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Af Am Children's Lit/The Brown Bookshelf
I've been meaning to start this thread for a while so here it is.
1. Born in Sin by Evelyn Coleman 2. The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake 3. Money Hungry by Sharon G. Flake 4. SHARON DRAPER books
As I think of others, I will share, but if you know of other books that teens will enjoy, especially Black teens, please share. :D |
There is a book coming out by Angela Johnson called The First Things Last. It's about a young man who loses his girlfriend in a random act of violence and now has to take care of their child. I got a notice about it from Amazon.com and it seemed like a pretty good read for teens.
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I've read several of Angela Johnson's books.
Also other books I recommend: Manchild in the Promised Land by Claude Brown: My mom gave it to me to read in the 7th grade. It is such a powerful book to read. Teacup Full of Roses by Sharon Bell Mathis: Oldie but a goodie. I have a copy from the 70s. Chill Wind by Janet McDonald: Got this book back in the winter; started it, never finished it but I did like it. I promise. :o It is sitting on the bookshelf/file cabinet. |
A book that I read when I was in 7th or 8th grade is very good. It's been out for years, and I still even read it over now, it's just that good.
It's called Manchild In the Promise Land by Claude Brown. |
Another really good one is called Like Sisters on the Homefront. I can't remember the author, but I've read in other threads that the author is a soror. It's about a teen mom who is sent by her mother to live with some very strict relatives down south.
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Stephanie Perry Moore is a soror. I met her @ the ATL Convention and bought one of her books for one of my former students who was in a relationship with a guy who wanted to have sex but she did not. (teen series) -- spiritual fiction. It was the first in the series where a young girl loses her long time boyfriend during her senior year because she chooses to remain a virgin. Soror lives in ATL and told me she comes to Charlotte to work with Alumnae chapter's debutantes. Here is the book I bought my student . . . http://images.amazon.com/images/P/08...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg Not only is Payton Skky popular, but she is also dating the best looking guy at her high school. While he is pressuring her to sleep with him, Payton is content to wait, convinced that he is the one she will marry. As the pressure increases Payton starts to wonder if waiting is really worth it, especially since she believes that they will always be together. If she gives in, will they always be together? Book titles of Payton Skky Series: 1. Staying Pure 2. Sober Faith 3. Saved Race 4. Sweetest Gift 5. Surrendered Heart Looks like she also has a Laurel Shadrach Series 1. Purity Reigns 2. Totally Free 3. Equally Yoked |
Mildred Taylor Classics
How remiss of me not to mention the classics by Mildred Taylor:
1. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry 2. Let The Circle Be Unbroken 3. The Road to Memphis (every time I read this book, I cry like a baby). You have to read IMANI ALL MINE by Connie Rose Porter. One of my Caucasian students read this book my first year teaching. She told me it was a good book. THAT was an understatement. This book had me broke down crying like FUNERAL CRYING. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/06...CMZZZZZZZ_.jpg Plot Summary: From Publishers Weekly "The doctor say she see it every day, babies having babies." Fifteen-year-old Tasha Dawson narrates a tale of teenage motherhood in Porter's second adult novel (after All-Bright Court). Balancing her honor-roll grades with the perils of surviving inner-city Buffalo, N.Y., Tasha gives birth to Imani?a child conceived in violence and given a name that means "faith." . The young mother expresses a powerful, protective love for her daughter even as she herself negotiates her existence among drug dealers and bigoted authorities and explores her own adolescent sexuality. She struggles to understand her mother's new relationship with a white man; her own desires, shame and pride; and the nature of a God who is both merciless and loved. Just when Tasha appears to have found a place for herself with Imani and in school, her world is devastated by a flash of injustice that changes her life forever. Porter spins the tale in a series of flashbacks, telling Tasha's story in a nonlinear fashion and with a bold dialect, mirroring the survival strategies of indirection that Tasha employs in her complex navigation of young adulthood, motherhood and urban life. Porter is also known as a young-adult fiction writer (the Addy books in the American Girls series), and at times this novel slips uncomfortably into YA simplicity, especially in its resolutely uplifting final scenes, which offer an almost cloyingly spiritual happy ending to Tasha's complicated, earthbound story. Author tour. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. LOL, I forgot I reviewed this book on Amazon. . . I gave it 5 stars, but this is what I wrote in 2001: I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewer who said that Oprah needs to find this book. I was totally blown away by the ending and was hit hard by my emotions. I loved Tasha's voice and the intelligence and reality that she bought with this novel. I only wish she could have told her mother about the rape. Trust me, if you have not read this book, you need to. |
CT4,
Do you know if these books are available everywhere yet? I just took my vow of purity and these would really be helpful nas I prepare to start the program here at my church in MS.:D |
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in my best southern accent.....
Thanks darling!!:) :D
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I just finished reading Imani All Mine this afternoon and I was in TEARS at the end of the book. I think I will recommend it to one of my kids at the shelter the next time I see her if she has not gone home by the time I come back to work.
I remember reading about the Peyton Skyy series in my Black Expressions insert that I get every month. I think that I will see if the Saginaw library has them and recommend them to my youth group or to my young women's ministry at church. |
I am sitting here ordering books from my library online which means using Amazon as well and came across some titles.
1. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/05...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg A vibrant collection of first-person narratives based on interviews with young African-American girls. Educator Carroll traveled the country, interviewing dozens of black girls between the ages of 11 and 20. The essence of 15 of these interviews makes up this brash and compelling oral history. While the book presents a wide range of voices from vastly different social and economic backgrounds, all of the subjects share a singular sense of independence, self-reliance, and pride. Fourteen-year-old Jo-Laine says, ``Being a part of black culture feels very good to me . . . and even though I know that no matter what I do or say, there will always be somebody who's going to try and put me down or make me feel like less of a person than they are, all I have to do is think about how far we've come.'' In their determination to succeed in a world buffeted by self-destruction and self-indulgence, sex is not something these girls take casually. Fourteen-year-old Latisha observes that the only thing many young men want is sex, ``and if we keep giving it to them, they gonna think they can get it anytime they want it. It's disrespectful.'' Religion seems to play a significant, positive role in the lives of these young women, providing strong support. Many of the interviewees have had considerable interaction with white people and express impressions ranging from distrust to genuine affection. Of particular interest is 20-year-old Sophie, who, like the author, was adopted into a white family. Having grown up among upper-middle-class whites, Sophie makes a conscious decision to marry a black man and immerse herself in his world. Carroll succeeds at both giving shape to these profiles and keeping the text convincingly real. Young black voices that move and enlighten. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. 2. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/00...CMZZZZZZZ_.jpg Ophelia Speaks by Sara Shandler is a clever response to Mary Pipher's bestselling Reviving Ophelia. Shandler reveals telling portraits of teenage girls in this book, a compilation of essays, poems, and true-grit commentary from a cross section of teenage girls (or Ophelias), throughout the country. The book succeeds because it gives voice to their deepest concerns and their too-often frenzied lives. Because she's a college student, Shandler considers herself a peer of these adolescent girls, able to tap into their collective consciousness. Shandler is as determined as she is a sharp reporter in chronicling the lives of these young women. To research the book, she sent out a mass mailing of 7,000 letters to high school and junior high school principals, counselors, and teachers explaining her book project and urging them to encourage teenage girls to contribute. The topics covered run the gamut, but they include parental expectations, racial relations, and faith, among others. Sadly, eating disorders are an all-too-popular topic. The good news is that Shandler's contributors offer up some real insight for their peers. In one essay titled "Food Is Not My Enemy," Elizabeth Fales "calls us to a new feminism. In the old feminism, our mothers fought for the right to choose abortion. In our generation, we must fight for the right to eat." The book also gives practical insight for parents who may find it hard to relate to their teenage daughters. In a nutshell, it appears that adolescent girls want unconditional love from parents who can be confidants without being overly critical. --Peg Melnick STEELTRAP, I also reserved the first teen book you mentioned in main book thread. :cool: |
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/08...CMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes Open Mike Friday is everyone's favorite day in Mr. Ward's English class. On Fridays, his 18 high-school students dare to relax long enough to let slip the poets, painters, readers, and dreamers that exist within each of them. Raul Ramirez, the self-described "next Diego Rivera," longs "to show the beauty of our people, that we are not all banditos like they show on TV, munching cuchfritos and sipping beer through chipped teeth." And while angry Tyrone Bittings finds dubious comfort in denying hope: "Life is cold. Future?...wish there was some future to talk about. I could use me some future," overweight Janelle Battle hopes to be seen for what she really is: "for I am coconut / and the heart of me / is sweeter / than you know" They are all here: the tall girl, the tough-talking rapper, the jock, the beauty queen, the teenage mom, the artist, and many more. While it may sound like another Breakfast Club rehash, Grimes uses both poetry and revealing first-person prose to give each character a distinct voice. By book's end, all the voices have blended seamlessly into a multicultural chorus laden with a message that is probably summed up best by pretty girl Tanisha Scott's comment, "I am not a skin color or a hank of wavy hair. I am a person, and if they don't get that, it's their problem, not mine." But no teen reader will have a problem with this lyrical mix of many-hued views. (Ages 12 and older) --Jennifer Hubert |
great thread!
I am actually working on a book for teens! (ladies the pickings for our little sisters is verrrry slim-how sad)
Anyhoo, my pick for the little sistahs is: Don't Give It Away!: A Workbook of Self-Awareness and Self-Affirmations for Young Women Iyanla Vanzant, With Almasi Wilcots You can find the book for under $4.00 on BN.com Its a keeper ! |
Book Recommendation: Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
This book is set in a high school English classroom. Mr. Ward the teacher has just finished a unit on the Harlem Renaissance and his kids are inspired to start sharing their poetry. They begin to have Open Mike Fridays every week and that breaks barriers in the class between the students. There is a poem or 2 for each student. It also shows that what appears to be is not always the reality. There is poetry from both males and females.
I read the book in 2 1/2 hours -- good read. ~~~~~~~~~~ Yesterday I read Sharon Draper's Double Dutch which was also a very enjoyable read for me. You have an 8th grade girl who cannot read, her best friend who is a liar, a classmate whose father is missing, and twin classmates who scare everyone INCLUDING the teacher.:eek: :eek: |
Sorry to crash your board, but I recommend teen books for a living and wanted to recommend:
All the suggestions you have already are excellent. I love Sharon Flake especially. |
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*writing all of these titles down*
I read Walter Dean Myers in a Children's Lit course about two summers ago and we had to read Fallen Angels. It was wonderful and I'd love to read more of his work. Since I'm not in class this summer I have got to find these. I still like to read some teen-centered books. Also I've been over in the "grown folk" book thread too. |
I would recommend "Don't Give it Away" by Iyanla Vanzant. It's a good book for young girls to read. I think that young boys would benefit from it too.
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Sharon Draper's Newest Book
I just finished reading it on my lunch break. This is a very very very good read.
Battle of Jericho by Sharon Draper http://images.amazon.com/images/P/06...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper (Author) Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Grade 7-10-When an elite club, The Warriors of Distinction, invites Jericho and his cousin Josh to pledge, the teens look forward to wearing the black silk jacket, going to great parties, and receiving the admiring glances of the other students at their Ohio high school. Even the girl Jericho has a crush on begins to show an interest in him. The initiation process begins rather tamely with the new pledges helping with the Christmas toy drive, but as it progresses, Jericho becomes increasingly uncomfortable with what they are asked to do and the way they treat Dana, the first-ever female pledge. Adopting the group's "All of us or none of us" creed, the 15 inductees decide to continue. In an intense climax, pledging goes tragically wrong and the repercussions are felt throughout the community. Draper has captured the essence of teens caught up in peer pressure who must ultimately live with the results of their actions. Her characters are deeply human and the strong plot mirrors the difficult choices that young people must make as they try to reconcile their need for acceptance with their inner values. Mostly, though, this title is a compelling read that drives home important lessons about making choices. Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Gr. 7-10. The Warriors of Distinction has been the school's most exclusive club for 50 years, so when 16-year-old Jericho is asked to pledge, he's excited--and intimidated. He is also disappointed after he realizes that he'll have to give up a music competition because he can't miss a night of the initiation week. When the ceremony turns cruel--with the one girl pledge being singled out for abuse--Jericho begins to have second thoughts. Then the affair turns deadly. There are several problems... read more |
ttt
any more recommendations? I have one on my coffee table that I bought 2 months ago, Jason and Kyra by Dana Davidson. One day I will get to read it. |
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A much, much better read is Who Am I Without Him by the always-brilliant Sharon Flake. I wasn't wild about the final story in the book, but the rest was wonderful. Sharon Flake can do no wrong. |
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Cool, I did not know that Sharon had another book out. I have a coworker with a 10 year old son who she wants to read more. I copied and pasted all of the recommended titles here but am drawing blanks on other titles I have recommended in the past. Can you suggest some more? Thanks. :) |
UnspokenOne :) I knew I had mentioned Mildred Taylor somewhere before.
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Thanks CT4 :D ! There are a lot of books in this thread that I have not heard of and wish that I had had when I was teen. I'll have to purchase some for my cousins.
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A New Initiative
I know many of you are parents, teachers, librarians, or just an avid fan of children's literature, this is an initiative that I am proud to be a part of and share with you. Check it out and share with others. :)
According to the Cooperative Children's Book Center, of the approximately 5000 trade children’s books published in 2006: • 153 books had significant African or African American content • 87 books were by black book creators, either authors and/or illustrators If you divide 87 into 5000, you get just over 1 percent. 1.74 percent. That number is sad and it’s mind blowing. That number says to me that we are missing from the bookshelves in the bookstores and the libraries. It says that our stories aren’t being told. Correction, they are being told just not published in the same magnitude as the majority. Right now, please name for me five African American children’s authors. This includes picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction and non-fiction. In case you are still grasping for names, let me help you out. There’s Walter Dean Myers, Sharon Draper, Sharon Flake, Rita Williams Garcia, Jacqueline Woodson, and Christopher Paul Curtis just to name six. But there’s more than just those six. And there are more to come. So many more. And that’s where The Brown Bookshelf comes in. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/...e68144.jpg?v=0 The Brown Bookshelf is designed to push awareness of the myriad of African American voices writing for young readers. On February 1, 2008, the group will launch the 28 Days Later Campaign which is a month-long showcase of the best in picture books, middle grade and young adult novels written by African American authors. Each day during Black History Month, a different book and author will be featured at The Brown Bookshelf. The 28 Days Later Campaign will culminate with a day of giveaways and announcements of future programs on February 29th. The Brown Bookshelf is partnering with the African American Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (AACBWI) and the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to ensure the 28 Days Later Campaign reaches the intended audience of educators and librarians. The 28 Days Later authors will be selected through a multi-tier selection process. Prior to opening submissions, the review and research team will choose several veteran authors and two self-published authors. Public submissions will be accepted from November 1- December 1st at the Brown Bookshelf blog, email and 28 Days Later web page. Authors may self-submit themselves for consideration. Author names will also be solicited from publishers, librarians, teachers and other children’s literature industry professionals. To submit a name: - Send an email to email@thebrownbookshelf.com indicating the author and a list of their works - Post submissions to The Brown Bookshelf blog in the comment section of blog posts soliciting names - Submit names at http://thebrownbookshelf.com/28-days-later/ Beyond the 28 Days Later Campaign, The Brown Bookshelf will continue to keep you informed about the African American children’s literature community with book reviews, announcements about book fairs, events and conferences, as well as industry tidbits. |
THAT IS GREAT!!!! Where was this when I was a pre teen? May I share this info with others?
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We sent a press release to Black bookstores that we found an e-mail address but if you know of Black bookstores in your area, pass it along to them. |
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I was going to put this in here, but it looks like I'm a couple years too late!! This is one of my favorite authors and I've read both series (Payton and Laurel, though Laurel is white, so I wouldn't recommend it in this thread). I just saw that she has a new series out following Payton's little brother, Perry (so the boys can get some inspiration, too!). Has anyone read the newer American Girls-Addy books? I've only read the first 5 that were out when I was little. |
Buying Books
CT4 has already hipped me to great resources for readers, Shelfari and Mosaic Books. During college, I found Book Closeouts. It's an online retailer that sells books at SUPER low-prices. Right now, I have a cart with 13 hardcover and paperback books, and my total is only $64!
I want to find more online retailers that offer good prices and decent shipping time. GCers, where do you buy books online? If you know any good Ebay book sellers, please provide their information!! |
Wow! That's a really great price for so many books. I usually would buy my books from Amazon.com but for the past couple of years I have been going to the library because all of my books were starting to take up too much space in my apartment.
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Nikki and Soror OohSoFly, I know you both have daughters in this age range. Check out Nikki and Deja by Karen English. I just started reading it for The Brown Bookshelf and it is so cute.
Nikki, I also mentioned Willimena Rules to OohSoFly this morning but it's a series of 7 books by Valerie Wilson Wesley. |
thanks for the info C...we're supposed to go to the li-berry (lol) today but I think I wanna put some books on reserve first because she can never make up her mind and I end up being like :mad:...I hope they have some of the ones you recommended...I try to buy her books with characters that are people of color as often as possible...
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I went to West Blvd yesterday and grabbed all of the Willimena titles as well as Nikki and Deja. I'm profiling both of these authors so that is why I have this wealth of knowledge all of a sudden. During February, we will be profiling picture book, middle grade, and young adult authors. I forget all of the titles and authors but this site has all the info. Also, when you go to Amazon and look up a book, they typically recommend others that are similar in story line, character, other books by that author as well that is helpful with reserving titles and just going by to pick them up. |
Stephanie Perry Moore-Soror Author
Hey Sorors,
I am not sure if you know of Soror Stephanie Perry Moore she is a Christian author for children and teens. She is also a part of the Henry County chapter here in GA. I have had the chance to meet her at a joint book signing (Her and I) she is a wonderful person and does have a great following. I pray I will have the same with my new book " From God's Lips, To My Heart, For Your Spirit" (I am a christian poet). Her website is below. Happy reading.;) http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/ www.anointedphrases.com (is my website) For those who attended the GA State Cluster she was there doing a book signing too. |
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