(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brittany Jackson. Born blind and enslaved in 1849 Georgia, pianist Tom Wiggins's musical genius ultimately saved him from being considered "a defective piece of property." His master--seeing "a business opportunity"--nurtured and celebrated the young slave's talents. Wiggins appears carefree in Jackson's cartoon illustrations; Armand's straightforward narrative doesn't gloss over Wiggins's and his family's exploitation by his master/manager. An author's note offers more biographical details. A select list of sources is appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brittany Jackson. Preschooler Parker visits the National Portrait Gallery and is entranced by Amy Sherald's painting of First Lady Michelle Obama. The brief text (co-written by Parker and her mother) and cartoony but personality-rich illustrations capture the girl's exuberance while exploring the gallery and then her awe of the portrait. "'She is a queen,' Parker whispered." A joyous and empowering picture book, based on a viral 2018 photograph.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano