Crow

CROW by Barbara Wright. Listening Library, 2013.

Crow tells the story of Moses Thomas. The year is 1898, and his town in North Carolina has been relatively calm. His father is one of two Black people who serve as alderman. There is still division between the races, but the town seems to be dealing with racism. But then something changes, and the racism and hatred mount. Moses will have to face his fears and stand up for what he knows is right. The narration by J.D. Jackson is perfect as he captures a wide range of characters from Moses to his grandmother, Boo Nanny, and his parents along with the people of the town.

Courage Has No Color

COURAGE HAS NO COLOR: THE STORY OF THE TRIPLE NICKELS AMERICA'S FIRST BLACK PARATROOPERS by Tanya Lee Stone. Candlewick, 2013.

Stone dives into a little known piece of history with her nonfiction book about the first African American paratroopers, the Triple Nickels as they were known at the time. Though the paratroopers made history, their story has not been told in such incredible detail. Lots of archival photos, newspaper clipping, and other primary resources disclose what it was like for these history makers to achieve the status of being the "first" and yet not being utilized by the military which still had de facto segregation when it came to African American soldiers. History teachers will find this an invaluable book to share with students.

history in many forms and formats

Kadir Nelson creates a memorable reading and viewing experience in HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AFRICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS (Balzer and Bray 2011). As he did in WE ARE THE SHIP, Nelson creates a narrator to tell the story of the history from Colonial times to post Civil Rights Movement. Paintings of key players and events extend and elaborate the text which is immediately accessible to readers. This is a book that begs to be browsed at first, taking time to view the illustrations that are hallmarks of Nelson's work. The text can be enjoyed silently, but the rhythm and style beg for a good read aloud as well. <24>





NEVER FORGOTTEN by Patricia McKissack with illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon (Schwartz and Wade 2011) uses poems to tell the story of one family's travails in slavery. McKissack's voice never waivers as she gives voice to various
characters" and their experiences from capture to final freedom. Acrylic and watercolor illustrations are highly stylized and provide the perfect colors, tones, and symbols from each of the stories contained in this book. <25>