What books are you and your kids looking forward to reading in 2019?
At the end of every year, I always look forward to the new books coming out in the year ahead. I can always count on finding new books to amaze, delight, and spark the imaginations of my children. I typically look for books that will likely have: stunning illustrations, read aloud appeal, a kid-friendly though-provoking/entertaining theme – or all three.
Below I’ve rounded up a short list of six picture books featuring African-American protagonists I’m looking forward to reading and sharing in the year ahead. What are some children’s books you’re looking forward to reading next year? Feel free to share in the comments.
Meet Miss Fancy By: Irene Latham
Frank has always been obsessed with elephants. He loves their hosepipe trunks, tree stump feet, and swish-swish tails. So when Miss Fancy, the elephant, retires from the circus and moves two blocks from his house to Avondale Park, he’s over the moon! Frank really wants to pet her. But Avondale Park is just for white people, so Frank is not allowed to see Miss Fancy. Frank is heartbroken but he doesn’t give up: instead he makes a plan!
Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color By: Monique Fields
Monique Fields is an award-winning journalist. Her essays about race and identity have appeared on air, in print, and online, including NPR’s All Things Considered, Ebony magazine, and TheRoot.com. She is the founder and editor of Honeysmoke.com, a site for parents raising multiracial children.
A Is For All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book By: Anna Forgerson
A Is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book is an alphabet board book developed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture that celebrates what makes us unique as individuals and connects us as humans. This lively and colorful book introduces young readers, from infants to age seven, to twenty-six key traits they can explore and cultivate as they grow. Each letter offers a description of the trait, a question inviting the reader to examine how he or she experiences it in daily life, and lively illustrations. The book supports understanding and development of each child’s healthy racial identity, the joy of human diversity and inclusion, a sense of justice, and children’s capacity to act for their own and others’ fair treatment.
Cece Loves Science and Adventure By: Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes
When Cece and her Adventure Girls troop face a sudden thunderstorm, they use science, technology, engineering, and math to solve problems and make their way safely back to camp.
Beyoncé: Shine Your Light By: Sarah Warren
Beyoncé is bold, talented, confident, and an inspiring voice and power to millions of people all around the world. This captivating picture book biography celebrates the icon’s rise from a shy little girl to a world-famous superstar. Discover the story of Beyoncé as she finds her voice, through trials and triumphs, and understand that you, too, can shine your light like Beyoncé.
Not Quite Snow White By; Ashley Franklin
A story about a bubbly, talented, and eager African-American girl who wants to be Snow White in her school play.
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