(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Alexander and Nelson honor the achievements, courage, and perseverance of ordinary black people as well as prominent black artists, athletes, and activists. Alexander's free-verse poem conveys a sense of pride at what his "unflappable" and "unafraid" predecessors have accomplished and what people continue to do today. Nelson's realistic oil paintings depict racial oppression in the past and present--demonstrating that racism remains deeply entrenched in America today.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019

(2) 4-6 In 1956 Clinton, Tennessee, twelve African American students integrated the all-white high school. Boyce, one of the "Clinton 12," relates (with coauthor Levy) her first-person account in free-verse passages that often include rhyme and employ various poetic forms. Newspaper headlines and clips, excerpts from the Constitution, and more appear throughout this fine addition to books about the integration of public schools during the civil rights era. Reading list, timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Geneva B. Jax meets Ma--who has just received a package containing three dragons. The dragons cannot stay in Brooklyn ("They came from one world, and they're on their way to another"), and the pair's quest to deliver the creatures takes several unexpected turns involving time travel, magic, and a host of vividly portrayed characters. This suspenseful illustrated novel is a welcome addition to the underpopulated genre of African American middle-grade fantasy.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. With Marjory Wentworth and Chris Colderley. Twenty poems, each "celebrating" a notable poet, variously mimic poets' styles, incorporate their feelings and themes, or acknowledge and thank them. The celebrated poets represent a wide range of cultures and time periods. Vibrant, arresting mixed-media collages complement and extend the themes and rich imagery presented in the poems. Educators teaching poetry or introducing influential poets will welcome this stellar title. Biographical information appended.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Evan Turk. McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield (1915–83) helped establish the "Chicago blues" musical genre; this picture book biography begins with his Mississippi childhood and his fondness for music--the blues in particular. His grandmother told him he shouldn't waste his time on music. "But Muddy was never good at doing what he was told." Mahin's text is engaging, rhythmic, and soulful. Turk's expressionistic mixed-media illustrations aptly convey emotion. Bib.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2017

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bryan Collier. Perkins's 1993 poem asks a number of questions focused on the promise and potential of African American children--what they can learn or do, what they can be. Collier's trademark watercolor and collage illustrations show close-ups of black children that convey their strength, beauty, and belief in the poem's message. Though that message is on point and important, the delivery is didactic.

Reviewer: Jonda C. McNair