1. “Power in My Pen: A Snippet of the Life of Ida B. Wells” by Louie T. McClain II
Power in My Pen
Step into the world of Ida B. Wells as she uses her life experiences and obstacles as motivation to achieve many firsts in editing and journalism in the United States of America and abroad. Read along as she flourishes in the wake of family tragedy and ever changing life situations. "Power in My Pen" encourages penmanship, free thought, and historical lessons from a highly influential leader in the early 1900's. The strong intelligent woman we know as Ida B. Wells proved, no matter who you are, you can share your message and your truth to the world through the power of the pen.The book can be purchased at www.MelaninOrigins.com. Our books are also available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, etc.
2. Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates
Big Hair, Don't Care
Named by numerous media outlets, including Essence magazine, as a top book emphasizing natural hair and brown girl beauty, this whimsically illustrated picture book encourages children of African descent to feel good about their hair, no matter how different it may be from other kids. Main character Lola has really big curly hair, much bigger than the other kids at her school. Although her big hair often causes kids to stare and sometimes her big curls cause her to lose at hide and seek, that doesn't stop her from telling anyone who will listen just how much she LOVES her hair!
This book and the matching party plate set can be purchased at www.BrownGirlsClub.com. All other books by bestselling author Crystal Swain-Bates can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and offline at select retailers nationwide. Connect with Crystal by following her on Facebook, simply search for the name Author Crystal Swain-Bates or follow @thebrowngirlsclub on Instagram.
3. “Brick by Brick: A Snippet of the Life of Booker T. Washington” by Louie T. McClain II
Brick By Brick
Join young Booker as he embarks on a life defined by self-determination and great achievement. Through motivation, hard work, and knowledge gained from education, Booker T. Washington became and influential figure in history. Booker taught us that no dream is too big, nothing is impossible, and that through our collective efforts we can achieve our dreams step by step and brick by brick. “Brick by Brick” teaches young children about leadership, historical accuracy, and it empowers their will to be whatever they desire in life. (Brick by Brick made #1 New Release on Amazon in multicultural children’s book biographies in 2016) The book can be purchased at www.MelaninOrigins.com. Our books are also available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, etc.
4. “Mya’s Big Adventures: Career Day” by Tomayia T Colvin
Mya's Big Adventures: Career Day
"Mya’s Big Adventures: Career Day" tells the story of Mya, an energetic and creative elementary school student who is excited about her class project. Mya takes her readers on an adventure alongside her as she decides on which career will be perfect for her! Mya’s Big Adventures: Career Day made the #1 New Release on Amazon in children’s photography books. The book can be purchased online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
5. Rock on with Your Afro Puffs by Sherrita Berry-Pettus M.Ed.
Rock on with Your Afro Puffs
Rock On With Your Afro Puffs was created to help teach and reinforce that all types of hair are beautiful. This book is perfect for little girls with curly, puffy, and/or kinky hair. Our little girls need to know that there is nothing wrong with their hair and that they are beautiful exactly the way they are! Rock On With Your Afro Puffs teaches little girls that their hair is their super power. Great confidence builder and bedtime story.
Note from author- Little princesses everywhere, rock your hair with pride! Your hair is special and so are you!
Rock On With Your Afro Puffs is available at http://www.squareup.com/store/MrsBerryPettus . Also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wal-Mart.
6. The Atom: What Am I really? by Terressa Boykin
The Atom: What Am I really?
The basic structure of an atom taught through the story of a little atom who feels lost in the world and seeks to find his true element.
A great story for parents who want to foster a love a of science and chemistry in their little ones. A useful tool for early STEM education.
Terressa Boykin is the President and CEO of the Boykin STEM Inc. and author of the children's chemistry book series Des&Desi. She has worked in the Polymer Engineering Technology field for almost 30 years performing substantive examinations of chemicals in the areas of Polymer and Nanotechnology innovations. “The Atom: What Am I really?” can be purchased online at Amazon.
7. Black Man White House by Marilyn A. Williams
“Black Man White House”
This is a children’s book, but adults should find it interesting as well. It shares the African American experience from slavery to President Barack Obama becoming president. "Black Man-White House” is a historical, short non-fiction children’s book that depicts some of the humiliating barriers of segregation that black people have had to endure. Yet, a black man President Barack Obama, overcame. Books can purchased at http://blackmanwhitehouse.com.
8. Smile Bright Chocolate Prince by Sherrita Berry-Pettus M.Ed.
“Smile Bright Chocolate Prince”
With everything that's going on in the world, our little boys need to know they are perfect exactly the way they are. Smile Bright Chocolate Prince teaches little boys that they are strong, handsome, and intelligent. With powerful positive eye-catching images, along with the powerful message teaching little boys to smile bright through all things. This book makes the perfect gift for all little boys of color. You can check out Mrs. Berry-Pettus on facebook to learn about future books. Smile Bright Chocolate Prince is available at http://www.squareup.com/store/MrsBerryPettus . Also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wal-Mart.
9. “Nandi's Unexpected Gift - By Ama Kuma
Nandi's Unexpected Gift
With her 10th birthday coming up, Nandi is eager to receive a special gift that she's never asked for before, something that makes her feel like she's really growing up and becoming more like her big sister Vanessa. She and her buddies Anara and Lila have some very important studying to do for school, but Nandi's excitement about her birthday causes her to lose focus and head down a path she wasn't expecting to go. In the end, it's her Grandma Janie who teaches her a very important lesson and gives her the best gift she's ever received. The unexpected gift her grandmother gives her is not only a gift for Nandi, but for you as well!
For ages 9-12. Pre-orders are available at www.amakuma.net and December 1, 2016 for Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com.
10. “Cut Day” by Christin Armstrong
Cut Day
Every little boy can relate to the struggles that come along with getting a haircut. It's stressful! Hear the struggle from a child's point of view and see how this particular haircut experience went from fear to victory! Books can be purchased at http://shopmochakid.com/collections/bookstore/products/cut-day-book
11. “Wash Day” by Christin Armstrong
Wash Day
Every child can relate to the struggles that come along with wash day. Some parents can relate as well. Empathize with all of our wash day sentiments in this adorable book for your Mocha Kid. Books can be purchased at http://shopmochakid.com/collections/bookstore/products/wash-day-book
12. "I'm a Pretty Princess" by Crystal Swain-Bates
I’m A Pretty Princess
Having a hard time finding black princess books for your little princess? Look no further. Meet Makayla, a pretty black princess who lives in a castle far, far away. Although she has cute dresses, a sparkling tiara, and a shiny wand, she knows that being a princess isn't just about her fancy things, she has to put in work to be the very best princess she can be! By the end of this rhyming picture book, Makayla realizes that "It’s not my castle, my wand, or the dress that I’m in. What makes me a princess is what lies within!" This book and the matching party plate set can be purchased at www.BrownGirlsClub.com. All other books by bestselling author Crystal Swain-Bates can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble and offline at select retailers nationwide. Connect with Crystal by following her on Facebook, simply search for the name Author Crystal Swain-Bates or follow @thebrowngirlsclub on Instagram.
13. “Gabriella and Samantha's New Mom” by Pauline Rose Moore
Gabriella and Samantha's New Mom
Gabriella and Samantha's New Mom is a global picture book based on my own foster care story to encourage and inspire foster kids, adoptees, and orphans around the world! Through the characters, Gabriella and Samantha, the reader is invited to share their emotional journey, as they ponder: Will we finally have a home?
It has been used in research to educate new psychologists, social workers, foster parents, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Guardians Ad Litems (GAL), fosters, and therapists to understand foster care and foster kid emotional needs, or how storytelling can yield in self-acceptance. Pick up your copy and get book info here: https://www.amazon.com/Gabriella-Samanthas-Pau…/…/B01AFQHG00
14. Princess Nevaeh: Lessons on Self Discovery by Paulette Harper
Princess Nevaeh
Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is —a princess. Do you know a little girl that doesn’t know she is loved or even beautiful? Do we as parents, grandparents, or guardians reinforce and give our little ones daily affirmation? Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on Self-Discovery covers topics that are important not only to parents but also to our little girls.
Find out how Mimi shares with her granddaughter the things that matter most. Some of the topics discussed in this book are: Teaching behavioral skills: fighting, bullying, listening, and obeying. Reinforces manners.Teaches self-worth and values. Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on Self-Discovery is a tool to affirm the child, build positive dialogue and to encourage self-worth. Book can be purchased on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B00NC5ODX0 Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1uFrFnw.
15. “J.R.’s First Trip to” by S.L. Bartholomew
J.R.’s First Trip to New York
J.R.’s First Trip to... New Orleans
In efforts to ensure J.R. grows up to be a cultured, well-traveled and well-rounded individual, J.R.’s parents take him on trips all over. As a result, J.R. learns all about the world around him and is continuously exposed to different methods of transportation. J.R.’s First Trip to ... a series of children’s books introducing various modes of transportation as well as landmarks within different cities and states. J.R.’s First Trip to ... New York is the first of the series. J.R.’s First Trip to ...New Orleans! is the second of the series.Already well received, this book educates and entertains simultaneously. Its vibrant layout, bold colors and storytelling illustrations entices even the youngest little minds to get excited about reading and travel. Leaving all readers asking the same question, “Where will J.R. go next?” Get your copy, and find out now @ www.jrsfirsttripto.com
16. “Jane's Precious Jewel” by Val Pugh-Love
Jane's Precious Jewel
Jane's Precious Jewel (Amazon #1 Bestseller)
Join Jane as she searches for her missing jewel. The shiny, colorful, precious jewel is special to Jane, but she can't seem to find it anywhere. Will she find it, or will it be lost forever? This books pairs perfectly with our Jane's Precious Dreams fleece blanket that is also available via www.valpughlove.com! Her books are written about children of color to give our children the chance read about kids who look like them. Each book has a matching coloring book.
It can be purchased via www.valpughlove.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.walmart.com. To receive an autographed copy of the books, purchase them through www.valpughove.com.
17. The Pawsome Christmas Surprise by Val Pugh-Love
The Pawsome Christmas Surprise
The Pawsome Christmas Surprise
Join Apollo on this pawsome Christmas adventure as he helps Santa deliver toys! He runs away from his family to complete his secret Christmas mission. Everyone misses him so much, and he feels bad about it. However, he must help Santa deliver gifts to the pawsome puppies all around the world. Will he return home in time for Christmas, or will his family have a gloomy holiday without him? Her books are written about children of color to give our children the chance read about kids who look like them. Each book has a matching coloring book.
It can be purchased via www.valpughlove.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.walmart.com. To receive an autographed copy of the books, purchase them through www.valpughove.com.
18. Dae Dae’s World by Monika J.Wiggin
Dae Dae’s World
Dae Dae is a little girl with a big heart. She is very respectful, funny, and kindhearted, and she absolutely loves putting smiles on everyone’s faces. She teaches her friends how to be respectful by saying, “yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, and no sir,” and she always says please and thanks as a form of showing good manners.
Dae Dae has been saving up for a while to take her friends on an adventure to the toy store. As she pays for her friends new toys, she realizes that she has just enough for a new tutu. Sadly, the beautiful, sparkling tutu that she wants is sold out. Join Dae Dae on her toy store adventure to see what happens next…
You can purchase the books at Amazon.com, Kindle, Monikajwiggins.com.
19. Color My World: Dorthia- Sticks And Stones And Words Hurt Too by Author Schertevear Q. Watkins
Color My World: Dorthia- Sticks And Stones And Words Hurt Too
This story is about a ten-year-old girl named Dorthia Blake. Through an academic program, Dorthia who lives in a bad neighborhood is given the opportunity to be bussed to a school outside of her community. The school she is bussed to is Spaulding Hills Elementary. Spaulding Hills Elementary is in an upper-class community and is where the children of the wealthy attend. Although the school and neighborhood are cleaner and more pleasant to the eye, the students aren't very welcoming. Dorthia is teased and humiliated constantly because of her appearance and where she comes from. She begins to realize how badly words can hurt. But at the end of the story, during a school talent show, Dorthia reveals a hidden talent. What is Dorthia's hidden talent? What makes this talent so powerful? Find out when you read Color My World: Dorthia- Sticks And Stones And Words Hurt Too.