Raising Readers: Herstory and a Spooktacular Selection
Herstory
A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story by Nadia Salomon
Illustrated by London Ladd
Children's books about history are a unique genre because not only is the past communicated in written form, but it is also shared through illustration. Nadia Salomon shares the story of an underrated victor of the civil rights movement, Myrlie Evers-Williams, taking the reader through her childhood before and after she met Medgar Evers and how they navigated the Jim Crow period fighting fiercely to change it. London Ladd does a beautiful job showing the progression of Evers-Williams’ journey. This work is like walking through an art gallery and being close to the storyteller.
A note from the author:
I want A VOICE OF HOPE to reach as many hands and hearts who need to see their experiences reflected in books. I also hope it gives Ms. Myrlie Evers-Williams the due she deserves for all the sacrifices she and her family have made for marginalized communities to have the rights and freedoms they experience. Privileges that could disappear at any time.
The takeaway I want for readers is to be open to what the world may have in store for them. Not all dreams come to fruition in the way we imagine. It's ok if our path takes us in a different direction than expected. Sometimes, the universe has bigger plans than imagined for ourselves.
A Spooktacular Selection
Trick-or-Treating in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
It’s that time of year when the air becomes crisp and cool, and costumes come out! This new children’s book from Tiffany D. Jackson is a fun read that helps kids learn about improvisation and innovation when it comes to safely trick-or-treating—and it's still so much fun! The main character is a little girl named Janelle, and she is excitedly anticipating Halloween and trick-or-treating. Still, when her family’s traditional plans change, she looks for a new way to celebrate this fun holiday by listening to family and community members about their traditions. The drawings are so enveloping and reflective. Sawyer Cloud’s talent brilliantly shines with each detail.
About the author:
Tiffany D. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, Santa in The City, The Weight of Blood, and co-author of Blackout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her Bachelor of Arts in film from Howard University and has over a decade of TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is currently splitting her time between the borough she loves and the south, most likely multitasking.
About the illustrator:
Sawyer Cloud is a freelance artist living in Madagascar, her native country. Loving sunny days and music, her dream is to travel and share her stories with the world. She lives with her family and two pets.
Brittany is a book lover with a continuously expanding To Be Read (TBR) List. Her unofficial love language is good food! She lives in an Atlanta suburb with her husband, two daughters, and fur baby.