later, this is his favorite.It's a great depiction of a father and son and it's a good way for baby to start learning about himself (i.e. Eyes, Lips, Hair, etc.)And the last page has a reflective mirror so he can look at himself.He was physically drawn to his own reflection.Now when he gets to the end, he looks at his face and laughs.You and your little one will love this book!

Colorful Love - I Love This Book!
This delightful story with equally delightful illustrations is a rare gem.I like the way the baby is taught about having a pretty brown face.I love the loving way the father and child look at one another and interact.It is for all races and it does an excellent job of showing love for a baby and many children will want to explore their own faces after reading and/or hearing this lovely story.Be sure to check out "Baby Dance" by Ann Taylor, et al. as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Concepts - General    6. Face    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. People & Places - United States - African-American    10. Self-esteem    11. Stories in rhyme    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Editorial Review

Although Kwanzaa commemorates an ancient African harvest ritual, it is a relatively new holiday in North America. Read more

Reviews (1)

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa is a change from the original Cristams story. This Kwanzaa loving picture book is by Andrea Davis Pinkney.And the stunning pictures are by Brian Pinkney.This book is about you guessed it Kwanzaa. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa tells you everything from the traditions of Kwanzaa to the candles.The colorful illustratins help show what each of the candles specifically stands for and what is done on the days as they are one by one lit on the Kinara.Seven Candles for Kwanzaa gives any one who os not to sure what goes on during the Kwanzaa holiday a very in depth description of what goes on.Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Blacks    3. Children's 4-8 - Sociology    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Holidays & Festivals - Kwanzaa    6. Juvenile literature    7. Kwanzaa    8. Social Studies - General    9. Social life and customs    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Dancer's dream
I think that this book was a really good book because, Alvin make his dream come true by dancing on a stage. I recommend this book to those people who wanted to dance and make their dreams come true.

DANCINGTO HISOWNBEAT: ALVIN AILEY
Readers may have heard the name "Alvin Ailey" but this book makes the man live.From the time he was a kid his life was music: at first in church. Alvin's moving, leaping body is caught perfectly in the scratchboard illustrations toned with watercolors and acrylic.A fine topchoice biography of an African-American artist! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Choreographers    5. Dancers    6. General    7. Juvenile literature    8. United States    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Performing Arts / Dance   

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals - Marine Life    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Whales    11. Whaling    12. Juvenile Fiction / General    13. USA   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful and has fun actions
This book is about a girl showing her little brother how to dance. The text is a poem, with a fun, dance-like rhythm.For example, A good baby workout book that's cute and entertaining
My daughter loves this book. She tries to do the dance moves as I read each page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Preschool    3. Dance    4. Fiction    5. People & Places - United States - African-American    6. Performing Arts - General    7. Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts   

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Fishing    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Preschool Picture Story Books    8. Race relations    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    11. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    12. Fiction dealing with multiculturalism    13. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American    14. Picture books    15. Racism, sexism & prejudice   

Subjects:  1. Bedtime & Dreams    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - General    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Night clubs, cabarets, etc    8. Nightclubs    9. Owls    10. Performing Arts - General    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Sleep    13. Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts   

Reviews (1)

What a sweet book!
I "I Smell Honey..." is a tasty treat of color, rhyme andfamilial togetherness.A favorite of my two year old, she never tires ofhearing this beautifully written story of cooking a "feast" withmom; full of colorful food groups. Your five senses will be tantalized by apreparation of catfish, beans, collard greens and--who can resist sweetpotato pie?! A cultural must read!My only criticism lies in theillustrations.Though vivid in color, the people pictured were a bitvisually stilted. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American cookery    2. African Americans    3. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Concepts - Senses & Sensation    7. Family - General    8. Fiction    9. Food    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. People & Places - United States - African-American    12. Stories in rhyme    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Reviews (1)

The story of a slave girl as seen through her letters.
Twelve-year-old Lettie is a slave girl living on the Tucker Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1861. It is only because of the friendship of her owner's young daughter, Katherine, that Lettie and her family have not been separated Even though Katherine taught her to read and has ensured that her father is not cruel, Lettie still longs to be free. With more questions than answers caused by the outbreak of war, she takes a daring step and writes to President Abraham Lincoln with the question she must know the answer to - when will she finally be free? This was a moving story about the cruelty of slavery as seen through the story of a spirited young girl longing to be free. Even though the letters were fictional, they seemed so real. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1809-1865    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Emancipation Proclamation    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 19th Century    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile fiction    10. Letters    11. Lincoln, Abraham,    12. Slavery    13. Lincoln, Abraham   

Subjects:  1. Afro-American scientists    2. Almanacs, American    3. Astronomers    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    6. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    7. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    8. Children: Grades 3-4    9. History    10. History - United States/Colonial & Revolutionary    11. Juvenile literature    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods   

Reviews (1)

An excellent introduction to African-derived rhythm
My son received this book as a first birthday present.We read it at the party and it became his absolute favorite right then and there.If you have a child who is musically inclined or even if you just want a book thatcan link you and your child with your African heritage without beingdogmatic and boring, this is the book for you.But beware!The rhyme isso catchy, you'll have to read it at least 6 times per sitting!Oh yeah,and you'll probably want to go out and get a shekere yourself... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. African Americans    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Mother and child    7. Musical instruments    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Performing Arts - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts   

Reviews (10)

good book!
I thought that this book was very very good.This book talks about a hard time for Africans and African Americans in a way that does not make you cry but makes you feel good that these people were able to make good out of their own lives.

Silent Thunder , A review by Lisa C.
This book tells of an exciting adventure about a 12-year-old slave, Summer, and her 13-year-old brother, Roscoe.They find out from a wise old slave named Thea, that everyone has a "silent thunder." Summer wants to learn how to read,which is forbidden, but Roscoe is still teaching her.Roscoe, along with his friend Clem, wants to run off to war.When their slave master becomes sick, they all have to come together to keep everything running.Then, when Missy Claire, the slave master's wife, has her brother come, Roscoe and Clem run away. The women are at a party, serving, and they don't find out until later. This book tells of an exciting adventure, even though I thought some parts moved along slow.

One of my favorites
This is one of my favorite books.I enjoy reading stories written from the perspective of children slaves.I liked the fact that she kept learning to read.She did what she knew she had the right to do and didn't let other people hold her down.This is a good book on the strength of the human spirit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Civil War, 1861-1865    4. Fiction    5. Historical - United States - 19th Century    6. History    7. Juvenile fiction    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Slavery    10. Underground railroad    11. Virginia    12. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Editorial Review

Probably no other black cowboy has been as celebrated as Bill Pickett. A rodeo star, he has been honored with a postage stamp and has been the subject of a handful of books, including Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-American cowboys    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Cowboys    8. History    9. Juvenile literature    10. Rodeos    11. United States    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Sports & Recreation    13. Picture books   

Reviews (2)

I found this book in a discount store
(...)The book is amazing. Secrets, violence, love all wound into one book great for teens and adults alike. What disappointed me most about this book, was that when I read it 2 years ago, I found that it was not in print any more! I am glad it is back again. No one should miss out on any book.

Completely wonderful
I found this book in a discount bin and can't for the life of me figure out why.This is one of the most timely and relevant books for urban children that I can think of.This book deals with issues of teen violence, death and family.

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Cousins    5. Family - General    6. Family - Multigenerational    7. Fiction    8. Interpersonal relations    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - African-American    11. Social Issues - General    12. Social Issues - Values    13. Social Situations - General    14. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (1)

A Belly-hum of a story!
It's 1915 and Pap is working on the new subway in New York, keeping him from his family on Christmas.His wife, Mim, and children, Saraleen and Royce, miss him very much, so they make and send him some of the family's traditional holiday recipe - Belly-hum jam.This jam is so good, Pap is able to use it to sweeten the sour attitudes of the foremen, Mr. Mead and Mr. Evans, who send the men home to celebrate with their families.Luckily for us readers, the recipe follows the story.Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Christmas    5. Family - General    6. Family life    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - African-American    11. Transportation - General    12. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation