The companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner Stacey's Extraordinary Words, from political leader Stacey Abrams and artist Kitt Thomas.

Stacey’s favorite day of the week is Thursday, when the whole class goes to the library and she gets to lose herself in her beloved books.

On one of these special days, Stacey discovers that a new student named Julie has trouble reading in English, so they begin sharing books and stories to practice. Soon, more students start to join them.

Books take the group on magical adventures and reveal other worlds and cultures—but best of all, they bring them together as friends.

This is another inspiring tale, based on a true story from Stacey Abrams’s childhood, about the life-changing power of books.

From the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born comes the inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden in this picture book biography of the celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor.

When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.

Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.

Gene Barretta’s moving words and Frank Morrison’s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to a lasting story about triumph over hardship—a tale that begins in a secret garden.

Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to platanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman and illustrated by Sara Palacios.

Platanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes. 

Stop by her apartment and find out why platanos go with everything—especially love!

___

Los plátanos son la comida favorita de Yesenia. Pueden ser dulces y azucarados o salados y sabrosos. Y son parte de casi todas las comidas que prepara su familia dominicana.

Pasa por su apartamento y descubre por qué los plátanos van con todo, ¡especialmente con el amor!

An affecting picture book from beloved author Tameka Fryer Brown and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) that challenges the meaning behind the still-waving Confederate flag through the friendship of two young girls who live across the street from one another.

Bianca is Keira’s best friend. At school, they are inseparable. But Keira questions their friendship when she learns more about the meaning of the Confederate flag hanging from Bianca’s front porch. Will the two friends be able to overlook their distinct understandings of the flag? Or will they reckon with the flag’s effect on yesterday and today?

In That Flag, Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith graciously tackle the issues of racism, the value of friendship, and the importance of understanding history so that we move forward together in a thought-provoking, stirring, yet ultimately tender tale.

Back matter on the history of the Confederate flag and notes from the creators are included. 

This stunning, poetic picture book shows how one little girl’s careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family.

Before her grandchildren climbed the towering tree,

explored its secret nests,

                       raced to its sturdy trunk,

                                   read in its cool shade,

                       or made pies with its pecans . . .

Nell buried a seed.

And just as, with Nell’s love and care, her tree grows and thrives—so do generations of her close-knit family.

Inspired by the pecan trees of her own childhood, Anne Wynter’s lyrical picture book, brought to life with gorgeous illustrations by Daniel Miyares, brims with wonder and love.

Acclaimed artist Shadra Strickland makes her author/illustrator debut in a joyful picture book celebrating a community at play.

It’s a sunny spring day, and the tic tac tic tac of jump ropes hitting the ground floats through the wind.
Jump in!
Everyone lines up for a turn at double dutch. The Delancy twins, double dutch divas. Leroy Jones with the hip-hop tricks. Even Ms. Mabel, showing the youngstas how it’s done.
And after a day of fun, when the street lights start to flicker, it’s time to . . . jump out!
With gate folds that reveal hidden surprises, a bold graphic style, and an exuberance that leaps off the page, this energetic picture book will make readers of all ages get up on their feet!

In this fascinating picture book biography of the late global icon Muhammad Ali, author Gene Barretta and Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison tell the unforgettable childhood story of this legendary boxing champion and how one pivotal moment set him on his path to become the Greatest of All Time.

The Louisville Lip.

The Greatest.

The People’s Champion.

Muhammad Ali had many nicknames. He earned them through his success in the boxing ring and his courage outside of it. But before he became one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Before the nicknames, and the championships. Before he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, he was twelve-year-old Cassius Clay riding a brand-new red-and-white bicycle through the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. One fateful day, this proud and bold young boy had that bike stolen, his prized possession, and he wouldn’t let it go. Not without a fight.

This would be the day he discovered boxing. Cassius’s path became clear, and a champion was born in the basement gym run by a local police officer.

Author Gene Barretta and illustrator Frank Morrison deliver the knockout story of how Muhammad Ali began his ride to greatness through lively text and stunning illustrations. It is a tale about the triumphs of one man’s resilience and determination—and the lasting legacy he left behind.

From NBA All-Star Chris Paul comes an inspirational picture book for fans of I Promise about chasing your dreams and the lessons he learned both on and off the court from his beloved grandfather Papa Chilly.

Growing up, Chris Paul dreamed of playing pro basketball. But he knew it would take more than dedication, so Chris looked to his grandfather Papa Chilly as a shining example of the values he could apply both in basketball and in life. Papa taught him about respect, faith, kindness, and the determination to succeed, just as Papa had succeeded as the first Black owner of a service station in North Carolina. Serving as a beacon of inspiration, Papa Chilly and his lessons propelled Chris to become the star NBA player—and person—he is today. Basketball Dreams, which is beautifully illustrated by Courtney Lovett, shows us that dreams really can come true, especially when we have amazing role models to help guide us. Perfect for fans of I Am Perfectly Designed, Flying High, and I Promise.

#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history.

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people's struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

With stunning mixed-media illustrations by newcomer Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling.

This inspirational picture book biography, a collaboration between two Coretta Scott King Honor winners, tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice on the Supreme Court. Now available in paperback.

Growing up in segregated Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall saw that things weren’t fair. Laws said Black and white people couldn’t attend the same schools, play in the same parks, or even drink from the same water fountains. When he was assigned to read the Constitution as a school punishment, his eyes were opened. Thurgood knew that Jim Crow laws were wrong, and he was willing to do whatever it took to change them.

His determination to fight for equality for all Americans led him to law school and then to the NAACP, where he argued cases like Brown v. Board of Education before being appointed as a Supreme Court justice. But to get to the highest court in the land, Thurgood had to make space for himself every step of the way.

Coretta Scott King Honor winners Kekla Magoon and Laura Freeman unite to tell the incredible story of the first Black Supreme Court justice, who was a remarkable fighter for civil rights and equality throughout his life.

This joyously affirming picture book follows a young boy throughout his day as he plays, paints, and bakes, making positive associations with the color of his skin.

To Benny, brown is more than just a color. Brown is his Gram’s coffee and his Gramp’s morning kiss. Brown is the wooden spoon he uses for mixing and baking. It’s the ground that grows the tomatoes he loves and it’s the log he plays on. Brown is the fuzzy blanket he takes to his room at the end of the day. Brown is him and brown is love.
 
In tender, lyrical text and warmly exuberant illustrations, What Does Brown Mean to You? celebrates all the brilliant and beautiful shades of brown, encouraging children to explore and see the beauty of their skin reflected in their families, communities, and the world around them.

*ships in 7-10 business days

The bestselling illustrator of I Am Enough brings to life the story of a boy whose mirror gives him a whole new way of seeing himself.

Chris loves his long, curly hair, so why do his classmates tease him about it? When he looks for answers in his mirror, something wonderfully wild and weird happens: a lady appears with wise words that make him feel like a king! But when he starts acting like a king at school, it’s time for another visit to the mirror. 
 
Marchánt Davis’s uplifting picture book debut encourages us all to look beyond hairstyles—reminding us that styles come and go—and to celebrate one another for who we are. #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo’s stunning art brings Chris and his mirror to vibrant life.

Get ready to swing with A Child’s Introduction to Jazz, an interactive journey into one of the richest and most soulful music genres in the world. Listen while you learn with QR codes that will connect you to the instruments and musical flair of jazz. 

Welcome to jazz! Feel the music and rhythms of all the different styles of jazz, from swing and Dixieland to the blues and bebop, with this interactive introduction to the world’s coolest music.

Author Jabari Asim will take you on the journey through the history of jazz as you discover the most important musicians and singers while hearing some really cool sounds. You’ll learn all about the roots of jazz in Africa and New Orleans and how the music traveled to different parts of the United States and around the world. Along the way you’ll meet legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong, who shaped a new form of jazz called improvisation; pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, who helped create the big band sound of the swing era; and the singer Billie Holiday, whose songs such as “God Bless the Child,” “Don’t Explain,” and “Lady Sings the Blues” have become jazz standards.

Listen along to the sounds of jazz by downloading music and hearing instruments such as trumpets, clarinets, trombones, and even singers scatting as they improvise melodies. With a pull-out poster showing the different instruments of jazz, A Child’s Introduction to Jazz hits the perfect beat and will have you bebopping and scatting in no time!

A day-of-the-week picture book about a young boy and his parents who ride the taxi-bus service—called a tap tap—in Haiti, and the fascinating people they meet along the way, illustrated by a Haitian artist known for his vibrant street art.

On Monday through Saturday, Claude and Mama walk Papa to the tap tap. Along the way Claude encounters a lady selling mangoes, a fisherman, a straw-hat maker, a steel drummer, and an artist. Claude wants to join Papa on the bus, but Claude has chores at home and classes at school. Finally, on Sunday Mama and Papa surprise Claude with a ride on the tap tap and they ride to the beach where the lady selling mangoes, the fisherman, the straw-hat maker, the steel drummer, and the artist show Claude how to paint, make hats, and fish. With Creole words sprinkled throughout and a glossary at the end, I Want to Ride the Tap Tap is a warm and lively portrayal of everyday life in Haiti.

*ships/available for pickup in 7-10 business days

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the world's first black heavyweight champion, the charismatic Jack "Black Jack" Johnson.

Born as Arthur John Johnson in the southern state of Texas, Jack Johnson was one of the most renowned boxers of the twentieth century. Through hard work and persistence, he climbed the ranks, taking a swing and a jab and eventually busting the color barrier. As the first Black man to win the Heavyweight Championship, there was more than a title on the line.

Published to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this history-making bout (July 4, 1910). This is an extraordinary marriage of poetry, fabulous collage artwork, and a splendid achievement in its own right.

In this picture book from Doyin Richards, a dog describes what it’s like to go on walks with his Black owner and wishes that people would see his human as he does: with love.

Biscuit the dog is adopted from the shelter and loves his new home and his new human family. The dad, especially, takes good care of Biscuit and is the person who walks him the most.

But Biscuit soon realizes that not everyone shares his feelings about his human. His human is Black, and some people in the neighborhood are scared by that. Some people hold their purses closer, or tighten their grip on their children’s hands.

With honest, age-appropriate storytelling, Doyin Richards starts a conversation about racism that is more important than ever. Here is a book that should be in every home, school, and library as a reminder that everyone matters.

A new edition for a new world of one of literary legend Toni Morrison’s first picture books with her son, Slade Morrison. With an afterword by the inimitable Jewell Parker Rhodes.

"This is a book about mean people. Some mean people are big. Some little people are mean." 
 
In Toni Morrison's second illustrated book collaboration with her son Slade, she offers a humorous and insightful look at how children experience meanness and anger in our world. The Morrisons recognized that the world and its language can be confusing to young people. To a child, meanness can have many shapes, sizes, and sounds. The wise young narrator shows that meanness can be a whisper or a shout, a smile or a frown as the list of mean people grows to include parents, siblings, and bullies of several varieties. 
 
Today’s young readers certainly know about meanness and will feel satisfied by having their perspective championed in The Book of Mean People as well as heartened by the book’s message of embracing optimism, kindness, and joy despite any meanness they encounter. And adult readers will no doubt recognize some of these situations from their own life. 
 
With whimsical yet sophisticated art by bestselling illustrator Pascal Lemaitre, The Book of Mean People is as relevant today as it was when it was originally published 20 years ago. 
 
Features a new cover and back matter that includes an afterword by bestselling and critically acclaimed author Jewell Parker Rhodes.

A super-cool graphic picture book about a boy learning how to control his temper, by bestselling author Derrick Barnes.

Bobby Beacon’s got fire flowing through his veins. And now he’s psyched to attend a new school that’ll help him get a better grip on his powers. But right off the bat, his new teacher is not too welcoming. That causes Bobby’s hot temper to land him in the principal’s office. It ain’t easy to stay calm when people don’t seem to understand you and are always pushing you to the edge. Good thing Bobby gets moved to a class with an understanding teacher who clues him in on ways to calm himself and shows him that caring for others is its own kind of superpower. With her help—and some cool new friends—he just might be on his way to becoming the best version of himself possible.

This listing is for our upcoming school visit at the Imani School on October 13, 2022.

Dear boy, Black boy, I believe in you so.

Let's start your story—ready, set, go.

From athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick to musician Sam Cooke, inventor Elijah McCoy to writer Chinua Achebe, there are so many inspirational men in Black history. Imagine what you can be and the great things you can do with the strength of people throughout history that have paved the way for Black boys.

This inspiring, lyrical picture book combines an uplifting, motivational text with references to wonderful figures throughout history. The combination is both encouraging and educational, prompting boys to imagine what they can be and the great things they can do in their own lives.

Change is all around, but it can be overwhelming! Explore how change exists everywhere in a way that is natural, and even beautiful, in this vibrantly illustrated book with fun rhyming couplets, for children ages 3 to 7.

The moon is full, but then it’s gone,
chased away by the dawn.
Stars that shine all through the night
disappear in morning’s light.
 
Everything changes, night to day. 
Everything changes, and that’s OK. 
  
From an apple seed growing into a brilliant tree to a child watching a family member grow old, this book offers a thoughtful look at why change doesn’t always have to be negative and can instead be observed with appreciation. It poetically presents a story that prompts kids to recognize and adapt to the change they see in their daily lives. 

This beautiful exploration of impermanence is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that explore every corner of the world, from rolling fields in Tibet to the cozy, fireplace-lit living room of a family member's home. The illustrations remind children that everything changes no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and that's all right.

Head on safari to the grasslands of Africa to study African elephants in this beautiful nonfiction field guide for kids.

You might know that African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, but there’s so much more to learn about these tusked creatures. Turn the pages to find out why the grandmother is in charge of an elephant family, and why big ears help elephants cool down! Meet a baby elephant as it takes its first steps, and discover how to tell the difference between an African elephant and an Asian elephant. The book also looks at the conservation challenges these iconic animals face due to climate change and ivory poaching.

*ships in 7-10 business days

Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator Charlot Kristensen.

The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesaddle on her motorbike machine.

In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycle and headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Black woman at the time. Paying her way by winning motorcycle races, she criss-crossed the country through small towns, big cities, and wide open spaces.

But not everyone was happy to see Bessie's brown face peeking out from underneath her helmet. And more than once, Bessie found herself making some quick exits on the back of her bike to escape Jim Crow. A trailblazer in the world of women's racing and motorcycling, Bessie Stringfield was a figure who will inspire all children to pursue their dreams.

From the first line, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr.’s poetry evokes emotion, excitement, fear, and wonder in equal measures. Charlot Kristensen portrays Bessie and the American landscape with vivid imagery that is sure to capture the attention of young readers.

A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for future generations, for fans of The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson and My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña.

Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!

Tyson is the youngest-smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it's Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring Black characters and an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math.

The Storytelling Math series shows that all children can be mathematical thinkers. Each book includes ideas for exploring math at home with your children and was developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.

A gorgeously illustrated picture book that is a powerful love letter to chosen families and the village that raises us. A young girls basks in the love of her community--which includes not only her mother but the many different women who make up her world.

Home can be a blue house with white trim you share with your mama. But it can be bigger than that, with lots of Big Mamas to take care of you when your mom works--different houses for every day of the week. Like Nurse Louella, who'll take you bike riding in the airport parking lot every Monday. Or Miss Henry and her lady friend, who teach you how to catch fish on Friday afternoons. Or Tuesdays with Miss Zikora, eating delicious fufu with your fingers. No matter where you are, as long as you are with your Big Mamas, you are home.
    This beautiful book from Pushcart Prize-winning author Shay Youngblood and popular illustrator Lo Harris that celebrates the wider meaning of family is one to treasure.

From an award-winning author and critically acclaimed artist comes a stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual "Standing in the Need of Prayer." The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

This inspirational book encapsulates African American history and invites conversations at all levels. Carole Boston Weatherford’s riveting text and Frank Morrison’s evocative and detailed paintings are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow.
 
Starting from 1619 and stretching more than four hundred years, this book features such pivotal moments in history as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia; Nat Turner's rebellion; the integration of the US military; the Selma to Montgomery marches; and peaceful present-day protests. It also celebrates the feats of African American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner.
 
At the end of the book, readers will find descriptions of the people, places, and events that are featured, along with a note from Carole Boston Weatherford.
 
Visually stunning and incredibly timely, this book reckons with a painful history while serving as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Its universal message of faith, strength, and resilience will resonate with readers of all ages.

Set over a 24-hour period, meet sparring snow leopards, sprinting cheetahs, and slumbering jaguars in this kids’ nonfiction book about the biggest cats on Earth.

Follow the lives of individual big cats as they roar, hunt, fight, and play their way through the day. Wildlife expert Tyus D. Williams cleverly weaves the story from leopard to mountain lion in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations perfect for future zoologists. Witness incredible moments including:

• A panther hunting a crocodile
• Cheetah cubs play fighting
• A battle between lionesses and hyenas

Packed with animal facts, Big Cats (A Day in the Life) is one of the first titles in an exciting new series of animal books from Neon Squid.

Also available: Bugs (A Day in the Life)

Meet deadly tiger sharks, baby lemon sharks, and gigantic basking sharks in this kids’ science book about the coolest predators in the ocean.

Follow the lives of individual sharks as they hunt, hide, and play their way through their day, from gargantuan whale sharks to tiny epaulette sharks (who hunt in rock pools!). Witness:

• A great white shark escaping a pod of orcas
• A giant hammerhead hunting stingrays
• A nurse shark asleep in a coral reef

Packed with animal facts, Sharks (A Day in the Life) encourages kids to look at sharks in a new light—not just fearsome hunters but endangered animals who play a key role in the ocean’s ecosystem.

Also available: Bugs (A Day in the Life) and Big Cats (A Day in the Life)

Set over a 24-hour period, meet busy honey bees, transforming caterpillars, and an army of leafcutter ants in this kids’ nonfiction book about the coolest insects on Earth.

Follow bugs as they fly, hunt, hide, and scuttle their way through their day. Bug expert Dr. Jessica L. Ware introduces insects in the style of a nature documentary, with simple science explanations perfect for future zoologists. Witness incredible moments including:

• A dragonfly escaping a hungry frog
• A shield bug looking after her newly-hatched babies
• A gigantic comet moth with superpowered wings

Packed with animal facts, Bugs (A Day in the Life) is part of an exciting new series of animal books from Neon Squid.

Also available: Big Cats (A Day in the Life)