(3) PS Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Racial unrest has a way of unearthing a lot of questions in all of us, particularly in our children. This picture book takes the bold step of beginning to address specific, difficult questions about racism. In lyrical text, children ask family members why a particular act of protest occurs: "Why are those people shouting?" "Our people are shouting because we need to be heard. We need to be heard." The illustrations, done in digital collage and paint, are colorful and engaging while still managing to express a somber, thoughtful mood. This is a good starting point in the process of understanding.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. As Big Papa drives his (unnamed) grandson to school, he learns that the child would rather not go because he's scared. The solution? Big Papa's "time machine"--visually represented by a big-bodied classic car--which gives the child insights into his grandfather's own life and fears. Big Papa's stories take the two back to 1952, as he is leaving his Little Rock home to make his way in the world. To 1955, as he works the perilous job of brick mason on Chicago skyscrapers. To 1957, as he summons up the nerve to dance with the woman who will ultimately become the child's Nana. With each story he tells, his grandson asks about his fears ("Was you scared?"). In response, the older man dispenses down-home wisdom, empowering the youth with every word ("Sometimes you gotta lose the life you have if you ever gonna find the one you want") and with the refrain "That's called being brave." When Big Papa relates his last two memories/fears, it's up to his grandson to remind him about the definition of bravery. Bernstrom's colloquial text captures the warm relationship between Big Papa and his grandson. Punctuated by brilliant yellows and blues, Evans's illustrations of swirling stars and outlined memories evoke the ethereal quality of the journey through time.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020

(2) PS Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. In this affirmation of self-love for children of color, an exuberant brown-skinned girl recounts many situations in which she puts her "hands up": playing peek-a-boo, striking a pose in ballet, etc. Evans's textured illustrations effectively evoke a bright mood. An author's note articulates McDaniel's choice to reclaim the titular phrase from its negative associations with police encounters. A book that highlights the joys of black and brown childhood while positioning young children as agents of change.

Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(3) K-3 CitizenKid series. Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Young Deo flees his village in Burundi and ends up at a refugee camp, malnourished, without his family, and up against bullies and gangs. Through the power of play and banana-leaf soccer balls, Deo finds friendship and a sense of community. Striking mixed-media illustrations enhance this powerful story (inspired by real events) of survival and resurgence. An author's note is included. Websites.

Reviewer: Alia Jones

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. This book about Mike--whose parents affirm that he is a "just right" blend of races, even as peers pressure him to "choose who I cruise with"--celebrates mixed-race identity and joyful individuality. Evans's collage art is abundant in meaningful, kid-friendly detail; a bouncy, free-flowing text with internal rhymes keeps the story high-energy.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. A big-hearted, wide-ranging compilation intended to bring Black History Month alive, this volume highlights twenty-eight notable people or events (one for each day of February), starting with Attucks and ending with Obama, then a look to the future. Poems and brief informational paragraphs (in small italicized type) are complemented by bold mixed-media illustrations in a busy design. A good starting place for children. Bib.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Centenarian Lillian takes slow steps up a hill to her polling place, contemplating the metaphorical steps taken by her predecessors. Winter weaves a good amount of African American history and civil rights information throughout his earnest tale of one family's tragedies and triumphs. Evans's angular, textured mixed-media illustrations spotlight Lillian's family members and the tale's historical eras. An author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(2) YA Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. The first part of this vivid verse novel, set from September 2003 to March 2004, celebrates twelve-year-old Amira's life on her family farm in Darfur, Sudan. After a violent attack by the Sudanese militia, Amira and her family become refugees. Pinkney uses onomatopoeia, rhythm, and prismatic imagery to describe Amira's feelings. Evans's spare illustrations provide valuable visual context and a much-needed sense of buoyancy. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Jamie expresses his shifting emotions in a rainbow of colors. His cool purple "Grape-juice drinking...Bobbing to the beat kind of mood" shifts to a "Gloomy gray kind of place" when his brothers are mean, and so on. The stuttering free verse can be difficult to follow; Evans's hue-specific digital-collage illustrations provide most of this conceptually smart book's expression.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. With Denene Millner. Callie describes similarities and differences between herself and her twin brother, Charlie, who has autism. While the text strains for a child's voice (even though it was co-written by then-twelve-year-old Ryan Elizabeth), the story does eloquently highlight the love between the siblings. Attractive art with visible brush strokes and large-eyed characters accompanies the tale, based on actress Peete's real family.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Smith tells the heavyweight champ's story in ballad form, which suits the larger-than-life feel of this dramatic tale. Johnson's quest to be champion was hampered by white title-holders; his persistence was eventually rewarded. The poetry is interspersed with quotes of the time. Evans uses oil paint and ink to depict the determined fighter, with newspapers, maps, and crowds in the backgrounds. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Granna Rabbit is too sick to prepare the Karamu banquet for Kwanzaa. Li'l Rabbit gets a gentle lesson in the holiday's meaning as he searches for something to help his grandmother feel better. The plot is slight but enough to pull young listeners along; Evans's fanciful paintings feature a host of helpful animal characters, each imaginatively dressed and posed along Li'l Rabbit's route.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. A brief text, more impressionistic than fact-filled, introduces readers to the self-taught artist Clementine Hunter (1886–1988), who "didn't wait" for perfect conditions in order to paint her memories of plantation life. Illustrator Evans's canvas resembles the old boards on which Hunter sometimes painted, while the rich colors recall Hunter's own palette. Author's note. Bib.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. The lyrical, descriptive narrative tells, in parallel, biographical information about Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. Despite the book's title, the "paths cross" moment is anticlimactic, with no definitive historical record of the event. The bold, textured illustrations in blues, browns, and gold are uncluttered and expansive. An appended epilogue gives more information about the women, though no sources are included.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shane Evans. Nineteen poems describe young Cecilia's relationship with her new cat, Gorilla--fierce, proud, and "rain-cloud gray." Gorilla is a fussy eater who disdains canned tuna (she prefers soul food); but she's also a comfort, especially when Cecilia's best friend moves away. The open page design, clean typeface, and bold, color-saturated illustrations combine to make an eye-catching book with as much personality as its feline hero.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Completing a trilogy (No More!, Free at Last!), Rappaport recalls pivotal events of the 1950s and 1960s, reprising the injustices that led to massive protests. Dramatic stories, words, and songs are all surveyed in the brief text. Evans's oil paintings make the menace of racial hatred palpable while celebrating the steadfast moral power of courageously peaceful individuals. Reading list, source notes. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Clinton tells the rousing story of the all-African American Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment, focusing on the heroic action of Sergeant William H. Carney. Carney braces his troops by bravely carrying the flag through battle despite being wounded. Evans portrays the proud regiment dressed in the rich blues of their Union uniforms. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2005

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. In a companion volume to No More!: Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance, Rappaport samples the African-American experience from 1863 (Emancipation) to 1954 (Brown v. Board of Education). Included are historical vignettes, brief historical summaries, and poems and songs. Chronology, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2004

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Reenie and Mama enjoy fishing along the bank of Jim Crow River, but Peter and his father fish out of necessity. Mama explains why they ignore one another: "We and white folks have kept our distance here, for as long as memory serves." But Reenie is kind to Peter, and this small act helps him shed some of his prejudices. Evans's standout illustrations add poignancy to the story.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Thirty-four poems create a portrait of a close-knit family struggling to cope through crisis. Told in the voice of a thirteen-year-old African-American boy, C. J., the poems chronicle happy times to the abrupt departure of C. J.'s father and his return. By turns tender and angry, the emotionally powerful poems convey the teen's feelings and testify to the strength of family. Realistic paintings in warm colors are an attractive addition.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute