Knock Knock by Daniel Beaty
I was hoping for something different when I saw the cover of Knock Knock by Daniel Beaty. I was not completely sure what I excepted, but I thought it would be about the waiting for the knock and the joy we feel after we open it for that “surprise” on the other side. Be that surprise is a new sibling, a parent coming home from work or school or was in the service. Or the joy of having a grandparent or sibling that lives far […]
King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin by Stephen Costanza
King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin by Stephen Costanza pretty much says it all. This is a book about the young man who was a “quiet kid (who) could make a piano laugh out loud” (via the publisher description). In a more romantic look at Joplin’s life, you see the ups and downs of his world, but all done tastefully for the 5 and up crowd. Older readers can start reading solo (with help) and the older-older readers without help. However, due to […]
Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! by Veronica Chambers
I was afraid that Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! was going to be a bit on the preachy side. It looked “in your face” for some reason. Therefore, I was almost not going to pick it up. Because with a preconceived notion that like, I was not sure I could be objective. Yet, that blue cover kept calling me. And I am glad I listened. Veronica Chambers created a nice book about a pioneer for rights for all. She wanted women, women of color and […]
The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership and Legacy by Kekla Magoon
The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership and Legacy seemed like at first it would be dull: He was born this date. He died here. He was a lawyer. He did this, that, and the other thing. And while all that is there, it is presented in a way that makes you want to turn the page and feel like you are reading a story and not a textbook. And while I could make comparisons to many men and women of color because of his […]
