First Published African American Poet (1798-1884)

“A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action.” ―Publishers Weekly

The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it is up to him to help others along the journey―and also lead his family’s escape. This powerful story of rhythm and craft in nineteenth century America features beautiful oil paintings and back matter that includes more information about the Underground Railroad.

Father of the Underground Railroad (1821-1902)

★ “An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

The son of former slaves, William Still was motivated by his own family’s experience to collect the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information. Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still. Tate’s powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Journalist and Civil Rights Activist (1862-1931)

★ “Alcorn’s striking, symbol-infused hand-colored prints on creamy vellum get star billing… Author notes, a timeline and more enhance this age-appropriate introduction to difficult issues and the woman who educated the world about them.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” Ida B. Wells held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and spoke against injustice. But how could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”? Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells and her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.

Stories of the Civil War (1864)

“At the core of this stirring historical novel is the question of what freedom means…The boy’s first-person, present-tense narrative brings close the thrilling horse racing—on the plantation, at the race course, and in the war—and the African American history in all its complexity.” ―Booklist

Twelve-year-old Gabriel loves to help his father care for the thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles’s farm. But when Gabriel’s father enlists in a Colored Battalion, it is up to Gabriel to protect the horses and keep them safely out of the clutches of Confederate raiders. Alison Hart mines the complex relationships of the Civil War in this gripping work of historical fiction. Young readers will experience the danger and drama of a time when war split the country and human beings were segregated into owner and owned based on the color of their skin.

Father of Black History Month (1875-1950)

“An important and inspiring tale well told.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Carter G. Woodson’s father believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter read to other workers in the coal mines and researched and found more information on the subjects that interested him. “My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened,” Carter wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the world and transforming the way people thought about history. This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

Discovery of the North Pole (1909)

“Henson’s story is dramatic, although the narrative voice is soft as velvet, while Stephen Alcorn’s artwork appears both washed in bitter cold and defrosted by its hand-tinted quality.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Matthew Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people despite Henson’s yearning for adventure. But in 1909, Admiral Robert Peary invited Henson to join an expedition to the North Pole, and on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole. Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson pays tribute to a great but under-recognized figure from America’s past in this remarkable story. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

Civil Rights Activists (1939)

“Brings deserved attention to Chapman and underscores the very worthwhile message that one does not need to be a star to make a difference.” ―Kirkus Reviews

On Easter Sunday 1939, thanks to Oscar Chapman, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. Chapman had helped produce a landmark concert that―for at least one evening―bridged the color divide to bring a city and much of the nation together. Author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of Oscar Chapman’s lifelong commitment to ending bigotry, and Leonard Jenkins’s remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay tribute to a magical, little-known moment in modern history. An author’s note provides additional historical context.

Tribute to First Black Player in Major League Baseball (1947)

“An affecting tribute to Robinson, to a dedicated son and to a thoughtful, deep-feeling father. And, of course, to baseball.” ―Publishers Weekly

It is the summer of 1947 and a highly charged baseball season is underway in New York. Jackie Robinson is the new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers―and the first black player in Major League Baseball. A young boy listens eagerly to the Dodgers games on the radio until one day, his father delivers some big news: they are going to Ebbets Field to watch Jackie play! Author Myron Uhlberg and illustrator Colin Bootman offer a nostalgic look back at 1947 and capture the excitement of an entire city as Robinson and the Dodgers won the long-awaited pennant, and brought an entire New York community together for one magical summer.

Civil Rights Activists (1963)

★ “A moving record of young people rising at a pivotal historical moment, based on original interviews and archival research as well as published sources.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

We’ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 Black elementary, middle, and high school students who answered Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to “fill the jails.” Between May 2 and May 11, 1963, these young people voluntarily went to jail, drawing national attention to the cause, helping bring about the repeal of segregation laws, and inspiring thousands of other young people to demand their rights. Combining extensive research and in-depth interviews with protesters, award-winning author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective. Archival photography and informational sidebars throughout. Backmatter includes an afterword, author’s note, timeline, map, and bibliography.

A Celebration of Black Families (2000’s)

★ “A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history, but what will Lil Alan do? Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

During a pause in the conference, a few of us at Peachtree along with Don Tate and some of our industry friends had the pleasure of getting a personal guided tour of William Still’s handwritten records and other significant documents related to his abolition work.

Beth Twiss Houting, Senior Director of Programs and Services, and Melvin Garrison, former head of the Social Studies for the School District of Philadelphia (who helped make African- American history a mandatory part of the Philadelphia curriculum), introduced us to some amazing original documents, including William Still’s own handwritten notebook. Intriguingly, the handwritten journal is labeled “Journal C,” indicating that there might have been “A” and “B” journals, although those were not found.

We actually got to look through the journal and see Still’s own handwriting – an incredible experience. And as Don (carefully) flipped through the pages, he eventually found the passage about Harriet Tubman, which made it into Don’s picture book as the endpapers!

It was fascinating to see that pages in Still’s journal had pen slashes through them, which was probably his way of keeping track of which entries he put in his published book. As a publisher, we couldn’t help but appreciate that even Still was editing his own work to decide what from his notes should be kept for the published book.

We also looked at the published book The Underground Rail Road.

Don, who had reviewed the published book at the Free Library of Philadelphia when he was doing his research, asked why the published version we were looking at was different than the one he reviewed a while back. It turns out that Still had published different formats of his book with different casings and bindings to allow for different price points, making the book available for a wider range of people. So not only was Still an incredible note-taker and editor, but he was also a brilliant book production and marketing strategist!

Still was also a pioneering book publicist. He collected reviews and endorsements of his book from prominent figures, including William Lloyd Garrison, Senator Charles Sumner, and media outlets like the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Nation. He published these reviews and quotes in a “circular” to help market the book. He also hired his own sales force of men and women, Black and white people, to help sell the book.

Everyone who took part in the tour was very grateful not only to get an early introduction to Don’s book, but also to get an introduction to William Still (whom not many of us knew about before). It was such an honor to feel like we were part of the book’s research process, seeing historical artifacts that would eventually make it into William Still and His Freedom Stories. For all of us, being immersed in the history on display at the Historical Society really brought William Still and his work to life.

Introducing Young Readers to William Still: Resources and More

With the help of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, we are now able to use Still’s records to know what the Underground Railroad was like, helping further educate ourselves and future generations. On their website, The Historical Society provides a wealth of resources about William Still and the Underground Railroad, as well as lesson plans on how to include William Still and his work into classroom discussions.

The Historical Society has also been putting together an important digital history project, “Uncovering William Still’s Underground Railroad.” This project weaves new connections between the manuscript journal and the published book of William Still to help provide insight into the experiences of enslaved individuals and families who passed through Philadelphia between 1852 and 1857 as well as the covert networks that aided their escape. The first phase of the project includes an interactive website with tons of useful information  about the Underground Railroad.

The project also includes a relationships “social network,” connecting people William Still had written about in his journal with various people those freedom seekers knew or encountered. It includes a map of locations on the Underground Railroad that were described in Still’s journal.

These valuable resources would not have been available without Still’s stories. And without his stories, we might not know as much as we do about freedom seekers who escaped slavery or about the Underground Railroad and its success. William Still showed how important it is to tell stories. And now with Don Tate’s William Still and His Freedom Stories, young readers can learn about the incredible man known as the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Start young readers on their exploration of William Still and the Underground Railroad with Don Tate’s powerful picture book William Still and His Freedom Stories, available November 1st, and be sure to download the free teacher’s guide!

A couple Saturdays ago, I presented my forthcoming book, William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad  (Peachtree, November 2020), at the Dr. James Still Community Day event in Medford, New Jersey. Dr. James Still was an older brother of William Still, the subject of my book. It was the 150th Anniversary of this family reunion. Wow! What an honor to be part of an event that has been celebrated for so long and that has continued to highlight the amazing work the Still family has done over generations. It made my participation this year feel extra special.

Every year for the last 150 years, the Still family holds a family reunion there to celebrate their family legacy and to express pride in the family’s African-American history. Due to COVID-19, this year’s reunion was a little different, as it moved online and the invitation was extended to the public. But the purpose of the event stayed the same: to celebrate the Still family and the contributions they have made to their community, as well as to recognize the community help that has kept the Still family legacy alive. When I began to write and illustrate this book, I didn’t know about this annual event and could have never imagined being able to speak directly to William Still’s descendants about my research on their forefather, and the way the book will help introduce his story to thousands of children around the country. It’s very humbling.

The morning opened with Samuel C. Still III—family historian, Chairman of the Dr. James Still Education Center, and third great-grandson of Levin and Charity Still (William and Dr. James Still’s parents)—presenting the family history. He spoke about William Still’s work at the Anti-Slavery Society office alongside other abolitionists like Lucretia Mott and Thomas Garrett, and included the manumission document, an official paper that granted Levin Steel (later Levin Still) his freedom. This was a tension-filled scene that I covered in my book. Samuel Still also offered a virtual tour of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center, a historic site in Medford dedicated to teaching, restoring, and preserving the legacy of Dr. James Still. The site also offers information about William Still and other abolitionists. Other event presenters included Folk troubadour Valerie Vaughn, who crooned her original song “Son of Charity,” which honors William Still and his mother Charity (Sidney Steel) and tells about the harrowing night she escaped slavery with her two young girls; and herbalist Fran Polite, who shared an immune-boosting recipe reminiscent of Dr. James Still, known in the area as “The Black Doctor of the Pines.” The presentation ended with an archaeological discussion concerning the land near the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center, which is undergoing renovation.

Following Valerie Vaughn’s musical presentation, I spoke about my inspiration behind writing a book about William Still, an unheralded hero whose story I felt needed to be told. I followed with a lively reading—all virtually from my home in Austin. It was such an honor to present to this historic family and all of the people who attended the virtual event. When I was invited to speak, I was nervous—I mean, this is the William Still family! I felt much better, however, following our rehearsal, when family members told me how much they loved the book. “I can tell you’ve done your research,” a teacher in the family told me proudly. I was only sorry that I could not physically put a copy of my book into the hands of all of the young Still family descendants. Sharing virtually, however, was the next best thing. Samuel Still called me later that day. I could hear so much emotion in his voice as he told me how much he loved my talk. “The family is still sending me texts and emails about wanting a copy of that book!” he said. I look forward to returning next year to celebrate the 151th anniversary.

 Carter Reads the Newspaper
Written by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Don Tate

Each Februrary we celebrate Black History Month. It’s a time to honor heroes like harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr. But there’s one hero we sometimes forget. Carter G. Woodson didn’t help people escape from slavery, start a bus strike, or lead a movement of millions. Yet without him, we might not have Black History Month. Born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War and encouraged to be an informed citizen by his father, Carter read the newspaper every day. Later when we went to work in the coal mines, Carter became interested in finding more information about the history of his people.

This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told. Check out a copy of the teacher’s guide and download your own poster.

Buy Carter Reads the Newspaper today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Going Down Home with Daddy
Written by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by Daniel Minter

Down Home is Granny’s house, where Lil’ Alan and his parents and sister will join grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in a rich celebration of family history. They will share stories of their ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. Each of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to family history. Sis will sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” Granny’s favorite song. Isaiah will read Mother to Son by Langston Hughes. Devin has made a scrapbook in Granny’s favorite color blue. But what will Lil’ Alan do?

This rich and moving celebration of Black family history, culture, and ritual explores the power of family traditions and reveals the connections of a large, multigenerational family.

Buy Going Down Home with Daddy today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Blacksmith’s Song
Written by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
Illustrated by Anna Rich

The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it is up to him to help others along the journey―and also lead his family’s escape.

This powerful story of rhythm and craft in nineteenth-century America offers an intriguing angle on an important story in Black history. For more information about Blacksmithing, Slavery in America, and Underground Railroad Folklore, check out our blog post.

Buy Blacksmith’s Song today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Dad, Jackie, and Me
Written by Myron Uhlberg
Illustrated by Colin Bootman

It is the summer of 1947 and a highly charged baseball season is underway in New York. Jackie Robinson is the new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers―and the first black player in Major League Baseball. A young boy listens eagerly to the Dodgers games on the radio, each day using sign language to tell his deaf father about the games. Finally one day the father delivers some big news: they are going to Ebbets Field to watch Jackie play!

A testament to how bonds can be created despite race, color, or disabilities, this touching picture book takes a nostalgic look back at 1947 and pays tribute to Jackie Robinson, who brought an entire New York community together for one magical summer. Read an excerpt and see our teacher’s guide here.

Buy Dad, Jackie, and Me today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Keep On!
The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-discoverer of the North Pole
Written by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

This stunning picture book tells the story of the under-recognized Matthew Henson who joined Robert Peary’s great 1909 expedition to reach the North Pole. The team endured storms, shifting ice, wind, injuries, accidents, and unimaginable cold. Finally, on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

For more resources, check out our teacher’s guide here.

Buy Keep On! today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Poet
The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton
Written & illustrated by Don Tate

In a powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination in Poet. George was forced to work long hours; he could not attend school, but he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly, and George soon had customers for his poems. But he was still enslaved. Would be ever be free?

Check out the teacher’s guide, the poetry workshop kit, and download your own poster!

Buy Poet today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

A Storm Called Katrina
Written by Myron Uhlberg
Illustrated by Colin Bootman

Louis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast, Louis feels like a little kid again. With no time to gather their belongings―except Louis’s beloved horn―the family heads into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, and desperate neighbors. Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait…and wait. Conditions continue to worsen and when Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows it’s up to him to find his father―with the help of his prized cornet.

This sensitively portrayed fictional story based on the real events of Hurricane Katrina highlights resilience and hope of the people who were affected by the tragedy in New Orleans. Find the teacher’s guide here.

Buy A Storm Called Katrina today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Racing to Freedom Trilogy
Gabriel’s Horses
Gabriel’s Triumph
Gabriel’s Journey
Written by Alison Hart

This series tells the journey of a young Kentucky slave who becomes a talented jockey and eventually a solider in the Civil War. Alison Hart mines the complex relationships of the Civil War in this gripping work of historical fiction. Young readers will experience the danger and drama of a time when war split the country and human beings were segregated into owner and owned based on the color of their skin.

Full of historical material and details about horses, these fast-paced stories provide a raw look into Black contributions in American history. Read excerpts of Gabriel’s Horses, Gabriel’s Triumph, and Gabriel’s Journey, and check out the teacher’s guide for Gabriel’s Horses here.

Start the series, and buy Gabriel’s Horses today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

We’ve Got a Job
The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March
Written by Cynthia Levinson

Learn about of one of the greatest moments in civil rights history as seen through the eyes of four young people who were at the center of the action. This inspiring story tells how Audrey Hendricks, Wash Booker, James Stewart, Arnetta Streeter and 4,000 black elementary, middle, and high school students succeeded where adults had failed in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America.

By combining in-depth, one-on-one interviews and extensive research, author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective. Check out our teacher’s guide here and download your own poster.

Buy We’ve Got a Job today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
Written by Philip Dray
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”?

This inspirational story of a courageous American hero covers her early encounters with racism to her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Check out the teacher’s guide for this wonderful book here.

Buy Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Other Side of Free
Written by Krista Russell

This action-packed historical fiction chapter book brings to life the story of fourteen-year-old Jem, who has escaped a cruel master in 1739 St. Augustine. However, the threat of war between England and Spain becomes more real and Jem continues to suffer under the custody of a difficult and angry woman. As Jem decides what he believes and who he trusts, he starts to understand the meaning of freedom and the complex connections that make a community.

Read an excerpt here and download our teacher’s guide.

Buy The Other Side of Free today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

We hope you enjoy these wonderful and inspirational stories, and feel free to share your favorite books in honor of Black History Month!

I guess you can say Black Boys Read NOLA started organically. We were living abroad in England for my husband’s job. Being away from New Orleans was a wake-up call. While it was an amazing overall experience, the boys really began to miss being around black people. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of black people all over Europe but simply not concentrated the way that they are in a city such as New Orleans. It’s crazy, you know? I believe we tend to take genuinely black experiences for granted when we are among ourselves so frequently in predominantly black cities.

As summer approached, our middle child, Dylan wanted to read 80 books before the summer’s end. While this made us proud, we are quite realistic as parents. We knew that this would be a huge obligation for us as well. After much back and forth, we were eventually able to talk him down to 60 books. As a reward, we agreed to award him with prizes of his choosing at 20 book intervals. Being the efficient parents that we are, we thought to kill two birds with one stone— rekindle their connection with black people through books while meeting Dylan’s 60 book benchmark.

In our efforts to find books that were very diverse, we happened upon lots of black authors and black social media accounts that really highlighted black excellence. Dylan ended up exceeding his 60 book goal and was awarded accordingly. We returned home May of 2018. This was just in time to receive the summer assignments for our sons. (Before I go on, I feel I should mention that the curriculum in England was extremely diverse and showcased people of African descent in an extremely positive light.) We were quite excited to see this, and we were also excited to see what book Dylan was going to bring home next. That said, we returned home to New Orleans, a city that is over 60% black, only to receive a summer reading list for Dylan that caused our jaws to drop. It contained zero books to which he, or any young black male, could relate.

We found this unacceptable. So, we took it upon ourselves to reinforce black positivity with our boys. It’s as simple as that really. Pride in oneself is knowing oneself and the best way to know yourself is to know your history. At school, all our kids get is one month a year, and it usually begins with slavery and ends with Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights struggles of the 50s and 60s. Our rich and colorful history goes back thousands and thousands of years. We built pyramids, invented democracy and dynastic system of rule. We spread rich and diverse culture all over the globe! So why start with the ugliest blemish on our history?

Black Boys Read NOLA seeks to amplify self-pride and dignity through books and history while also exposing our boys to things that most school systems will not. From Congo square, to STEM, to golf and horseback riding, to local musicians and so much more, we aim to show our members that there’s more out there than what the schools are willing to expose them to. Our aim is to show the boys that success can be attained in many ways.  Not just music and athletics. We also aim to modify the way we define success. I think most readers will agree that your salary and success in life are oftentimes mutually exclusive. The preschool to prison pipeline for black males is quite real, especially here in Louisiana. Consequently, we must fight back in any way we can. If these voids continue to exist in society, Black Boys Read NOLA will remain a necessary and vital entity. We are simply filling a demand for diversity and self-dignity in young black males.

I do tons of research and follow many Instagram pages that focus on diverse reading selections. One of my favorite pages to follow is Here Wee Read! We read fiction and nonfiction. However, the boys enjoy nonfiction more. They love to read about people who look like their ancestors and brought change to the world. When I saw a post about Carter Reads the Newspaper I immediately started planning for this to be our next read. The illustrations are breathtaking! My  top reads right now are Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson, Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions By Chris Barton, Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford, Charlie Takes his Shot: How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf by Nancy Churrin, Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed and Grandad Mandela by Ambassador Zindzi Mandela.

The book club’s experience with Carter Reads the newspaper was amazing. The way it is structured was quite advantageous. It is an amalgamation of amazing black characters throughout history, all culminating on the accomplishments of Carter G Woodson. This was a unique opportunity for us to discuss Carter’s accomplishments as well as the history of Black History Month. It also gave us an opportunity to discuss some lesser-known, but equally important, black historical figures in the process.

It’s interesting, one of our boys made the point that Carter had essentially started a book club just like the one that we have at BBR NOLA. Like-minded individuals coming together to further educate themselves and learn from one another all while reflecting on the accomplishments of their ancestors. It’s amazing really. Things have come full circle. We encouraged our members to conduct some further research on the leaders that are mentioned in the back of the book, because, again, our history began long before the year 1 CE. It’s very important that the boys know where we all come from and what we come from. How technologically advanced our civilizations were before colonization. This book does an amazing job at getting that conversation started.

Follow the Black Boys Read Book Club NOLA on Instagram to keep up with all the books they are reading!

Author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Don Tate answered our questions about the creation of Carter Reads the Newspaper and the importance of learning from stories like Carter G. Woodson’s.

Q: What interested you in Carter’s story and the role he played in American history?

Hopkinson: In 2007, a book I wrote (Up Before Daybreak: Cotton and People in America) was named a Carter G. Woodson Honor Book by the National Council of the Social Studies. I had heard of Dr. Woodson before then, but I became interested in his life at that time, and began trying to learn more. My first drafts of this picture book date back to 2009, so it’s been a long time in the making.

Q: Don, what made you want to take on this project?

Tate: I love stories that offer an opportunity to highlight the lives of little-known African-American heroes. I was familiar with the name of Carter G. Woodson, but I didn’t know why. When I realized that he was known as the “Father of Black History,” the man who inspired the Black History Month observation, I knew I had to illustrate the story. I was surprised Woodson’s story hadn’t already been told.

Q: Carter Reads the Newspaper is the first-ever trade picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson. Why do you think there aren’t more children’s books about him?

Hopkinson: There have been some books about Dr. Woodson, including a 1991 book, Carter G. Woodson, The Father of Black History, by the team of Patricia and Frederick McKissack, who created so many wonderful books. But perhaps there have been few books because he wrote little about his own life. And it’s not so easy to illustrate picture books about historians and educators. But Don Tate’s luminous artwork brings Carter G. Woodson to life. And I love how the themes of newspapers and reading are woven into the story.

Q: What was your research process like? Was it difficult to find reliable sources from so long ago?

Hopkinson: I often start with an academic source and follow the breadcrumbs from there. I tell students research is much like being a detective.

I found Jacqueline Goggin’s Carter G. Woodson: A Life in Black History (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1993) an excellent launching point. One challenge in writing about Dr. Woodson’s life is that he wrote little that was autobiographical. But he did share some insights into his life, including his time with Oliver Jones, in an essay entitled “My Recollections of Veterans of the Civil War,” published in 1944 in his journal, The Negro History Bulletin, a copy of which I was able to track down.

Q: Are there any interesting parts from Carter’s story you had to leave out of the text?

Hopkinson: There is one wonderful anecdote I came across; it was relayed by the late historian and scholar, Dr. John Hope Franklin. When he was first starting out, he attended the same conference as Dr. Woodson. One day, Dr. Franklin received a telegram about a family emergency. As a courtesy, Dr. Franklin went to tell Dr. Woodson that he needed to leave early. Knowing that the young scholar had few resources, without a second thought Dr. Woodson reached into his pocket and said, and I am paraphrasing, “Do you have the fare?”

Q: What is your illustration process like, Don?

Tate: My illustration process begins with thumbnail sketches―tiny sketches that allow me to plan out the book. I create them without much visual research at first. At that point, I just want to focus on dividing up the text from spread to spread. It’s important to pace the story, from full-page spreads to single vignettes.

As I’m sketching, I wonder what things really might have looked like. Author Deborah Hopkinson begins Woodson’s story in his childhood. His family lived on a Virginia farm, about ten years following the Civil War. My question: what did the farm look like? That’s where hours of research come in. I may not find that exact farmhouse, but I look for other farms from that era in that area.

Q: How did you research for this book?

Tate: Thankfully, the author shared research materials with me that she used to write the story. But then I did my own visual research. I found pictures on the Internet by searching sites like Google and Bing. I contacted librarians at the Chicago Public Library. I found more images on The Library of Congress website. I even looked up some articles published in Woodson’s Journal of Negro History. It’s important to inform my drawings as much as possible.

In an early scene, Hopkinson writes about young Carter attending school. With a picture book, the author doesn’t include details of what that scene might have looked like. That’s where my job as a visual researcher kicks in. What would a classroom way back then have looked like? How would the teacher have dressed? Wore her hair? These are clues to the time period. At first, I drew the teacher as a young woman because, well, most of my teachers have been women. Research revealed to me, however, that Carter’s uncles ran the school he attended, and they were his teachers. I had to redraw that scene.

Q: How do you believe the illustrations further the importance of the story?

Tate: The illustrations do the work that the words cannot. With a picture book, the author must tell the story with few words. The illustrations flesh out the story; they say what the words cannot.

In addition, this is a story about a Black historical figure. It highlights Black History Month. It also introduces many other Black historical figures. The author of the book, however, is White. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. Skin color shouldn’t limit what people are allowed to write about. Deborah Hopkinson is a wonderful, award-winning writer, who I’m proud to have had an opportunity to collaborate with. But with all that Black history inside one book, I think it’s important that a Black person have an opportunity to contribute to its making. Black history has often been told through all-White lenses, contributing to misrepresentations.

As the illustrator, I’m telling my people’s history. So, it’s particularly important for me to get the visuals right, best I can. I think it’s also important for kids of color to know that they can grow up to be writers and illustrators of books, too, because―hey, one of the creators of this book looks like me!

Q: Deborah, in your Author’s Note, you quoted Carter: “The teaching of the whole truth will help us in the direction of a real democracy.” Why did you choose this quote and what does it mean to you?

Hopkinson: I think it’s an amazing quote, and just as relevant today as it was in the 1940s. I first became interested in history in fourth grade. I liked to read about girls and women in the past, and I devoured whatever biographies I could find. But there weren’t many. I also have a clear memory of reading fascinating tidbits about people in the shaded boxes of my history textbook. However, most of the book seemed to be about generals and presidents―just names and dates to memorize.

Today, we have more books to share during Black History Month and Women’s History Month (and beyond), and, hopefully, an ever-expanding number of diverse voices. It’s really exciting to see these new, amazing stories, and of course, much more needs to be done. But I hope these books will help young readers develop a more inclusive history of our country and give them a deeper understanding of the struggles to attain social justice and equality in a democracy.

Q: Don, your “Illustrator’s Note” mentions that you did not have many opportunities to learn about Black history in school. What does it mean to you to know current and future generations of students are given more opportunities to learn about these important moments in Black history?

Tate: It’s good that current generations are exposed to more Black history than when I was a kid. But more work is needed. Often, the same handful of historical figures show up time and again in books. My son learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks in school. But what about other important figures? Another book I wrote is called Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton. It’s the true story of an enslaved man who taught himself to read and later wrote poetry protesting his enslavement. While Horton’s story wasn’t in my son’s classroom history books, he can now be discovered in school libraries. Thank you, librarians!

Q: Can you tell us a little more about the figure heads on the front and back endpapers?

Tate: I’m always looking for opportunities to share even more information with my readers. Carter Reads the Newspaper speaks to the origins of Black History Month. Black history taught in schools begins with slavery. I wanted my readers to know that Black history stretches back to the beginning of time.

The challenge was finding pre-slavery figures to feature―and quickly, because I was working against an approaching deadline! African societies preserved histories through art, written and oral forms. There were rich kingdoms with powerful kings and queens. Societies with their own languages, cultures, politics, religions. But European countries colonized Africa, robbing its people of their natural resources, land, and heritage. A lot of their histories were lost forever. It doesn’t mean those histories don’t exist—they do! You just have to dig.

I opened the endpapers with figures like Taharqua, an Egyptian pharaoh, last ruler of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. I also featured Queen Amina of Zaria, who was a fierce warrior queen, the first woman to become the Sarauniya (queen) in a male-dominated society. I closed the endpapers with two of my favorite living historical figures: Michelle and Barack Obama.

My hope is that readers will be inspired by these historical figures and do more research on their own.

Q: What about Carter’s story stuck with you the most?

Tate: The scene where young Carter reads the newspaper to a group of coal miners was a powerful moment. Most of these men, I imagine, were illiterate. They learned about life outside the mines through Carter. The message of literacy, and how reading can change lives, is a common theme in both Carter Reads the Newspaper and Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton. The theme of educating oneself also spoke to me.

Q: Why do you believe it is important for young readers of all backgrounds to learn about Carter’s story?

Hopkinson: Carter G. Woodson addressed this himself, I think.

In an article in the Negro History Bulletin entitled “How to Make Negro History Week Count,” Carter wrote about the importance of school and public libraries and he foreshadowed today’s calls for more books by and about people of color: “Ask repeatedly for such books. Show that there is a demand for them.”

He added, “Why should any children be given the opportunity to learn only the half truth…?” He argued that half-truths only perpetuated bias.

Q: At one point in the story, you mention that Carter’s father believed in being an informed citizen which is why he encouraged Carter to read to him. Do you think it is important for young readers today to be informed citizens?

Hopkinson: Yes, absolutely. When I wrote drafts of this book some years ago, I couldn’t imagine the extent to which journalists would be under attack as they are now. But the skills Dr. Woodson learned as a reader and a historian are those historical-thinking principles I try to emphasize when I visit schools: sourcing, contextualizing, corroboration, and close reading. These are the skills that citizens of the 21^st century need in order to grapple with serious and complex issues, most especially climate change.

Q: How is Carter’s story relevant in today’s society?

Hopkinson: Carter was surrounded by curious, determined, and hard-working role models. I think it’s clear that he lived by those values of hard work and perseverance, and that all of us benefit today because of it. I hope Carter’s story highlights the value of life-long learning by reading, studying, and taking the time to become informed about issues.

Q: What else do you hope young readers take away from this book?

Hopkinson: I hope the story of Dr. Woodson’s life makes them curious about their own families, and encourages them to ask people they know about their own lives. I also hope readers come away with a sense that the past is peopled by extraordinary individuals we might not necessarily know about. I love how Don Tate’s endpapers featuring figures in Black history help to illustrate that.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the art within the story, and from the book as a whole?

Tate: Simple: Knowing your history is knowing yourself.

Find Carter Reads the Newspaper on Amazon or at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble! For more resources, check out the teacher’s guide and download the poster or endpapers!

Carter Reads the Newspaper
Written by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Don Tate

Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen. So Carter read the newspaper to him every day. When he was still a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines. There he met a man named Oliver Jones, and Oliver did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them. “My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened,” Carter wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the world and transforming the way people thought about history.

“Young readers will be caught up in his story…. Quotes are seamlessly woven into the narrative, and a time line, list of sources, and bibliography add research appeal. Of special note are the illustrations, which include more than 40 portraits of black leaders… Their images and one-line biographies will pique further interest, making this a valuable resource for school and public libraries.” ―Booklist

“Hopkinson skillfully shapes Carter’s childhood, family history and formative experiences into a cohesive story.…the inclusion of notable figures from black history reinforces the theme (a key is in the backmatter). An important and inspiring tale well told.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Conversational… Delicately textured mixed-media illustrations…offer spare, stylized images…” ―Publishers Weekly

“Thorough back matter… A charmingly illustrated picture book biography for elementary schoolers.” ―School Library Journal

“Exemplary… This inspiring picture book combines a rich but focused text with clear, expressive mixed-media illustrations. It sheds light on an important, inspiring, but little-known subject, and the supplemental back matter gives weight to the exceedingly important takeaways that history must include all people, and that anyone can change history.” ―Shelf Awareness

Facts about Dr. Carter G. Woodson:

• Carter G. Woodson was born December 19, 1875 in New Canton, Virginia.
• He worked as a coal miner for three years before he finished high school.
• At the age of 37, Carter earned a PhD in history from Harvard University, the second African American to do so.
• Carter was the first and only Black American whose parents had been slaves to receive a doctorate in history.
• In 1915 Carter founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, an organization still thriving today.
• In 1926 Carter founded Negro History Week (which became Black History Month), to be observed in February, in honor of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

It’s surprising that someone so integral to our celebration of Black history does not have more books written about his life. Carter never wrote much about his own personal history. But we know that he listened and learned from those around him, and then shared what he learned with others.

Because of Carter’s great and lasting contribution to Black history, throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month, we will spotlight the lives and legacies of Black men and women who have contributed to our history, and share resources to help young readers learn about the significance of Carter G. Woodson’s life and his contribution to society. Follow along on our Twitter page as we highlight some important and lesser-known figures in Black history throughout February to continue Carter Woodson’s goal of celebrating a history “void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”

Here are more resources to help celebrate Black History Month:

Download your own Carter G. Woodson poster.

Check out the teacher’s guide for Carter Reads the Newspaper.

Print out your own copies of the endpapers of Carter Reads the Newspaper,
which features portraits of Black leaders throughout history.

Read our Q&A with author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Don Tate.

Check out our round-up of books to read during Black History Month and beyond.

Carter Reads the Newspaper is available at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he’s got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm—a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill and the boy has to take over.

Inspired by tales of communication on the Underground Railroad, author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk presents a powerful story of rhythm and craft in nineteenth century America—with beautiful oil paintings by illustrator Anna Rich and back matter that includes more information about the Underground Railroad. Blacksmith’s Song offers a unique angle on the folklore of the secret communication channels between slaves as they traveled towards freedom.

“An intriguing new angle on an important story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action.” —Publishers Weekly

“A shadowy color palette situates the narrative in the twilight and moonlit hours, perfectly complementing the suspense of the plot…. Ending on a hopeful note, the book brings this piece of hidden history to life.” —Booklist

“Inspired by tales of the Underground Railroad and its innovative methods of communication, a perilous story of courage and cunning unfolds…”
—Foreword Reviews

“The design of every spread lends itself well to an oral reading or presentation, which would serve as a stimulus for more in-depth information or discussion on the topics of slavery and the Civil War….a welcome addition to an introduction of the Underground Railroad.”
—School Library Connection

Blacksmiths are craftsmen who create objects from iron or steel and produce items like tools, weapons, furniture, railings, and gates. Blacksmithing has been around since humans have been using metals to create. And if you have ever watched a blacksmith at work, or heard the sound of hammer hitting anvil in a repeated pattern, you will notice the musicality of the sound as well as the art behind the craft. Some of the tools are very heavy, and it requires a lot of skill and muscle to shape hot metal.

Although Blacksmith’s Song is a historical fiction story, many slaves did work as blacksmiths. One such example is James W. C. Pennington, who was enslaved on a Maryland plantation, but eventually escaped and made his way north alone. Living as a free man, he became the first African American to take classes at Yale University, became a minister, and dedicated his life to the abolition of slavery. Pennington wrote and published The Origin and History of the Colored People, which is considered the first history of African Americans in the United States. His memoir The Fugitive Blacksmith was published in 1849. (You can read it in its entirety here, or the summary here.)

While there is no hard evidence that enslaved people used blacksmithing as a method of communicating for travelers on the Underground Railroad, Blacksmith’s Song is just one example of the many different stories surrounding  communication on the Underground Railroad. For some great book pairings, as well as more resources and information about communication on the Underground Railroad and the significance of this folklore, check out the links below.

Blacksmith’s Song Book Pairings

1. A fabulous book trailer for The Other Side of Free (Made by the author!)
2. Insight into the inspiration behind & writing of The Other Side of Free (Compiled by Christine who—fun fact—was a children’s librarian in a past life.)
3. A roundup of excellent Peachtree titles (with Teacher’s Guides!) for use in teaching themes and events associated with Black History Month

Thanks to the bravery of people like Booker T. Washington, Condoleezza Rice, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, and Barack Obama, we’ve come a long way from the 1926 origins of Black History Month. We’ve come even further since the slavery, civil war, and black oppression of the 18th and 19^th centuries.

 

 

This inspiring story of little-known civil rights champion Oscar Chapman and his role in Marian Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial reminds readers that one person can truly make a difference.

 

Keep On!

Teacher’s Guide

Many know the story of Robert Peary’s great 1909 expedition to reach the North Pole. Yet few people know that Peary was joined on this grueling, history-making journey by fellow explorer Matthew Henson. Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people. Even as a child, he exhibited a yearning for adventure, and at the age of only thirteen, he embarked on a five-year voyage sailing the seven seas and learning navigation, history, and mathematics. Henson’s greatest adventure began when he accepted an invitation from Robert Peary to join his expedition to the North Pole. The team endured storms, shifting ice, wind, injuries, accidents, and unimaginable cold. Finally on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole.  Readers will share in the excitement and drama of this remarkable adventure as award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson pays tribute to a great but under-recognized figure from America’s past. Illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s large-format, stylized ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture all the action. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

 

Ages 7 – 11

A Storm Called Katrina

Louis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast on a fateful August night, Louis feels like a little kid again.  With no time to gather their belongings – except Louis’s beloved horn – Daddy leads the family from their home and into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, and desperate neighbors heading for dry ground.  Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait…and wait. Conditions continue to worsen and their water supply is running out. When Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows he’s no longer a baby. It’s up to him to find his father – with the help of his prized cornet.

 

Ages 8 – 12

Crossing Jordan

Teacher’s Guide

A moving, coming-of-age story of a young white girl who overcomes family prejudice and cultural differences when she befriends a black girl in a small working-class town.

 

The Everlasting Now

James Longstreet Sayre, known to all as Brother, lives with his mother and sister in their well-run if run-down boardinghouse. The men who board there work for the Southern Railroad and Brother loves listening to their stories—especially to Mr. Edwards, the railroad engineer. But Brother’s life is changed forever when he meets Champion Always Luckey, a black boy his own age who has been sent from Detroit to live with his aunt, who works for Brother’s family. With Champion, Brother learns all sorts of things—how to fish, that he needs glasses, and that there are subtle and powerful rules of race and power that he’s never noticed. A child of privilege, Brother has never questioned the ways of his small southern town—but now he has reason to. Sara Harrell Banks sets her dramatic story of an adolescent friendship during a troubled, complex time in our nation’s history. Readers will be easily drawn into the action and learn a valuable lesson in Depression-era Southern history, when resources were scarce and segregation was firmly in place.

Gabriel’s Horses

In the first book of this engrossing middle-grade trilogy set during the Civil War, a young Kentucky slave dares to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey.

Gabriel’s Triumph

In the second book in the Racing to Freedom trilogy, ex-slave Gabriel faces challenges and setbacks as he pursues his dream of becoming a famous jockey.

Gabriel’s Journey

In the final book of the Racing To Freedom trilogy, ex-slave Gabriel leaves behind a successful horse racing career to join his parents at Camp Nelson, where his father is a Sergeant in the Fifth US Colored Calvary of the Union Army.

Lost Goat Lane

For Kate, being poor in a small rural Florida town means feeling ashamed and isolated. Her classmates laugh at her old clothes and worn shoes and Kate’s mother is working long hours at a dairy farm to keep food on the table. But one day, Kate meets the Wilsons, a tight knit, middle-class African-American family. Kate is particularly drawn to Ruby, the glamorous grown daughter who has returned home from New York City. As Kate begins to spend time with Ruby in town, she becomes aware of the undercurrent of discrimination and prejudice that runs through her community and the complex roles of race and class in her own relationships.

Stumptown Kid

Charlie wants two things he can’t get: to make the local Wildcats Baseball team and to have life to return to the way it was before his father died two years earlier in the Korean War. Then Charlie meets Luther, a stranger who quietly and mysteriously arrives in town and sets up camp near the river. Luther is a former Negro Baseball League player, and Charlie loves baseball. The two strike up a friendship and Luther agrees to coach Charlie’s fledgling neighborhood baseball team for a game against the Wildcats. But many of Holden’s white residents are suspicious of Luther because of his skin color. And when Charlie inadvertently reveals a secret of Luther’s, violence erupts in the town and both Luther and Charlie are drawn into serious danger.

Chasing the Nightbird

Teacher’s Guide 

As the son of the famous Black Jack Valera, the best whaler on the eastern seaboard, thirteen-year-old Lucky Valera has led a charmed and happy life at sea. Following his father’s death, Lucky is kidnapped and pressed into a life of servitude by his cruel and embittered half brother, Fortuna. He immediately puts Lucky to work under harsh conditions in a textile mill and confiscates the boy’s wages. But when Lucky meets Emmeline, a spirited girl with abolitionist sympathies, and Daniel, a fugitive slave from the South, his dream for a return to his old life of freedom and the sea seems to be within reach. That is, if he and his new friends can outwit and outrun Fortuna and an enraged slave trader, both of whom will stop at nothing to get back what they believe is their rightful property.

The Other Side of Free

It is 1739. Young Jem has been rescued from slavery and finds himself at Fort Mose, a settlement in Florida run by the Spanish. He is in the custody of an ornery and damaged woman named Phaedra, who dictates his every move. When Jem sets out to break free of her will, an adventure begins in which Jem saves a baby owl, a pair of runaway slaves, and, eventually, maybe all the residents of Fort Mose.  While Jem and the other characters are fictitious, the story is based on historical record. Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. In 1994 the site was designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, the National Park Service named Fort Mose a precursor site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

 

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells­

Teacher’s Guide

Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in the promise of freedom and justice for all, young former slave Ida never turned away from the challenges she faced. And when she became a journalist, she used her position to speak out about injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the “shadow of lawlessness” that loomed over the country?   

We’ve Got a Job

Teacher’s Guide 

The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March was a turning point in American history. In the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, the fight for civil rights lay in the hands of children like Audrey Hendricks, Wash Booker, James Stewart, and Arnetta Streeter.  Through the eyes of these four protesters and others who participated, We’ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary, middle, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail between May 2 and May 11, 1963. The children succeeded – where adults had failed – in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America.  By combining in-depth, one-on-one interviews and extensive research, author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective.  

Thanks for tuning in, and happy celebrating!

N & C