Compiled by Lashonda M. Winston
Black History Month has passed, but it’s never too late to learn about your heritage. Crack these books to
learn fascinating facts and inspire yourself this summer.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
Author: Kadir Nelson
Publisher: Hyperion
Audience: Ages 8 and over
The story of Negro League baseball is about gifted athletes and determined owners; racial
discrimination and international sportsmanship; fortunes won and lost; triumphs and defeats
on and off the field. The author tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in
the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the major leagues in 1947.
The voice is authentic, but what makes this book so outstanding are the dozens of full-page and
double-page oil paintings — breathtaking in their perspectives, rich in emotion and created with
understanding and affection for these lost heroes of our national game.
What Color Is My World? The Lost History
of African-American Inventors
Author: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld
Publisher: Candlewick
Audience: Ages 8 and over
Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred
Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr.
Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people’s pain? These are just
some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at
several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people’s lives.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Author: Barack Obama
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf; 1st Edition
Audience: Ages 5 and over
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a
moving tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation.
From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of
George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children
and within all of America’s children. This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that
unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come.
Book of Black Heroes:
Scientists, Healers, and Inventors
Author: Wade Hudson
Publisher: Just Us Books
Audience: Ages 10 and over
In this volume of the popular Book of Black Heroes series, readers will learn about the
many contributions black men and women have made in the areas of science, medicine
and creative invention. Short biographical sketches herald the groundbreaking work of
well-known black heroes such as scientist George Washington Carver and surgeon Dr.
Daniel Hale Williams. This book also introduces the trailblazing accomplishments of other
black heroes such as inventor Lewis Latimer and Dr. Halle Johnson.
8 | summer 2012 |
www.nsbe.org