An inspiring source of creativity for all readers.
An exploration of Black joy through the eyes of a myriad of changemakers from around the world.
Organized by month, the book pairs relevant holidays with entries from Black comedians, athletes, activists, musicians, and others. The contributors discuss what’s inspired them along the way and offer opportunities for readers to engage with these topics. For International Day of Choreography, artistic director Davalois Fearon describes how her love of dance helps her connect to her ancestors, while for Mother Language Day, linguist John McWhorter reminisces about the first time he heard a language other than English; for the Autumn Equinox, chef Andi Oliver includes a recipe for spiced squash and caramelized red onion skirlie. Readers also get glimpses into a variety of other passions, including wheelchair racing, beekeeping, and chess. Although the page spreads are busy, text and illustrations complement each other effectively; the bright palette and energetic visuals are a strong match for the passionate, upbeat writing. The information is clearly conveyed. Young people will be inspired to seek out their own passions. Throughout, themes such as forging connection, learning to appreciate the world, and realizing that nothing is too minor to be celebrated come through clearly. This compendium is perfect for parents and educators looking for fun ways to ignite the imagination, recognize Black achievements, and spotlight lesser-known holidays.
An inspiring source of creativity for all readers. (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
ISBN: 9781419767784
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Magic Cat
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share.
A multiaward–winning author recalls her childhood and the joy of becoming a writer.
Writing in free verse, Woodson starts with her 1963 birth in Ohio during the civil rights movement, when America is “a country caught / / between Black and White.” But while evoking names such as Malcolm, Martin, James, Rosa and Ruby, her story is also one of family: her father’s people in Ohio and her mother’s people in South Carolina. Moving south to live with her maternal grandmother, she is in a world of sweet peas and collards, getting her hair straightened and avoiding segregated stores with her grandmother. As the writer inside slowly grows, she listens to family stories and fills her days and evenings as a Jehovah’s Witness, activities that continue after a move to Brooklyn to reunite with her mother. The gift of a composition notebook, the experience of reading John Steptoe’s Stevieand Langston Hughes’ poetry, and seeing letters turn into words and words into thoughts all reinforce her conviction that “[W]ords are my brilliance.” Woodson cherishes her memories and shares them with a graceful lyricism; her lovingly wrought vignettes of country and city streets will linger long after the page is turned.
For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share. (Memoir/poetry. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-399-25251-8
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2014
Though a bit loose around the edges, a charmer nevertheless.
Tales of a fourth grade ne’er-do-well.
It seems that young Jordan is stuck in a never-ending string of bad luck. Sure, no one’s perfect (except maybe goody-two-shoes William Feranek), but Jordan can’t seem to keep his attention focused on the task at hand. Try as he may, things always go a bit sideways, much to his educators’ chagrin. But Jordan promises himself that fourth grade will be different. As the year unfolds, it does prove to be different, but in a way Jordan couldn’t possibly have predicted. This humorous memoir perfectly captures the square-peg-in-a-round-hole feeling many kids feel and effectively heightens that feeling with comic situations and a splendid villain. Jordan’s teacher, Mrs. Fisher, makes an excellent foil, and the book’s 1970s setting allows for her cruelty to go beyond anything most contemporary readers could expect. Unfortunately, the story begins to run out of steam once Mrs. Fisher exits. Recollections spiral, losing their focus and leading to a more “then this happened” and less cause-and-effect structure. The anecdotes are all amusing and Jordan is an endearing protagonist, but the book comes dangerously close to wearing out its welcome with sheer repetitiveness. Thankfully, it ends on a high note, one pleasant and hopeful enough that readers will overlook some of the shabbier qualities. Jordan is White and Jewish while there is some diversity among his classmates; Mrs. Fisher is White.
Though a bit loose around the edges, a charmer nevertheless. (Memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-338-64723-5
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2020
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