We Shall Overcome, written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, has been named a Jane Addams Honor Book in the Books for Younger Children category. The Jane Addams awards are designed to honor excellent children’s books that promote peace, social justice, racial equality, world community, and equality between the sexes. This year was the 61st year of the awards, and the award ceremony was held October 17 in New York. Named for the song of the same title, We Shall Overcome explores the civil rights anthem and emphasizes the power of community. Buy We Shall Overcome at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Congratulations, Vanessa and Debbie!
The Waking Brain Cells blog wrote a fantastic review of Little Melba and Her Big Trombone, illustrated by Frank Morrison. On Morrison’s artwork, the review stated: “Morrison’s art beautifully captures the life of Liston on the page. His paintings are done in rich colors, filled with angles of elbows, horns and music, they leap on the page. They evoke the time period and the sense of music and jazz.”
The delightful follow up to Sarah Dillard's Extraordinary Warren is now available from Aladdin books at Simon & Schuster. Extraordinary Warren Saves the Day reunites readers with the eponymous chicken and his new sidekick, Egg, as they embark on another quirky adventure that combines imaginative storytelling with eye-catching art.
Alice from Dallas by Marilyn Sadler has won a gold award from the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA). The gold award is the highest accolade available from this prestigious organization. NAPPA said: “Why we like it: Alice is one spunky cowgirl and there’s always a need for spunky girl stories! While she remains true to her true spunky self, she learns a lesson along the story’s trail.” Congratulations, Marilyn!
Shadra Strickland spoke in two panel discussions about diversity this weekend at the Baltimore Book Festival and at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) author pavilion. Both panels focused on diversity in children’s books, and featured a wealth of authors and illustrators taking part in the conversation.
This summer saw the release of two new books from illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton: Thanksgiving for Emily Ann (Cartwheel Press) and I Can Do It! (Little Golden Books). Vanessa’s warm, vintage-inspired illustrations will bring a smile to your face as you enjoy these heartwarming stories.
