Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's author and poet who mines the past for family stories, fading traditions, and forgotten struggles. Her works frequently illuminate the lives and experiences of key African-American historical figures and pivotal events that shaped American history. Through her evocative prose, Weatherford brings past generations to life for contemporary readers, enriching our understanding of collective memory and resilience.
A true story of determination and groundbreaking achievement follows eighth grade African American spelling champion MacNolia Cox, who left Akron, Ohio, in 1936 to compete in the prestigious National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., only to be met with prejudice and discrimination.
The popular spiritual, Standing in the need of prayer, has been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American people and their history. The text and illustrations of this inspirational book are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow
Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation's history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa's Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community. News of what happened was largely suppressed, and no official investigation occurred for seventy-five years. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future.
From award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford comes a captivating picture book biography about the incredible life of esteemed author, editor, and activist Toni Morrison, featuring gorgeous illustrations by debut artist Khalif Tahir Thompson. How do you tell a story? Before Toni Morrison was a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize–winning author, she was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, a little girl in Ohio who was both the only Black child in her first-grade classroom and the only student who was able to read. This is the true story of how that young girl learned from her upbringing, surrounded herself with stories, and made a tremendous impact on the world. Toni Morrison’s pen was her sword, and she grew to be a titan of the arts. Her legacy is one that still touches readers to this day. Expertly and evocatively told by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, with beautiful painted illustrations by Khalif Tahir Thompson, this is a must-have picture book biography for any collection. It celebrates Toni Morrison’s legacy while inspiring readers to create art, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness.
The book showcases the artistry of Black hair through engaging rhymes and vivid collage illustrations. Celebrated creators Carole Boston Weatherford and Ekua Holmes highlight the cultural significance and beauty of Black hair, inviting readers to appreciate its diverse styles and expressions.
Set against the backdrop of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, this book serves as a poignant tribute to the four young victims of a racially motivated attack. Through the eyes of a fictional witness, it captures the heartbreak and significance of that tragic day, which became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The narrative is complemented by archival photographs and lyrical free verse, creating a powerful reflection on the impact of violence and the enduring quest for equality.
The author of Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom and the author of Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag combine their tremendous talents for a singular picture book biography of Bayard Rustin, the gay Black man behind the March on Washington of 1963.
Explore the roots of rap in this stunning, rhyming, triple-timing picture book!A generation voicing stories, hopes, and fearsfounds a hip-hop nation.Say holler if you hear.The roots of rap and the history of hip-hop have origins that precede DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Kids will learn about how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and break dancing that formed around the art form and gave birth to the musical artists we know today. Written in lyrical rhythm by award-winning author and poet Carole Boston Weatherford and complete with flowing, vibrant illustrations by Frank Morrison, this book beautifully illustrates how hip-hop is a language spoken the whole world 'round, and it features a foreword by Swizz Beatz, a Grammy Award-winning American hip-hop rapper, DJ, and record producer.
A One-Man Show
The biography features a poetic first-person narrative that chronicles the life of Paul Robeson from birth to death, enriched by excerpts from African American spirituals. Illustrations by Eric Velasquez vividly portray Robeson's powerful presence. Additionally, the book includes back matter such as a timeline, source notes, and a bibliography, providing resources for readers interested in further exploration of Robeson's impactful legacy.
Focusing on the unique perspective of dolls, the narrative explores the impactful research conducted by two Black psychologists regarding the effects of school segregation on children. Through their innovative use of Black and white dolls, the story unveils the psychological implications of segregation, shedding light on a significant yet often overlooked chapter in history. The book highlights both the scientific inquiry and the cultural context surrounding their work.
