February celebrates Black History Month and I’ve collected some outstanding new literature to help us all appreciate this rich heritage as well as understand and learn from our past mistakes. The first three books are especially good for ages 9 and up.

This first book just won the coveted Newbery Honor award a few weeks ago. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, by Rodman Philbrick, is a historical fiction book that takes place back in the turbulent 1860’s when runaway slaves were being helped by the “Underground Railroad”. Twelve-year-old Homer is living in terrible conditions under the rule of “…the meanest man in the entire state of Maine…”. This man is Uncle Squinton and he watched Homer after Homer’s parents died. However, Homer’s life is about to take a drastic turn when this retched uncle illegally sends his older, but under-aged, brother to be a soldier in the Union Army. Homer runs away in search of his brother and immediately becomes embroiled in danger, turmoil and difficulties that he somehow overcomes. The story is told through Homer’s eyes and you learn quickly that he has problems telling the truth. Many times his falsehoods get him in trouble. But they also sometimes help him survive. The story conveys the torments of slavery and life in America in the late nineteenth century. But the most endearing facet of this outstanding book is the humor. You’ll quickly become an advocate of poor little Homer as soon as you meet him on the first page, because Philbrick has masterly developed his protagonist where you love him even with his shortcomings. This book begs to read out loud.

One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, is another historical fiction that takes place in the summer of 1968. Delphine and her two younger sisters are sent by their father to spend the summer in California with a mother whom they barely remember. They all think that perhaps the summer will be all right because they can spend the days going to the beach and Disneyland. But they learn that their mom instead takes them to the neighborhood People’s Center run by members of the Black Panthers. Delphine learns about injustices of minorities although she doesn’t agree with all that’s being taught. The greatest lesson she learns is a greater understanding of her mother.

We Shall Overcome:  A Song That Changed the World, by Stuart Stotts, illustrated by Terrance Cummings, and with a forward by Pete Seeger, is a historical account of the origins of this powerful anthem. The photos, information and messages found in this book make for a proclamation of why this song has helped a people overcome great tribulations.

The rest of the books are picture books and good for ages 8 and up (with the exception of the poetry book). January’s Sparrow, by one of my favorite historical author’s – Patricia Polacco – and who is also the illustrator. This story is based on actual events that took place back in 1846. January Drumm begins the narration with the escape from the Kentucky plantation of his dear friend Sadie Crosswhite and her family.  The family travels to Michigan to flee from slavery and believes that January was beaten to death for his attempts to escape. But the surprise ending, along with the dialect in the text, provides a reflection of love of family.  In summary, the narration and pencil and watercolor illustrations make for an incredibly powerful historical story.

We Troubled the Waters, by Ntozake Shange, and illustrated by Rod Brown, is a book of  compelling poems, for ages 10 and up, that spans from slavery to the civil rights movement and showcases courageous people who influenced all. Some of the poems include those from Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. The oil paintings included are as powerful as the poetry.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride, by Andrea Davis Pinkney, and illustrated by her husband, Brian Pinkney, is a dramatic collaboration of a woman who shows her strength as depicted in this picture book. Both the narration and the watercolors replicate a powerful leader who wasn’t going to let the “white man” walk on her, or her people, anymore!

Peeny Butter Fudge, by Toni Morrison, and illustrated by her son, Slade Morrison, is the perfect celebration of the strong bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Mom drops off her children at Nana’s house with a schedule of what to eat and do during their day. But Nana has her own ideas and reading stories and baking fudge (recipe included), aren’t on the list. I especially love that the race of this African American family isn’t highlighted in the book.

Beautiful Ballerina, by Marilyn Nelson, and photographed by Susan Kuklin, is on the same theme of young African American girls photographed throughout in their delicate ballet silhouettes with a poetic style text.  But there is no mention of the color of their skin.

Who Will I Be, Lord?, by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, and illustrated by Sean Qualls, also doesn’t mention the color of skin but takes a young African American girl through her genealogy of generations of types of work her lineage has performed. So when she asks the Lord “who will she be”, her mother reminds her to look at all that came before her and the hard work delivered along with what she’s inherently been given.

You and Me and Home Sweet Home, by George Ella Lyon, and beautifully painted by Stephanie Anderson, is a celebration of community. The first and last pages of the book tell it all. A young mother and her daughter have outstayed their welcome in their aunt’s small apartment, living with their clothes in sacks and folding up their bed daily. When their church members get wind of their difficulties and begin to build them a home, the story results in an inspiration to us all!