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February
Lift every voice and sing as we celebrate Black History Month! This month’s staff picks include a spectacullar collection of stories that celebrate the tenacity, courage, empowerment, beauty and resilience of African Americans across the nation. Readers of all ages, especially children, are sure to love and feel inspired by these titles.
André: André Leon Talley-A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, Illustrated by Lamont O’Neal
Recommended by Joanna Boone from Main Library
This true-to-life fairy tale tells the story of one of fashion’s most impactful icons. Readers will learn about the life of André Leon Talley, from birth to fashion king. No good fairy tale can be shared without its collection of dark forces. Life in 1950s Durham, North Carolina presented young André with the realities of segregation under Jim Crow laws. His loving grandmother, whom he called Mama, taught him about dignity, values and striving for excellence. Together, the two of them cleaned and cared for their home and their style.
André was a young, voracious reader. One day he found a copy of Vogue Magazine at the Durham Public Library, and it forever changed his life. His eye for style was acutely aware of all artistic beauty, including architecture, antiques, entertainment and new languages. Although he was bullied and harassed for his love of fashion and entertainment, André went on to earn a degree in French literature and moved to New York City. While in New York, he met Diana Vreeland from Vogue Magazine, worked for Andy Warhol, and grew in recognition for his fashion writing.
Years later, André became the first Black man to work as a fashion news director, creative director and editor-at-large of Vogue Magazine. Among his titles and recognitions in his life, he was also knighted as a Chevalier in the French Republic.
This story is beautifully co-authored by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders. Weatherford is a highly recognized writer, poet, and critic who won the Coretta Scott King Award for Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre (2022) as well as several other awards for her more than 50 children’s book publications. Her books include Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair, All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Family Feast!. Rob Sanders is known to be “a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches.” Some of his books include Book Comes Home, Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights, and Stonewall: A Building, An Uprising, A Revolution.
Lamont O’Neal is a New York-based design and fashion illustrator. Over his 30+ year career he has been published in most fashion magazines. This is his first children’s picture book illustration. (Ages 4 – 8)
An American Story
Written by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Dare Coulter
Recommended by Dan Jones from Naranja Branch Library
An American Story is an intense book, in its text and its visuals. It is set in a classroom as a teacher struggles to explain the history of American slavery to her young students. “How do you tell a story this hard to hear, one that hurts and still loves?” Author Kwame Alexander’s text doesn’t dance around the horrors of slavery – from the tearing of people from their homes and communities to the Middle Passage across the Atlantic and the harshness of plantation labor. Throughout the book, Alexander also highlights the resilience, courage and leadership of enslaved and oppressed Black people. As an internal dialogue, the story’s main character asks “How do you tell a story about strength and pride and refusing to be broken?” In the end, it’s the students themselves who answer the teacher’s question – pointing out the importance of facing and telling difficult truths about the past in order to build a better future.
Dare Coulter’s illustrations, which won a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, are far outside the usual for children’s picture books. She uniquely uses a combination of sculpture, charcoal drawing, acrylic and spray paints to create dramatic, arresting and impactful scenes, and to weave the past and present together.
A significant, beautifully rendered, and challenging book – for Black History Month or any time of year – An American Story is an essential choice for caregivers ready to begin having difficult but necessary conversations about our nation’s history with their children.
Kwame Alexander is the author of numerous award-winning and bestselling books for all ages. His 2019 picture book, The Undefeated, was awarded the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. His work has also been recognized with a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and Coretta Scott King Author Honor, among other awards. In addition to his writing, he is a regular contributor to National Public Radio’s Morning Edition and is the co-founder of the international literacy program – The Literacy Empowerment Action Project (LEAP) for Ghana.
Dare Coulter is an award-winning sculptor, artist, muralist and illustrator. In addition to An American Story, she has illustrated the picture books Zora, the Story Keeper by Ebony Joy Wilkins, Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You by Jessica Care Moore and Bountiful Red Acres by Eileen Heyes, among others. She also served as Raleigh, North Carolinas first ever artist-in-residence. (Ages 6 – 10)
Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Recommended by Ana Barreto from Edison Center Branch Library
This exquisite book opens by recalling the historic moment when five Black women simultaneously held titles in major global beauty pageants. With passion and pride, it honors the beauty, creativity and cultural significance of Black hair. Beyond the allure of its many styles lies a rich tapestry of heritage, identity and affection. Black hair is fierce, versatile, communal and endlessly imaginative.
The author celebrates the many ways hair can be styled: braids, intricately patterned cornrows, sweet pigtails, space buns, Bantu knots, braided mohawks, twirly twists, sleek styles, beautiful hijabs, headwraps and hats.
Ekua Holmes’ illustrations capture vivid, textured images that blend collage and drawing. Her artwork brings to life the diversity of hairstyles and skin tones, making the book both vibrant and visually stunning. It is a joy to read and to behold.
A detailed glossary at the end enriches the book’s educational value. Although written for young readers, it resonates just as strongly with adults.
Carole Boston Weatherford, an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author and poet, has garnered wide recognition for her prolific work, including honors such as the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. Among her recent titles are Grind: An Ode to Skateboarding and a biography of legendary fashion journalist and Vogue editor André Leon Talley.
Ekua Holmes has illustrated numerous celebrated children’s books, including Carole Boston Weatherford’s Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement. She is also a two-time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. (Ages 7 – 10)
Black Girl, Black Girl: Celebrate the Power of You
Written by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond, Illustrated by Amanda Quartey
Recommended by Ericka White-Harden from Miami Springs Branch Library
Black Girl, Black Girl: Celebrate the Power of You is a powerful picture book that shows the reader female role models who have represented them throughout history. Little brown girls everywhere will be inspired to dream big and be inspired to achieve all the ambitions they have. The book encourages little brown girls to embrace their spirit and recognize their potential for greatness. It uplifts their self-esteem and draws on the strong women who came before them and shaped their presence in history. It is a mirror to greatness for future brown girls to see and reflect upon for inspiration.
Ali Kamanda is an award-winning filmmaker and social entrepreneur from Sierra Leone, West Africa. He runs Biko Studios, a cross-cultural film production company, and he is the President of Salone Rising, a non-profit organization that provides micro-financing and mentoring resources to small business owners in rural Sierra Leone.
Jorge Redmond currently works as an attorney for the Sheriff's Office in Buncombe County, North Carolina and as an adjunct professor in South College's Legal Department.
Amanda Quartey was born in London, England. At the age of 14, she moved to Ghana and studied art at school, later returning to the United Kingdom to study graphic design. Her artistic path deviated slightly when she studied classics in college and then started working in finance, but in a bid to return to her artistic roots, Quartey has since built a professional illustration portfolio and is now loving every bit of her illustration career. (Ages 3 – 7)
CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella
Written by Shana Keller, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Recommended by Rose Spector from Mobile Library
CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella is a powerful retelling of the classic Cinderella story, set during the era of slavery and the Underground Railroad. In this version, CeeCee is an enslaved young girl forced to care for the Townsend children, expected to meet their every demand without question.
CeeCee longs to learn how to read, but her attempts to teach herself are met with harsh punishment. When she is locked away for merely looking at books, Binty, the family cook, offers her comfort and quiet support. Binty shares stories of a secret network of helpers — the Underground Railroad — who risk everything to guide enslaved people to freedom. CeeCee also hears the familiar tale of Cinderella while sleeping in Georgina Townsend’s room.
Inspired by these stories, CeeCee dares to dream of a different life. With determination and courage, she secretly fashions a dress from scraps and asks Binty to help her carry out a carefully planned escape. Will CeeCee’s plan succeed? Who is the mysterious savior who helps her along the way? Discover the answers in this imaginative and moving story of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.
The illustrations enhance the story with expressive, full-color artwork that captures both the hardship and the hope of the era. Detailed scenes bring CeeCee’s world to life—from the plantation setting to the quiet moments of kindness and courage—while the artwork emphasizes emotion, movement and the journey toward freedom.
Author Shana Keller began her studies of African American history at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, and she has been delving deeper into her diverse past ever since. She is the author of Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story, Fly, Firefly, Do You Know Them?: Families Lost and Found After the Civil War, and The Sole Man: Jan Matzeliger’s Lasting Invention, among others. She writes lost-and-found tales of courage and commitment from her home in North Carolina.
Originally from New York City, Laura Freeman now lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two children. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts and began her career working for various editorial clients. She has illustrated over 35 children's books, including Do You Know Them?: Families Lost and Found After the Civil War written by Shana Keller, Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the Supreme Court written by Kekla Magoon, For You I Will written by Elle Duncan and This is Tap: Savion Glover Finds His Funk written by Selene Castoville. She also wrote and illustrated the book Natalie's Hair Was Wild! (Ages 4 – 8)
The Tray of Togetherness
Written and Illustrated by Flo Leung
Recommended by Joanna Boone from Main Library
For many, the New Year welcomes new opportunities. In The Tray of Togetherness, the Lunar New Year is the main character’s favorite time to celebrate with friends and family. Her favorite tradition is filling and sharing an eight-section candy box with symbolic treats. Every treat has a special meaning and is chosen to represent great things for the future, such as peanuts for long life and candied coconuts for strong family ties
This book illustrates how the treats are selected and shared with family, friends, and neighbors. It also illustrates ways in which families can show kindness towards members of their community. The phrase, “Some for me, and you, and you!” is repeated throughout the book to remind readers of the joy the New Year brings.
Written and illustrated by Flo Leung, a Toronto-based chef and artist, Leung writes about how this Lunar New Year tradition was one of her favorite childhood traditions, and how happy she is to share it with her new, young family and with readers. Since writing The Tray of Togetherness, she has also published another children’s book called The Blue Bowl. (Ages 3 – 7)
Someone Just Like You
Written by Helen Docherty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Recommended by Dan Jones from Naranja Branch Library
The New Year is a perfect time to think about the kind of person we want to be. Someone Just Like You encourages young readers to approach others with empathy and generosity. In simple rhyming text, author Helen Docherty points out that somewhere in the world is someone who might look different from you, or speak a different language, but who also shares similar joys, fears, and needs.
The book challenges readers with questions, such as “If someone just like you was in a difficult situation, would you help them?” “Would you offer them friendship, and share what you had with them?” or “Would you help them feel at home in a new place?” In the process, Docherty helps readers of all ages discover the joy and wonder of empathy and caring for others. Throughout the book there is a focus on welcoming others, especially those who have had to leave their homes behind. David Roberts’ illustrations beautifully reinforce the central message of the book, celebrating solidarity and showing the fun to be had in making new connections across cultures and heritages.
Helen Docherty is a Welsh educator and author of books for children. Her other books include The Snatchabook, Make It All Go Away, and All the Things We Carry.
David Roberts is a British illustrator of children’s books, he frequently collaborates with author Andrea Beaty of Ada Twist, Scientist, Aaron Slater, Illustrator, and the Questioneers series of chapter books. Roberts’ illustrations in the 2006 book Mouse Noses on Toast by Daren King won the Nestle Children’s Book Prize Gold Award. (Ages 4 – 8)
Race to Kindness
Written by Orion Jean, Illustrated by Darshika Varma
Recommended by Rita Mayer from Miami Springs Branch Library
Race to Kindness by Orion Jean gets readers of all ages ready, set, and going on a journey to practice kindness in their everyday lives. The book serves as a warm invitation to act with goodwill and care toward others, showing how both small gestures and larger efforts can lead to meaningful change. Jean — who was just 13 years old when his book was published and was named Time’s Kid of the Year in 2021— presents his message through the acronym K.I.N.D., which acts as a clear and accessible blueprint for putting kindness into action.
Readers will delight in the brief, simply rhymed verses while feeling inspired by the practical suggestions woven throughout. Each letter of K.I.N.D. highlights a key theme: keeping an eye out for opportunities to help others; practicing inclusivity and hospitality by inviting those who may feel marginalized or alone; recognizing that even the smallest acts of kindness matter and can create a powerful ripple effect; and taking action now — without waiting — to be a beacon of compassion and service.
Darshika Varma’s vivid and charming illustrations further enhance the message, depicting children offering helping hands in ways that will motivate young readers to share their own light. The suggested acts of kindness range from simple gestures, such as saying “hi” with a smile, inviting a shy classmate to play, or complimenting a teacher, to larger efforts like organizing a lemonade charity drive, distributing food boxes, or participating in a community trash pickup.
Race to Kindness inspires without preaching, empowering children to see that they truly can make a difference — one kind act at a time.
Orion Jean, 15, is a motivational speaker and kindness activist who uses his “Be K.I.N.D” message in his addresses to audiences around the world. He has organized various charity efforts, including donating half a million books to children, providing more than 100,00 meals to people with food insecurity, and collecting more than 600 toys for a children’s hospital. In addition to being named Time’s Kid of the Year in 2021, Jean is also a Top 10 Youth Volunteers of 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner and recipient of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes in 2022.
Mumbai-based Darshika Varma found her way to illustrating children’s books after a career in digital marketing. She holds a BFA in applied arts. Her previous work can be seen in books written by Chitra Soundar, including Holi Hai! and The Turtle and the Geese. (Ages 4 – 8)
Heartfelt
Written by Elaine Vickers, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Recommended by Rose Spector from Coral Reef Branch Library
Heartfelt is a gentle and moving reminder that love isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we share. This beautifully illustrated story follows a young girl who spreads handmade paper hearts throughout her neighborhood, discovering how small acts of kindness can ripple outward in powerful ways. As she engages all five senses in her journey, she learns that even when the hearts are gone, the love they inspired continues to grow through acts of care and service.
With its simple, meaningful text and expressive artwork, Heartfelt is a wonderful choice for families looking to spark conversations about empathy, generosity, and community. It may even inspire readers of all ages to create and share a little love of their own.
Elaine Vickers is the author of the middle-grade novels Like Magic and Paper Chains, both receiving rave reviews and translated into four languages. She is also the author of the young adult novel Fadeaway and picture book Thankful. Vickers is also a college chemistry professor. She lives with her family in Utah.
Samantha Cotterill is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator of many books for children, including Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems along with self-authored titles No More Bows, The Beach is Loud, Nope. Never. Not For Me!, and Little Senses: It Was Supposed to Be Sunny. Cotterill lives and works in Upstate New York. (Ages 4 – 8)
Kindness Counts 1 2 3
Written by R.A. Strong, Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Recommended by Ana Barreto from Edison Center Branch Library
“What if we could bring kindness with us wherever we go?” Kindness Counts 1 2 3 turns that question into a joyful, hands‑on experience for young readers. This charming picture book introduces children to everyday acts of kindness through a playful counting journey. From sharing cookies and toys to helping a friend on the playground, caring for pets, donating to others, and staying connected with loved ones, each page shows that kindness is simple, fun, and always within reach.
Written by R. A. Strong—an editor and writer dedicated to nurturing empathy and positive social behavior—the story makes kindness feel natural and doable for even the youngest readers. Strong is best known for writing works with a focus on early childhood development and social‑emotional learning. Kindness Counts 1 2 3 remains the author’s most celebrated and widely recognized book.
The story is beautifully paired with illustrations by Ekaterina Trukhan, a beloved author and artist whose books have been published across the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. Known for titles such as Little Fox and the Missing Moon, When Winter Comes, and When Autumn Comes, Trukhan brings her signature warmth to every page. Her soft colors, expressive characters, and gentle visual storytelling create an inviting world where kindness shines in every scene.
Unlike traditional counting books that rely on rhymes or repetition, Kindness Counts 1 2 3 offers something more: a heartwarming message about the power of small, everyday actions. It reminds readers that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures—just a willingness to share, help, and care. This is a book that not only teaches numbers but also encourages children to brighten the world, one kind act at a time. (Ages 2 – 5)