“People describe him as radiant, wild, genius child, but in his heart he is king, so he draws crowns for himself and others he admires.“

In this book, acclaimed illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vibrant narrative and bold artwork, reminiscent of Basquiat's own style, introduce young readers to the profound idea that art doesn't always conform to neatness or cleanliness—and certainly not within the lines—to be considered beautiful.

Jean-Michel Basquiat rose to prominence in the 1980s with his distinctive, collage-style paintings, creating a cultural sensation that was unparalleled in the art world. However, before achieving fame, he was a young boy who discovered art in various forms: within poetry books and museums, through games and the language we use, and in the vibrant pulse of New York City.

“You could almost hear the nation gasp.“

I think this book would be best for middle- upper elementary grades.Through rhythmic prose and vibrant illustrations, this book becomes a jubilant tribute to the excellence, benevolence, and tenacity embodied by this extraordinary team

Explore the real-life narrative of the Harlem Globetrotters, the squad that revolutionized the sport of basketball. Within the pages of “Swish!“ awaits the remarkable tale of the Harlem Globetrotters, who showcased the most revolutionary and awe-inspiring basketball the world had ever witnessed.

“Sweet land of Liberty“

I think this book is best for upper elementary grades.This authoritative and rhythmic biography, honored with the Coretta Scott King Illustration Award, offers a captivating narrative of Aretha's inspiring journey, making it an engaging read for young audiences

The daughter of a pastor and a gospel vocalist, her musical prowess manifested early in her life within her father's Detroit church. Her series of chart-topping songs earned her the revered title of “the Queen of Soul,“ multiple Grammy Awards, and a distinguished place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, Aretha's impact extended beyond her melodic expressions; she also used her voice to denounce injustice and champion civil rights.

“At the age of eighty-sex, this phenomenal woman, who spent a lifetime breaking free, finally rests her wings.“

Maya Angelou's journey was characterized by change and resilience. In this detailed biography tailored for mature readers, Bethany Hegedus poetically traces Maya's life, chronicling her beginnings in Stamps, Arkansas, her role as a champion for freedom, and her triumphant emergence as a poet resonating with the people.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the release of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,“ this exquisite biography delves into the life of Maya Angelou, illustrating her ascent from a childhood marked by trauma and emotional anguish to becoming one of the most influential voices of our era.

“Pressure from people outside the country, and those within- even some White citizens- made it impossible for officials to govern.“

I believe this book is best for upper elementary grades- middle school. This book talks about Nelson Mandela and his yearning for freedom. In South Africa, a nation segregated by racial lines, non-white citizens faced the weight of discriminatory laws and harsh restrictions. Mandela's heart was burdened with sorrow and frustration each day. Yet, amidst the despair, he had hope.

From his involvement with the African National Congress to his incarceration on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela emerged as a unifying force against injustice. This compelling biography delves into Mandela's protracted struggle for equality and the resilience that propelled him through decades of adversity. Illustrated with the vibrant hues of South Africa, “A Plan for the People“ encapsulates the essence of a globally cherished leader.

“Go solar! Clean, green energy is not a fad or a fluke- it is a trend.“

I believe this book would be most beneficial to upper elementary schoolers. It discusses climate change and what we can do to make the world a better place. I think the concept of climate change within this book would be too hard for lower elementary schoolers to understand.

This book is an inspiring, comprehensive exploration of a timely issue: the health of planet Earth. It contains a unique and visually-effective take on climate change. The author offers realistic solutions and actions that kids can participate in now. It's imperative that we all step up and become part of the solution, by engaging in new, smarter ways of living.

“Dedicated to those who advocate for and pursue a just society and basic human rights for all people.“

I believe this book is best intended for upper elementary. This book contains a lot of history and content that I think lower elementary grades would have a hard time understanding. This book allows us to discuss when the world seems bleak, prejudice, and racist. It discusses advocates for social justice and basic human rights.

This book contains an amazing collection of social justice poetry and prose for children. They have gathered thirty authors and nearly that many illustrators for each double-page piece to give those words of inspiration and love and hope. stories within the book are compelling and encouraging. There is an ongoing theme of justice and unconditional love.

“taller than two eight-year-olds standing on each other‘s shoulders.“

I believe this book is most beneficial for children between the ages of 7-11. It puts into perspective the size of children compared to other things. This book makes complex subjects (size, scale, distance) understandable for children.

This book is a super-informative, non-fiction book. It contains exploration of comparative scale that starts with an inclusive group of eight-year-old children who are “about five times as tall as this book, but only half as tall as... this ostrich,” which is itself “taller than two eight-year-olds standing on each other‘s shoulders.

“imagine what you could do.“

I think this book would be good for children in grade 3-5. This book speaks to every reader and dreamer searching for their place in life.

This book is about Herrera's life. As a young boy spending time outside and then as an adolescent learning to craft poetry, before ultimately receiving the honor of U.S. Poet Laureate as an adult.

“By accident Joe and Bob had invented a totally new color.“

I thought this book was great! It had a great story about two brothers' lives and how they came to stumble upon inventing neon colors. In addition, the illustrations were great because there were more and more neon colors as the book progressed. The audience for this book would be 2-6 grades. I think the story would hold their interest and the pictures are very eye-catching and attractive

Joe and Bob Switzer were very different brothers. When an accident left Bob recovering in a darkened basement, the brothers began experimenting with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints. Together they invented a whole new kind of color, one that glows with an extra-special intensity—Day-Glo

“One girl found it scary-strange that billions of grown-ups couldn't bear to mention climate change while oceans rose and forests burned.“

I believe this book would be the most beneficial for upper elementary because the book uses complex language This inspiring book shows readers that everyone can help fight climate change, no matter your age or where you

This book celebrates twelve young activists and three activist groups on front lines of the climate crisis who have planted trees in Uganda, protected water in Canada, reduced school-bus climate footprint in Indonesia, invented alternate power sources in Ohio, and more.

“Turns out, it was a North Hill tradition started by Grandpop after a fourteen-year-old black boy named Emmett Till was killed for whistling at a white woman when Grandpop was younger.”

I believe this book would be appropriate and enjoyable for upper elementary students, Reynolds' vivid writing style and the Virginia setting make this book both enjoyable and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for young readers looking for a meaningful and entertaining story.

Genie and Ernie are two brother that must adjust to the environmental differences while they move with their grandparents into a rural area from Brooklyn New York. This book is a captivating read for its engaging characters, themes of coming of age and bravery, and the exploration of family secrets. It offers readers a relatable journey of self-discovery and growth, wrapped in a mystery that keeps them eagerly turning the pages.

“Night come tenderly, black like me.“

This is a poem with an underlying meaning about being segregated. It has a fast rhythm because of the short lines. It incorporates sense imagery as it talks about the warm sun beating down and a cool evening under the shade of a tall, slim tree.

It is about a little black boy who dreams of not being segregated and of twirling in the sun.

“And we'll have pudding in half an hour.“

This poem book has short lines with a fast rhyme. There is a lot of assonance because of the same vowel pattern and rhyming with the words ending in similar letters.

This is a book that uses the Mother Goose poem titled, “Girls and Boys Come Out to Play“ as its base for a new poem. It is about Mother Goose inviting children to play and go on an adventure. The classic characters from previous Mother Goose poems make appearances.

“I met a young spider named Deb, who's become quite a singing celeb. When I asked how she'd grown to be so well known, she replied, “I'm all over the web!“

It is in a lyrical picture book form. It has repetition on every page because, at the end of the page, it ends with “imagine.“ It has a slow rhythm with long lines and multisyllabic words. This would be a great poem to use when introducing poets and starting an activity where the students write what they want to be when they get older and make a whole lesson out of it.

It is about a boy who imagines what he will be like when he grows up. It is about Juan's life as a boy spending time outside and then as he is learning to write poetry.

“It's getting crowed inside this egg. I can't flap a wing or stretch out a leg.“

This poem talks about the journey of a baby crane's navigation in the world. It celebrates life and growth. I would use the book in my classroom if there was a unit about life.

This poem is about a baby crane and learning about the world around it. It shares the baby crane's journey on exploration and illustrates this through the use of rhyming.

“Black boys play with building blocks, are fascinated by clocks“

This book uses rhythm and alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of identical initial consonant sounds in successive or closely associated syllables within a group of words.