Nelson, K. (2013). Nelson Mandela. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN:978-0061783746.
Plot Summary
Nelson Mandela grew up in South Africa and was the smartest child out of his thirteen brothers and sisters. When Nelson’s father died he was sent away to live with a powerful chief so that he could continue his schooling. Nelson was then surrounded by powerful men and learned about the history and politics of South Africa. This inspired Nelson to view the world around him more clearly and to fight for the injustices that he saw. Nelson became a lawyer and continued his fight to right the wrongs around him. Eventually Nelson became wanted by the government and later was sent to prison. When Nelson was finally freed he became the first black president of South Africa.
Anaylasis
This beautifully written biography of Nelson Mandela is written in free verse. The story uses African language such as the rallying cry of “Amandia!” and “Ngawethu!” which is the South African version of “power to the people”. Also referenced are the various tribes that live in the region such as Thembu, Pondo, Xhosa, and Zulu. This story gives young readers a peek at Nelson’s life, what apartheid is, and how it affected the people of South Africa. Nelson fought for change and is an inspirational person for young readers to learn about. The illustrations are breathtaking and add life to the biography. The cover is a full page portrait of Nelson and is undisturbed by the title and author which was moved to the back cover. The title page uses the colors of the South African flag to add to the culture of the story. Also included in the back of the book is an Author’s note with more facts about Nelson’s life. This inspirational story is a perfect addition to any library.
Reviews
“A beautifully designed book that will resonate with children and the adults who wisely share it with them.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An extremely powerful picture-book biography of South Africa’s first black president. It’s a solid biography in its own right, but thanks to Nelson’s characteristically stunning paintings, it soars.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A dramatic encounter indeed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This picture-book biography matches Mandela’s outsize achievements with large, powerful images, resulting in a presentation that will seize and hold readers’ attention.” — School Library Journal
Connections
Coretta Scott King Honor Award
Other books by Kadir Nelson include: If You Plant a Seed, Baby Bear, and Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans.
Pinkney, A.D. (2010). Sit-In How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. Little, Brown
and Company. ISBN: 9780316070164.
Plot Summary
This story tells of four courageous boys who use peace to stand up for their rights. David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell sit politely at the Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, North Carolina and wait to be served. Segregation laws make it impossible for them to eat at the counter and they are refused service. The young men use the words of Dr. King to give them the strength to stand up for what is right. Eventually others join their cause both black and white, fighting for equal rights. This act helped to fuel the Civil Rights movement which led to the end of segregation.
Analysis
This picture book is written in free verse and tells the story of the historic sit-in protest to integrate the Woolworth’s lunch counter. Beautifully written with Dr. King quotes sprinkled throughout. The author also uses bolded text to highlight important quotes and phrases throughout the story. A recipe metaphor is used to describe the protestors recipe for integration. The stunning illustrations are done in watercolor with black line drawings completing the scenes. The theme of the story is about standing up and doing what is right, peacefully. The students never used violence even though violence was used on them. The characters in the story are African American and their culture is represented through the story of fighting for their right to be treated equally. Also included in the back of the book is a Civil Rights timeline which gives facts about the Civil Rights movement. There is also “A Final Helping” section which goes along with the recipe metaphor and discusses other Civil Rights activists and more about the author's thoughts on the movement and writing this story.
Reviews
School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 3–6—Through effectively chosen words, Andrea Pinkney brings understanding and meaning to what four black college students accomplished on February 1, 1960, by sitting down at a Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Her repeated phrase, "Their order was simple. A doughnut and coffee with cream on the side," along with other food metaphors, effectively emphasizes the men's determination to undo the injustices of segregation in a peaceful protest, which eventually led up to the 1966 Supreme Court ruling against racial discrimination. With swirling swabs of color that masterfully intertwine with sometimes thin, sometimes thick lines, Brian Pinkney cleverly centers the action and brings immediacy to the pages. Both the words and the art offer many opportunities for discussion. The book concludes with a civil rights time line and an update on the aftermath of the lunch-counter struggle.—Barbara Elleman
Connections
Other books by Andrea Davis Pinkney include: The Red Pencil, Bright, Brown Baby, and Bird in a Box.
Thomas, Angie. (2021). Concrete Rose. Balzer and Bray. ISBN: 978-0062846716
Plot Summary
Maverick Carter is trying his best to be a real man and take care of his family while his father is away in prison. Maverick runs with the same gang his father ran with called the King Lords which only makes his life more complicated. Especially because he just found out that he is a father and he has not only his mother depending on him but his son Seven as well. Maverick has to decide between going straight or selling drugs to provide for his family. Also, there is finishing high school and his relationship with Lisa, his girlfriend, which has its own problems that he must deal with. Then the unthinkable happens, a tragedy that hits too close to home. Maverick teeters between right and wrong and really learns what it means to be a father and take care of your family.
Analysis
This story is the prequel to The Hate U Give and is the coming of age story of Maverick. The characters in this story are black and the readers get a glimpse into the black culture. This is noted with the language/dialect that is used and also references to family culture and the daily life of a person who is black. There are also references to music such as Tupac as well as references to hairstyles and the complexity to care for black hair. The author also notes how black people are treated by the police, Maverick talks about how his parents taught him what to do when pulled over and how to not stay out too late when not in their neighborhood. The character of Maverick is complex and real, helping his mother with the bills, taking care of one child and another on the way. He takes you through the daily struggle of trying to make the right choices but the odds are always stacked against you. Readers will empathize with Maverick’s struggle and his story will open the door to conversations about race and compassion for others. This novel is a powerful story and a much needed addition to every library.
Reviews
“Thomas brings her trademark wit, nostalgic love of the 1990s and all things R&B and hip-hop, and her penchant for heartfelt characterization to this first-person exploration of Maverick Carter’s coming-of-age.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This is the perfect example of a narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the courage to make your own choices…. Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Authentic to the point of heartbreak, Maverick’s voice is earnest as he wrestles with his decisions. Fans of Thomas’s work will not be disappointed in this intense portrayal of this phase in the Carter family’s story." — Horn Book (starred review)
Connections
Other books by Angie Thomas include: The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Black Out.
Grimes, N. (1999). My Man Blue. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269.
Lagarrigue, Jerome. 1999. My Man Blue by Nikki Grimes. Dial. ISBN: 978-0803723269.
Plot Summary
This beautifully written collection of poems tells about a boy and a man named Blue. Blue is his mother’s old friend but Damon isn’t sure about Blue. Blue wears sunglasses day and night and looks like a heavyweight boxing machine. Over time Blue becomes a steady influence in Damon’s life. Blue lost his son to the streets and wants to ensure that he doesn’t lose Damon too. Blue spends time with Damon and teaches him how to be a strong person and to do what is right. Damon knows that he always has Blue in his corner.
Analysis
The story of Damon and Blue is told in 14 individual poems. The characters in this book are black and portray the black inner city culture. This is shown in the references to the gold teeth, style of dress, and the illustrations of the inner city. The author also tells how Blue lost his son to “the streets” and how he wants to protect Damon since he was too late for his son. Damon also talks about a shooting at his school and the daily fear that he lives with. The overall story in these poems is the bond that Damon and Blue develop and how Blue keeps him safe and teaches him to be his own person. The vibrant illustrations are done in acrylic paintings. They are softly blurred and depict the grittiness of city living. This book is a perfect addition to any library.
Reviews
This against-the-odds book from Grimes (Jazmin's Notebook, 1998, etc.) tells of an African-American boy living in a neighborhood that cuts him no slack, and the man who helps keep his feet grounded and his self-esteem steady against the occasional buffeting of his peers. Damon and his mother have just moved to a new apartment when an old friend of the mother's introduces himself: Blue, a rather steely character wrapped in shades and enigma. Damon (who has just lost his father) is wary of Blue; he gives the man a chance only when it becomes evident that Blue is not about to move in on Damon's home turf. Blue (who ``had'' a son, now lost to the streets or worse) offers advice of haiku-like simplicity, teaching Damon to be his own man: anger is a dangerous waste, fear useless unless subverted, men don't hit women. Grimes gets across more subtle life lessons as well in both rhymed and unrhymed verse, on the dignity of work, and the sheer physical pleasure of sport when competition isn't the sole motivating factor. It is a story of a boy who is old for his age, but not callousand perhaps saved from callousness by Blue. Lagarrigue's illustrations are brooding gardens of color that hold the forces of disorder and menace at bay, while Damon's cool earnestnessas well as his courage and independencebrighten each page. Kirkus Reviews
A great picture book for older readers. -- Booklist, starred review
Heartfelt poems and deeply-hued paintings -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
Connections
Other books by Nikki Grimes include: Words with Wings, Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems, and Ordinary Hazards.
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