A Quick History of Politics: From Pharaohs to Fair Votes

by Clive Gifford Illustrated by Steve Gavan 3 stars A fun and interesting introduction to politics. The book focuses on different types of governments, ways of voting, and how to get involved in decision making. It touches on a lot of the major moments throughout political history. While it does make an effort to cover…

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In Transit: Being Non-Binary in a World of Dichotomies

by Dianna E. Anderson 3 stars Overall, an interesting read. Anderson tackles quite a few topics in this book, mostly centering around the language of trans identity and gender-nonconformity, and the issues of a world that seeks binaries. The book is a bit tricky to pin down because it’s a little bit of everything. Part…

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Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

by Laurie Wallmark Illustrated by Katy Wu 4 stars A wonderful picture book biography. This one is a bit lengthy, so best suited for older children (8+). Generally features a few paragraphs per page, with colorful and engaging illustrations to break up the text. The story goes through some of Hopper’s experimentation as a child,…

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Billie Jean!: How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women’s Sports

by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley 4 stars A fantastic and inspiring biography picture book about the career of Billie Jean King. The book focuses mainly on King’s tennis career with a little more about her personal life included in the backmatter. Throughout the story, King is faced with sexist remarks, questions, and treatment….

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Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story

by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten Illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. 5 stars A beautiful telling of the story of Keepunumuk, the time of harvest. It focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, specifically the Three Sisters as well as the animals. The book opens with a brief intro about…

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Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice

by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Forward by Jason Reynolds 5 stars A phenomenal collection of poetry focused on race, identity, equality, and justice. The book blends elements of history, resistance, injustice, and anti-racism. It also explains various concepts such as privilege, intersectionality, and stereotypes. Each…

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Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”

by Zora Neale Hurston Edited by Deborah G. Plant Forward by Alice Walker 5 stars An incredible read. Barracoon not only tells Cudjo Lewis’ story in his own words, but also the story of how Hurston’s relationship with him grew and the history of the book’s publication. About half of the book comes directly from…

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African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

5 stars From the poetic team that brought us, Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship comes a powerful novel-in-verse that tells the story of the last American slave ship. Waters and Latham give voice to the survivors of the journey on the Clotilda, the enslavers who put them on that journey, and even…

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Sea Glass: Rare and Wonderful by C. S. Lambert

Photographs by Tina Lam 4 stars A fascinating exploration of C. S. Lambert’s collection of sea glass and beach pottery. Lambert shares a variety of interesting pieces and connects them to specific events and moments in history; various products, companies, logos, and mascots; and historic trends, traditions, aesthetics, and figures. Some types of sea glass…

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She Persisted: Coretta Scott King

by Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Gillian Flint 5 stars “I am an activist. I didn’t just emerge after Martin died-I was always there…” A wonderful read. The book goes beyond Coretta Scott King’s relationship and work with her husband and shows her own accomplishments. I loved learning more about her early life, her parents…

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