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Lists and Suggestions for Kids

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http://mppl.org/services/youth-department/good-books/?category=current%20events&list=Black%20History%20Month%20National%20Portrait%20Gallery

List: Black History Month National Portrait Gallery


A photo of The secret garden of George Washington Carver

The secret garden of George Washington Carver

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George's love of nature sprouted into something so much more--his future. Gene Barretta's moving words and Frank Morrison's beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship--a tale that begins in a secret garden.

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A photo of Shirley Chisholm is a verb!

Shirley Chisholm is a verb!

"A picture book biography celebrating the life and contributions of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States"--

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A photo of She was the first! : the trailblazing life of Shirley Chisholm

She was the first! : the trailblazing life of Shirley Chisholm

"A picture biography of educator and politician Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 was the first Black woman elected to Congress and in 1972 was the first Black candidate from a major political party (the Democratic party) to run for the United States presidency. An afterword with additional information, photographs, and source lists are included"--

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A photo of Face of freedom : how the photos of Frederick Douglass celebrated racial equality

Face of freedom : how the photos of Frederick Douglass celebrated racial equality

Also available in Hoopla. Frederick Douglass abolitionist, writer, political activist, reformer has been called the most important African-American of the 1800s. He was also the most photographed American of the 1800s. Douglass, who escaped enslavement to work tirelessly on behalf of his fellow African-Americans, realized the importance of photography in ending slavery and achieving civil rights. The many portraits of Douglass showed the world what freedom and dignity looked like.

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A photo of What's your story, Frederick Douglass?

What's your story, Frederick Douglass?

Also available in Hoopla. How did Frederick Douglas escape from slavery? How did he make a difference during the abolition movement? Cub Reporter interviews the civil rights activist to find out how Frederick, a freed slave, inspired others with his achievements as an author, activist, and speaker. Readers will see how to use interviewing skills and journalistic questions to reveal the story behind a famous American.

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A photo of Frederick Douglass : in his own words

Frederick Douglass : in his own words

Also available in Hoopla. Frederick Douglass's life was so incredible that it took him three autobiographies to tell the whole story. His life as a slave and his daring escape are just two chapters. He was also a famous abolitionist and women's rights supporter. This biography uses Douglass's own writings in describing the key events in his life. Primary source materials shed light on key issues of the Civil War era and beyond. Historical photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes add even more relevant information about the era.

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A photo of Martin's big words : the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin's big words : the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Also available in Overdrive and Hoopla. Illustrated by Bryan Collier Winner of the 2001 NY Times Best Illustrated Children's Book Award, Rappaport weaves her simple and graceful text and the words of Martin Luther King Jr. into a captivating narrative, telling the story of Dr. King's life in a way that is entirely accessible for young readers. A chronology and bibliography offer the resources for exploring his life further, and stunning, full-colour collage art by the 2001 Coretta Scott King Medal winner Bryan Collier offer an unforgettable portrait of a man who helped change the world forever. All ages.

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A photo of Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall

Also available in Hoopla. "Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was a US Supreme Court Justice and important civil rights activist. Born in Baltimore, Marshall faced racial segregation at school, but he worked his way up and earned his law degree from Howard University, where he met Charles Hamilton Houston. He followed Houston to New York to serve the NAACP and argued cases as an attorney. He argued more than thirty-two cases before the Supreme Court-more than anyone else in history. And eventually, he argued against laws that justified Jim Crow segregation-and won. He became the first African American man to serve on the Supreme Court, and he served from 1967-1991.

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A photo of Barack Obama : our 44th president

Barack Obama : our 44th president

Also available in Hoopla. A thorough, illustrated biography discussing the childhood, career family, and election of Barack Obama, forty-fourth president of the United States.

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A photo of Reach higher : an inspiring photo celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama

Reach higher : an inspiring photo celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama

"A collection of striking and intimate photographs of Michelle Obama, coupled with personal reflections and behind-the-scenes stories from official White House photographer and New York Times bestselling author of Chasing Light, Amanda Lucidon, presented in a deluxe format for young readers."--Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Before she was Harriet

Before she was Harriet

Also available in Overdrive and Hoopla. A lush and lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman, written in verse. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.

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A photo of So tall within : Sojourner Truth's long walk toward freedom

So tall within : Sojourner Truth's long walk toward freedom

Also available in Hoopla. A picture-book biography of Sojourner Truth, who "was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. [The book] traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her ... leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans"--Publisher marketing.

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A photo of Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman

Presents information about Harriet Tubman, from her childhood in slavery to brave escape to the North and her work to help others escape slavery.

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A photo of Who was Booker T. Washington?

Who was Booker T. Washington?

African American educator, author, speaker, and advisor to presidents of the United States, Booker Taliaferro Washington was the leading voice of former slaves and their descendants during the late 1800s. As part of the last generation of leaders born into slavery, Booker believed that blacks could better progress in society through education and entrepreneurship, rather than trying to directly challenge the Jim Crow segregation.

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A photo of Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells

Presents the life and accomplishments of the activist, educator, writer, journalist, suffragette, and pioneering voice against the horrors of lynching who set out to better the lives of African-Americans long before the Civil Rights Movement.

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A photo of Malcolm X : get to know the civil rights activist

Malcolm X : get to know the civil rights activist

Also available in Hoopla. "Malcolm X is known as a leader of the civil rights movement. He faced racism, spent time in prison, became a minister, joined the Nation of Islam, left, took a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveled the world, and became a public figure before his assassination. Explore how his words shaped the civil rights movement and the people who called him a leader."--

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A photo of Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm

"A ready-to-read level 3 biography of Shirley Chisholm, who, in 1972 became the first African-American woman to enter the Democratic presidential race in the United States"--

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A photo of A girl named Rosa : the true story of Rosa Parks

A girl named Rosa : the true story of Rosa Parks

The A Girl Named series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary American women. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, but how did she come to be so brave?

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A photo of Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks

Also available in Hoopla. "Rosa Parks is best known as the woman who helped start the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955 to 1956. However, her life story extends far beyond her defiance on that Alabama bus in 1955. Parks was an activist for change and a supporter of equal rights. This book tells her story, both before and after her actions on the bus, and stresses her importance in American history to this day. Using manageable language and vivid photographs, this beginner biography introduces young readers to a notable and important human being."--Publisher's website.

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A photo of Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington

"Simple text and photographs present the life of Booker T. Washington"--

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A photo of Enough! : 20 protesters who changed America

Enough! : 20 protesters who changed America

From Samuel Adams to the students from Parkland, march through history with the heroic revolutionary protesters who changed America. These heroic protesters were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in. They are among the twenty change-makers in this book who used peaceful protests and brave actions to rewrite American history. Includes Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Tommie Smith, Ruby Bridges, and America Ferrera. Information in the back gives additional biographical details on each featured protester.

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A photo of Women win the vote! : 19 for the 19th amendment

Women win the vote! : 19 for the 19th amendment

Also available in Overdrive and Hoopla. "A bold new collection showcasing the trailblazing individuals who fought for women's suffrage, honoring the Nineteenth Amendment's centennial anniversary. Women Win the Vote! maps the road to the Nineteenth Amendment through compact, readable biographies of nineteen women who helped pave the way. From early feminist activist Lucretia Mott to radical twentieth century suffragist Alice Paul, this vibrant collection profiles both iconic figures like Sojourner Truth and those who may be less well-known, like Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Vividly illustrated with an eye-catching design, Women Win the Vote! celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment and the intrepid individuals who broke through barriers and upended tradition to fight for gender equality and the empowerment of future generations"--

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A photo of Game, set, match, champion Arthur Ashe

Game, set, match, champion Arthur Ashe

"A biography of African American tennis champion Arthur Ashe, a pioneering minority athlete known for his character, sportsmanship, and activism in social causes such as civil rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Includes an afterword, author's note, and photographs"--Provided by publisher.

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A photo of Muhammad Ali was a chicken?

Muhammad Ali was a chicken?

From the best-selling author behind My Weird School: a quirky new biography series that casts fresh light on high-interest historic figures. Did you know that Muhammad Ali was so terrified of flying on planes he would bring a parachute? Or that he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Bet you didn't know that he had an official sweat-taster to determine how salty his sweat was after each match! Siblings Paige and Turner do-and they've collected some of the most unusual and surprising facts about the legendary boxer and civil rights activist, from his childhood and the spark of his boxing career through his time as heavyweight champion of the world. Narrated by the two spirited siblings and animated by Allison Steinfeld's upbeat illustrations, Muhammad Ali Was a Chicken! is an authoritative, accessible, and one-of-a-kind biography infused with Dan Gutman's signature zany sense of humo

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A photo of Ella : Queen of Jazz

Ella : Queen of Jazz

The inspiring, true story of how a remarkable friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was born - and how they worked together to overcome prejudice and adversity.

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A photo of Just a lucky so and so : the story of Louis Armstrong

Just a lucky so and so : the story of Louis Armstrong

Also available in Hoopla. "Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in nearly everything else, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it all in, especially the cornet blowing of Joe "King" Oliver. But after a run in with the police, 11-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the school's revered marching band. By the time he returned to his neighborhood, the "King" himself became his mentor and invited Armstrong to play with him in Chicago. Here is a joyful tribute to the virtuoso musician and buoyant personality who introduced much of the world to jazz." -- Amazon.

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A photo of Josephine : the dazzling life of Josephine Baker

Josephine : the dazzling life of Josephine Baker

Also available in Overdrive. A portrait of the passionate performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker, the woman who worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages in the world. Meticulously researched by both author and artist, Josephine's powerful story of struggle and triumph is an inspiration and a spectacle, just like the legend herself.

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A photo of Portraits of African-American heroes

Portraits of African-American heroes

Here, ideal for African-American History Month, is a stunningly beautiful book consisting of portraits-in pictures and words-of twenty outstanding African-Americans. The individuals range from historical to contemporary figures, such as the dancer Judith Jamison, and represent diverse fields of endeavor, from the law (Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall) to athletics, science, and more. For each individual, there is a three-page biography by the noted author Tonya Bolden and a striking black-and-white portrait that captures not only the subject's likeness but is a work of art in itself. A book to inspire, to teach, or to display, with its large trim size and striking design, it is as handsome as it is important.

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A photo of Young, gifted and black : meet 52 black heroes from past and present

Young, gifted and black : meet 52 black heroes from past and present

"Join us on a journey across borders, through time and even through space to meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in a celebration of achievement. Meet figureheads, leaders, and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and sporting heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. Discover how their childhood dreams and experiences influenced their adult achievements. This book will help the next generation to chase their own dream ... whatever it may be"--Publisher.

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A photo of Louis Armstrong : jazz legend

Louis Armstrong : jazz legend

Also available in Hoopla. "Describes the life of Louis Armstrong, focusing on his rise as a pop-culture icon"--Provided by publisher.

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