CHECK IT OUT

For young readers commemorating Black History Month in February, a

wide spectrum of children’s literature celebrates the accomplishments of

African Americans.

Among the most inspired new works about courage in the face of

oppression is “Let It Shine: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom

Fighters.” In this 2001 Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Andrea Davis

Pinkney provides glorious picture book biographies of bold women who lit

the path to freedom. The Coretta Scott King Honors are given out by the

American Library Association. Included in this book are portraits of Rosa

Parks, Harriet Tubman, Shirley Chisholm and other heroines who have

contributed to the struggle for equal rights.

Equally moving is “A Freedom River,” another 2001 Coretta Scott King

Honor Book. In her true tale about the underground railroad, Doreen

Rappaport writes about John Parker, a former slave who bought his own

freedom and then risked his life to help other slaves escape. Dazzling

collages combined with watercolor illustrations bring the story to life

for beginning readers.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the subject of “I Have a Dream,” in

which 15 African American artists create a powerful context for the

father of the modern civil rights movement’s famous 1963 speech. While

it’s a children’s picture biography, the whole family can enjoy this

visually striking tribute to one of the 20th century’s most influential

visionaries.

Ruby Bridges, another champion of equality, recalls her experience as

a 6-year-old black child in “Through My Eyes.” When she walked into her

all-white school in New Orleans on Nov. 14, 1960, Bridges helped pave the

way for school integration. Her moving memoir captures the intensity of

racial turmoil in the 1950s and ‘60s in a first person narrative peppered

with newspaper quotes and historical detail.

“Nobody Owns the Sky” celebrates a different kind of bravery, with

vivid illustrations that reveal how Bessie Coleman became the world’s

first licensed African-American aviator. The underlying story is about a

girl who worked in the cotton fields and was turned away from American

flying schools. This upbeat message about pursuing dreams will appeal to

both young and old.

For picture book fans interested in music, husband-wife team Andrea

and Brian Pinkney pay tribute to a jazz legend in “Duke Ellington.” With

words that capture sassy rhythms and woodcut-style renderings that swirl

with color, this Caldecott Honor Book paints a lively portrait of the

musician.

The personal struggles that have shaped the life of a more

contemporary figure inspire “Oprah Winfrey,” a book geared for young

adults. In this African-American Biographies series offering, Sara Wooten

examines the background of the talk show host who has motivated viewers

of all races through projects aimed at helping people improve their

lives.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in collaboration with

Gina Moffitt. All titles may be reserved by accessing the catalog at

https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org.