New and Noteworthy eBooks: June 2020
Posted on behalf of the Children's Materials Selection Committee.
We are dedicated to bringing the best and brightest books to our library collections. For this month, in light of current world events we have expanded our selection to include a wider range of books that are not necessarily recent but still noteworthy. Still more fiction, as well as nonfiction, is available on our Black Lives Matter: Books for Kids list. As our branches are currently only open for curbside pickup, all of the books we are recommending here this month are available as ebooks.
Africville by Shauntay Grant and illustrated by Eva Campbell
The earliest free black community established in North America was Africville. It was settled by black Loyalists, by black soldiers who fought for the British and by freed slaves. Their contribution to our country's history is often overlooked, and the neighbourhood was never developed as other parts of Halifax were. Neglected, it fell victim to "urban renewal" in the 1960s which involved forcible evictions and demolition of the residents' homes and shops. This true story is framed in a fictional tale with beautiful oil and pastel illustrations. Notes for the reader at the end provide valuable information.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Depicting a regular day at school and in the community, these students and teachers welcome everyone – no matter where they come from, or what they look like. All are welcome here!
Aussi disponible en français.
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes
A beautifully illustrated celebration of the colour black, in everyday items as well as subtly through important moments in Black history.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
When there is bad news on the television it is important to look for the helpers. Remember that even doing the smallest kind action can help in a big way.
Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
A boy is teased for looking different. His skin is darker and his hair curlier than his classmates'. He wishes he could look like everyone else, until his mother helps him realize that he is beautiful just the way he is.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
This picture book depicts diverse classmates and the struggles they face because of how they look, what they sound like, and the unfamiliar foods they eat. It encourages children to lift up their voices and tell their stories with pride.
Aussi disponible en français.
Get Up, Stand Up by Cedella Marley and illustrated by John Jay Cabuay
With Bob Marley's famous song as the backdrop for this picture book, children are encouraged to counter injustice and lift each other up with kindness.
Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
A little girl depicts all the ways she lifts her hands up, from stretching in the morning, to reaching for a book on a high shelf, to protesting for important rights.
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins and illustrated by Bryan Collier
A powerful poem empowers black children, encouraging them to dream big and to achieve their goals.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An ode to loving who you are, respecting and being kind to one another.
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown and illustrated by Anoosha Syed
A father and son's relationship is depicted in this inspiring book with a theme of unconditional love.
Freedom Soup by Tami Charles and illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make Freedom Soup – a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This inter-generational story highlights important cultural traditions.
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Each primary colour lives in their own part of the city, thinking that their colour is the best. Until Yellow and Blue meet and fall in love and create a new colour.
Disponible en Español.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammed, with S. K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly
It's the first day of school, and the first day of hijab for Asiya. When a classmate starts to tease Asiya for wearing a hijab, she chooses the high road, making a lasting impact on younger sister Faizah.
Skin Again by Bell Hooks and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Celebrating what makes us unique while talking about race and identity, we discover there is more to us on the inside, and not to judge others on what's external.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Sulwe, whose name means star, does not look like the rest of her family. She is the colour of midnight. Sulwe tries to lighten her skin in order to fit in. But she learns a valuable lesson and finds the light inside of her to shine bright and proud.
We March by Shane W. Evans
On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people marched to the Lincoln Memorial and listened to Martin Luther King Jr's famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Woke Baby by Mahogany L. Browne and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
Wake up and seize a new day of justice and activism! Woke babies raise their fists in the air and cry out for justice.
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