R. Gregory Christie

Formerly enslaved in the 19th century, Bass Reeves escaped Texas and lived with Indians. It was in Indian Territory that he gained the skills he most needed when he became a lawman, known for his talent and integrity. Lively language and stylized illustrations provide a memorable portrait of this real western hero.

Garang is eight years old when war comes to his village in southern Sudan. He soon joins the thousands of other boys who must flee their country by walking hundreds of miles to Ethiopia and then Kenya. Along the way, the boys care for each other and help each other survive the hardships of famine, drought, and war. Based on the true stories of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Mary Williams and R. Gregory Christie have brought a powerful and unforgettable story to young readers.

Join the rhythmic countdown to Sunday afternoon, the one time when enslaved Africans in 19^th century Louisiana could relax in what became known as New Orleans’ Congo Square. Vibrant paintings, reminiscent of Jacob Lawrence, further enliven the portrait of people as they toiled daily, culminating on Sunday. An introduction provides historical insight and perspective of this little known part of American history.

A former slave and sharecropper Bill Traylor moved to the city after his wife’s death. Though he stored up memories of farm life and family, Traylor only began creating art in his 80s when he was homeless. Another artist, Charles Shannon, championed Traylor’s work. Traylor is now considered among the most significant of self-taught folk artists.

When brother’s hands tap, sister’s hands clap and “Itty-bitty Baby’s hands CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!” The entire family gets involved in the music and movement — until that tired baby “sleeps deep, deep, deep.” Words and pictures swirl and swoop all over the pages of this energetic, musical family jaunt.

This poetic tribute to Langston Hughes introduces the poet and the time in which he lived and worked. An author’s note provides information about Hughes’ life and will likely generate interest in Hughes’ poetry. Stylized illustrations complement this unique story.

Self-confident, cheerful, and bright but friendless, Dyamond is the newest kid in Mrs. Cordell’s 3rd grade. That is, until a grumpy boy named Free moves to town — and a friendship begins. Lively, believable, and likeable characters introduce this new heroine.

Product Description: Richard Wright and the Library Card shares a poignant turning point in the life of a young man who became one of this country’s most brilliant writers, the author of Native Son and Black Boy. As a young black man in the segregated South of the 1920s, Wright was hungry to explore new worlds through books, but was forbidden from borrowing them from the library. This touching account tells of his love of reading, and how his unwavering perseverance, along with the help of a co-worker, came together to make Richard’s dream a reality. Also available in Spanish.

Once there was a little girl with a big guitar from Cotton Plant, Arkansas, who would grow up to be an unconventional musician with a major influence on icons including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The narration evokes Rosetta’s musicality and is effectively complemented by expressive paintings. Additional information is included.

Before there was Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash, there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The godmother of rock & roll started as a little girl from Arkansas with music in her air, in her hair, in her bones, wiggling her toes. With a big guitar in hand and a big voice in her soul, she grew into a rock & roll trailblazer in a time when women were rarely seen rocking out. Includes a timeline of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s life, author’s note, and a list of sources.

How young Cassius Clay came to be a world class boxer known as Muhammed Ali is revealed in accessible language and handsome, semi-abstract illustrations. This volume also includes resources and notes.