Somewhere along the way I remember reading about the importance of children seeing African American’s in books not being depicted as slaves. Thankfully, books are being published featuring African Americans contributions to society, art, engineering, and mathematics. Here are five books every teacher and parent should read to a young person.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer- The true story of how one boy saved his African village from drought. A child saw his village starving and suffering through a drought. He read books from the library and wondered if a windmill could solve the problem. He built a windmill out of salvaged junk yard parts, which brought electricity, and water to their crops. His story is incredible, and shows children what perseverance and faith can accomplish. It would fit perfectly into a STEM unit.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Planting the Trees of Kenya by Claire A. Nivola- Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize for replanting trees across Kenya. After studying in America, she came home to find her home town had been deforested. She taught the women to plant tree seeds, and nourish the seedlings to maturity. Her story is compelling, she empowered the people of her native country, and restored it’s natural habitat. I love this version, the illustrations are lovely, and it explains her extensive teaching and empowerment of women and children.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai (Frances Foster Books)
Molly, by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree – The cook at the New York City fire department is credited with being the first woman to serve as a Fire Fighter in the early 1800’s. When many men were sick during a snowstorm, Molly saved the day by distinguishing a fire. This is a gem of little known history.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton- The perseverance this inventor had is unprecedented. Lonnie Johnson was a child of six children who loved to tinker and invent things while growing up in Mobile, Alabama. He pursued engineering as a career, and successfully worked on space exploration. His passion was inventing, and he never gave up on his dreams. After many setbacks, he invented the super soaker. Don Tate did an incredible job illustrating this story. Tate is a great talent in children’s publishing.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renee Watson- This book is simply stunning. Florence Mills was a renowned singer during the Harlem Renaissance. The daughter of former slaves, she faced prejudice after prejudice attempting to launch her singing career. Her life story takes the reader from a shack in Washington DC, to Harlem, London, and New York City. Her direct quotes are included seamlessly in the text, it has a rich cadence, and a powerful story-teller’s voice.
To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
I am looking forward to reading about this woman’s journey for book club next month. Click on the link to order it from Amazon. Happy reading everyone!
The Magnolia Story surprised me. I was far more inspired and impressed with their family story than I predicted. Most celebrities write books these days, many are hit and miss, in my humble opinion. However, Joanna and Chip write from their hearts. They tell their simple story, driven by a desire to invest their lives into Waco, Texas. They are much like their television persona: honest, driven, and goofy. I have always had a need to do things with my hands, to create, to grow seeds into food, to nurture children. I did a lot of soul searching thinking about a career move; at the root of some my dreams was creating with my own hands. Joanna and Chip echo the same desires, to help people with their hands. To build, remodel, create, and design. I liked walking through the ups and downs as they pursued their passions. They are not pushing anyone to be like them, or take on their values, they are simply doing their dream. I enjoyed reading about two people living and loving imperfectly, but doing their best to give back and give grace.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey– A young married couple moves to rural Alaska to homestead. Their plan is to endure the winter, in order to farm through the summer of never setting sun. They long for a child, and that has left a rift in their marriage. One evening, in a moment of renewed friendship, the husband and wife build a little snowman in the fresh Alaskan snow. The husband begins to see small footprints in the snow, and imagines the child has come alive. Part magical realism, this is a novel that envelopes it reader. The storytelling and world building is so rich, time melts as you read. It also has a happy ending.
Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay- Oh, this book made time pass so quickly. The book opens in Boston, a former star ballerina is selling off her jewelry. The auction of her possessions brings up memories of her past. Her life as a prima ballerina, and dark secrets that caused her to flee Russia as it came under Stalin’s power. This story is engrossing, the end comes full circle with a satisfying ending.
I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows- Drought, dust, and dirt as far as anyone can hope. Oklahoma farmers Annie, Samuel, and their children Birdie and Fred, wait desperately for rain. Each member of the family carries their own secrets and longings. They are all weighted down by the shadow of the fire and brimstone preaching they hear every Sunday in church. Is the drought the result of their own unbelief? Is God pouring out his punishment in the form of scorching sun? You can feel the dirt in your hair and eyes as you read. The writing is stunning and the story is moving. A perfect winter read.
Beginnings and Book Ends 