Yo! Yes! by Chris Raschka In this powerhouse of a book, vibrant, evocative artwork frames the touching story of two boys--one black, one white; one shy, one talkative; one street smart, one bookish--who take a chance on friendship. The artwork lovingly captures the boys' feelings of fear, curiosity, dejection, hope, and ultimately, joy. There are only 34 words, but rarely has dialogue such as "What's up?" "Not much." "Why?" "No fun." "Oh?" packed such an emotional wallop.
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
In this tender story that captures the intimate daily rituals of an African-American mother and daughter, the nightly combing out of tangles in the little girl's hair serves as a metaphor for pride and acceptance in who you are and what you look like. Gently, Mother conjures up wonderful images such as "plant rows of braids . . . , the way we plant seeds in our garden"; or when the little girl wears her hair Afro-style, her hair is compared to the glowing Earth, "like a globe."
You Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker
In the next chapter of this ongoing series, a little girl, now a bit older, tries to teach her baby brother in her confident, can-do manner that he can learn to do things like she did. Presented in pleasant, singsonglike verse--"I can draw and paint and glue/and make a picture of guess who?"--the boy mimics his sister in things like pot-banging, bathing, brushing teeth, straightening up, and sharing. This book is a confidence-builder, and the obvious affection between the two is palpable.
A Kid's Guide to African American History by Nancy I. Sanders This chronological, activity-based book covers the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, from life in Africa to slavery (the brutal details are left out) to emancipation to the civil rights movement to the great achievements and courage of black citizens of yesterday and today. The book includes more than 70 hands-on activities, crafts, songs, stories, and recipes that connect children to African-American heritage. Although geared to school-age kids, the book's activities can be modified for preschoolers.
Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo
A subtly textured introduction to the life and work of the great Harlem Renaissance-era poet Langston Hughes, this book captures the excitement--through verse--of a girl anticipating a visit to the Harlem residence of the legendary writer. Lines such as "Today I'm going to wear/My favorite pink blouse/I'm going with my daddy/To visit Langston's house" evoke the narrator's powerful admiration and affection for this important American poet.
