(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Raschka. Hooks and Raschka's collaboration encourages readers to look beyond appearances. Raschka's illustrations are well matched with hooks's flowing refrains, showing children of varied ethnicities in broad strokes that get smaller as hooks invites readers to "be with me inside the me of me." A poetic picture book that will be relevant to a diverse range of children.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004; November, 2017

(3) K-3 Illustrated by James E. Ransome. "Real freedom means 'rithmetic and writing." Newly freed slaves Lizzie and her brother attend school, eager for "learnin'." They keep up with their studies after the building is set on fire; eventually their community rebuilds in response to the tragedy. This quietly powerful story offers readers a glimpse at African American life after the Emancipation Proclamation. The paintings convey the characters' dignity and perseverance.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(2) K-3 Illustrated by London Ladd. There are many longer books that detail the events of Douglass's life, but this one, in picture-book form, manages to synthesize those details just as well as a longer work might. This is due to Rappaport's carefully chosen primary source quotations and Ladd's paintings, which alternate between moments of violence and times of reflection--all resulting in a portrait that is fiery yet dignified. Author's and illustrator's notes are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. A simple story explains how this rallying song for freedom became the watchword for the civil rights movement in the United States, and from there to countries around the world struggling with human rights issues. Lively digital and mixed-media illustrations convey a joyous mood. Although "No single day marks the birth of the song...", a timeline of highlights is included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 Sugar Plum Ballerinas series. Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. Headstrong nine-year-old Epatha likes to inject her own unique style into choreography, but when she does so with a solo part for the Harlem Ballet, she learns a valuable lesson about modesty. The moral is a bit overwrought, but a spirited narrator, vivid Harlem setting, and plenty of ballet terminology add interest; effervescent black-and-white spot art accompanies each chapter. Glos.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. The Pinkneys create a testament to African American males (from Benjamin Banneker to Barack Obama) that, taken together, tells one big story of triumph that, incidentally, spans American history. Each profile is compact but comprehensive and includes an introductory poem and a watercolor portrait. The illustrations are a perfect marriage of line, color, and medium and complement the colloquial and ebullient text. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2013

(3) PS Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe. When a child asks his mother what about him is special, she provides a list of his physical traits and character qualities (e.g., "the way you share"). The sweetness of the mother's answers is often calibrated by the boy's honesty ("but sometimes I feel like keeping all my toys to myself"). Textured collage illustrations with varying perspectives broaden the book's appeal.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) YA This volume includes both lucid short stories and poems, some of which have echoes of freestyle rap. The subtitle could be more specific; these short pieces are decidedly about troubled, urban boys. Flake has readers spend time with three-dimensional young males who contract HIV, wear gang colors, or live up to teachers' low expectations, but she never allows stereotypes to overtake humanity.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Black Pioneers series. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. In 1855, thirteen-year-old Maria's family is in danger of losing its home to Central Park's development. Meanwhile, Maria, inspired by hearing Sojourner Truth speak, gets involved in the struggles of a fugitive slave family. Hansen's New York City setting, ably assisted by Lewis's atmospheric black-and-white spot illustrations, is vividly presented. An author's note tells more about the time and place.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Moser. Ellie's imaginary friend, Billy Lee, offers her companionship, comfort, and encouragement throughout unspecified hard times. The sentimental story touches on hoped-for snowfall, a grandma who believes in magic, hard-working parents, Christmas gifts, and good news for the future, all moving toward a predictable warm-and-fuzzy conclusion. Moser's detailed, luminous paintings show a loving family in a cool winter landscape.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. This second Sugar Plum Ballerinas book has Brenda, the scientific one, in the lead role. Trouble begins when she tries to impress her wealthy cousin by "borrowing" the shoes of a famous ballerina from her dance teacher. Though the ending stretches credulity, reward and punishment are doled out in a satisfying way. Bubbly black-and-white drawings illustrate the story. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Using a folksy style that meshes well with Sojourner's voice, Andrea Pinkney focuses on Truth's determination and hard work as an abolitionist, preacher, and advocate for women's rights. Brian Pinkney's illustrations show the tall, imposing woman outlined with thick black lines against sketched-in backgrounds, keeping her the focus of each double-page spread and conveying the strength of her personality. Reading list.

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

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Maryn Roos. With Deborah Underwood. When Alexandrea's family moves from Georgia to Harlem, her mother insists that she take ballet. Alexandrea's inability to do turns becomes a problem after she's picked to do the Sugar Plum Fairy solo. Though the text tends to over-explain, its details give a good sense of the city. Disney-esque black-and-white drawings illustrate some scenes. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman