African Americans and the ArtsLike this list

21 items

• A Library

  Giovanni, Nikki,

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  This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.

• Nina

  a Story of Nina Simone

  Todd, Traci N,

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  A biography of Nina Simone, an acclaimed singer whose music gave voice to the struggle for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement.

• Harlem's Little Blackbird

  the Story of Florence Mills

  Watson, Renee,

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  Featuring a moving text and colorful illustrations, Harlem's Little Blackbird is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams.

• Stitch by Stitch

  Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom

  Schofield-Morrison, Connie,

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  A talented seamstress, born enslaved in 1818, bought freedom for herself and her son.

• Trombone Shorty

  Andrews, Troy,

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  A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.

• The 5 O'clock Band

  Andrews, Troy,

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  After letting his band down by missing rehearsal, Shorty has some serious questions about what it means to be a leader so he hits the New Orleans streets to find some answers.

• Radiant Child

  the Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

  Steptoe, Javaka, 1971-

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  Award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message and art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful.

• Firebird

  Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird

  Copeland, Misty

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  American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be graceful when she was starting out, and that some day, with practice…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce!

  the Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce

  Lee, Chiquita Mullins,

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  Based on the true story of artist Elijah Pierce and his community barbershop, this picture book biography is a new and engaging offering on a hidden figure in Black art history.

• Alma's Art

  Ahmed, Roda, 1981-

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  Almas Art is inspired by the little-known African American painter Alma Woodsey Thomas, the treasured expressionist who made her national debut in the art world at age 80.

• We Can

  Portraits of Power

  Gordon, Tyler,

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  Here is a debut picture book by partially deaf prodigy Tyler Gordon, featuring his bold paintings of over 30 icons--musicians, artists, writers, civils rights leaders, sports legends, change-makers, record-setters, and more--alongside short…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• There Was a Party for Langston

  Reynolds, Jason,

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  A celebration of Langston Hughes and African American authors he inspired, told through the lens of the party held at the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 1991.

• Bunheads

  Copeland, Misty,

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  A young Misty Copeland discovers her love for dance through the ballet of Coppélia.

• Nighttime Symphony

  Timbaland, 1972-

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  Baby falls asleep to a thunderstorm in the city, where all of the sounds blend together into a lullaby.

• This Jazz Man

  Ehrhardt, Karen

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  Presents an introduction to jazz music and nine well-known jazz musicians, set to the rhythm of the traditional song, "This Old Man." Includes brief facts about each musician.

• My People

  Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967

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  Acclaimed photographer Smith interprets this beloved poem in vivid sepia photographs that capture the glory, the beauty, and the soul of being a black American today.

• That Is My Dream!

  a Picture Book of Langston Hughes's "Dream Variation"

  Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967,

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  Dream Variation," one of Langston Hughes's most celebrated poems, about the dream of a world free of discrimination and racial prejudice, is now a picture book stunningly illustrated by Daniel Miyares.

• I, Too, Sing America

  Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967,

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  Langston Hughes's inspirational poem I, too is one of America's most famous. This board book introduces children to Langston Hughes' powerful declaration of resilience and hope to young readers.

• A Child's Introduction to Jazz

  the Musicians, Culture, and Roots of the World's Coolest Music

  Asim, Jabari, 1962-

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  Explores the rich history of jazz music, including profiles of famous musicians. The book includes downloadable links throughout, to allow kids to listen along to the instruments and musical flair of jazz

• R-E-S-P-E-C-T

  Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

  Weatherford, Carole Boston, 1956-

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  there was even more to Aretha than being a singer, songwriter, and pianist: she was an activist, too. Her song "Respect" was an anthem for people fighting for civil rights and women's rights. With words that sing and art that shines, this vibrant…Read moreRead more of this annotation