Ilyasah Shabazz Books

From bestselling, award-winning creators Ren�e Watson and Bryan Collier comes a stunningly crafted picture book chronicling the life of poet and activist Maya Angelou.This unforgettable picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of Maya Angelou, whose words have uplifted and inspired generations of readers. The author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya was the first Black person and first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, and her influence echoes through culture and history. She was also the first Black woman to appear on the United States quarter.Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Ren�e Watson uses Angelou's beloved medium of poetry to lyrically chronicle her rich life in a deeply moving narrative. Vivid and striking collage art by Caldecott Honor recipient and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Bryan Collier completes this unforgettable portrait of one of the most important American artists in history.Maya's momma was right.Maya was a preacher, a teacher.A Black girl whose voicechased away darkness, ushered in light.

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Oprah Winfrey! In this chapter book biography by Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson, readers learn about the amazing life of Oprah Winfrey--and how she persisted. When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Oprah Winfrey's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Coretta Scott King, and more! Praise for She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey: * "This is a lively introduction to the life of a woman who beat many odds to become successful. . . . A highly recommended addition to this stellar series." --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW* "A must purchase for all libraries." --School Library Journal

From Caldecott Honor winner Christian Robinson and acclaimed author Renee Watson, comes the inspiring true story of Florence Mills. Born to parents who were both former slaves, Florence Mills knew at an early age that she loved to sing, and that her sweet, bird-like voice, resonated with those who heard her. Performing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired everyone from songwriters to playwrights. Yet with all her success, she knew firsthand how prejudice shaped her world and the world of those around her. As a result, Florence chose to support and promote works by her fellow black performers while heralding a call for their civil rights. Featuring a moving text and colorful illustrations, Harlem's Little Blackbird is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams. A CARTER G. WOODSON ELEMENTARY HONOR BOOK (awarded by the National Council for the Social Studies, 2013)

A powerful YA account of Malcolm X's adolescent years in jail written by his daughter along with a winner of the 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award. No one can be at peace until he has his freedom.

The fictionalized biography of Betty Shabazz (Malcolm X's wife) as a young girl in post-WWII Detroit, as written by her daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, with Renée Watson.

Malcolm X grew up to be one of America's most influential figures. But first, he was a boy named Malcolm Little. Bolstered by the love and wisdom of his family, Malcolm was a natural born leader. But when confronted with intolerance and a series of tragedies, Malcolm's optimism and faith were threatened. He had to learn how to be strong and how to hold on to his individuality. He had to learn self-reliance.

A thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood by award-winning author and poet Renée Watson.

“Ilyasah Shabazz has written a compelling and lyrical coming-of-age story as well as a candid and heart-warming tribute to her parents. Growing Up X is destined to become a classic.”–SPIKE LEEFebruary 21, 1965: Malcolm X is assassinated in Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom. June 23, 1997: After surviving for a remarkable twenty-two days, his widow, Betty Shabazz, dies of burns suffered in a fire. In the years between, their six daughters reach adulthood, forged by the memory of their parents’ love, the meaning of their cause, and the power of their faith. Now, at long last, one of them has recorded that tumultuous journey in an unforgettable Growing Up X .Born in 1962, Ilyasah was the middle child, a rambunctious livewire who fought for–and won–attention in an all-female household. She carried on the legacy of a renowned father and indomitable mother while navigating childhood and, along the way, learning to do the hustle. She was a different color from other kids at camp and yet, years later as a young woman, was not radical enough for her college classmates. Her story is, sbove all else, a tribute to a mother of almost unimaginable forbearance, a woman who, “from that day at the Audubon when she heard the shots and threw her body on [ours, never] stopped shielding her children.”

Set in pre-civil rights America, the novel offers a poetic exploration of a pivotal era, captivating readers with its vivid portrayal of historical themes. The narrative delves into the complexities of race and identity, making the past resonate powerfully for contemporary audiences. With its immersive storytelling and rich character development, the book serves as both an enlightening and engaging experience, challenging perceptions and inviting reflection on the struggles and triumphs of that time.