Today, I’m focusing on kids’ books with Black protagonists for Black History Month, but these books are great reads any time! Watch for more posts dedicated to Black History Month coming soon. I hope these bite-sized reviews will be enough to feed your fiction addiction!
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston Series: Supernatural Investigations #1
Published by Balzer & Bray on January 19, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 416
Source: Gift
Cover Artist: Godwin Akpan
My content rating: MG (Some MG-level violence)
My rating:
New York Times bestseller! Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.
Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good.
So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton—if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.
Now she must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari can’t seem to escape their intense doubt and scrutiny—especially once her supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed “illegal.” With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she’s an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.
Amari and the Night Brothers is the best MG fantasy I’ve read in a long time! I LOVED this book!! As it says in the description, it has a bit of a Men in Black vibe, with a secret society that keeps the world safe (except not from aliens but from magical creatures and magicians). When Amari’s brother disappears, the world assumes he’s just another young Black man who got himself into trouble, but Amari knows that’s not the case. She has a chance to prove that when a mysterious letter shows up—along with a magic carpet—and she’s literally whisked away into a whole new world of intrigue and adventure! Amari finds herself at the summer program for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and discovers that her brother disappeared from the Bureau. She is determined to find him!
I love how seamlessly Alston weaves important messages about racism and classism into the narrative. Amari is used to being an outsider, judged for things beyond her control, and that still holds true at the Bureau (albeit in different ways). Amari’s refusal to give up on her brother makes her instantly likable, so I was invested in her journey throughout the entire book. Includes plenty of heart and humor and some intriguing twists that will keep readers guessing. Highly recommend this book!! (I’ve already got book #2 on pre-order.)
Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates by Chris Barton Illustrator: Steffi Walthall
Published by Beach Lane Books on January 11, 2022
Genres: Non-Fiction, Picture Book
Pages: 48
Source: The Publisher
My content rating: Some violence depicted
My rating:
Meet activist Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to propelling America forward—from space travel to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond—in this inspiring nonfiction picture book.
As a child growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Alton Yates watched Black veterans return home from fighting for their country, only to have that country turn its back on them. After Alton joined the Air Force and risked his life to make spacecraft and airplane flight safer, he returned home to the same Jim Crow laws.
Alton now had a new mission: To make a stand against Jim Crow.
Based on author Chris Barton’s extensive interviews, witness Alton Yates’s lifelong commitment to his country, as he put his life on the line time and again for science, for civil rights, and for America’s progress.
You’ve got to love a picture book biography with a unique perspective, and that’s exactly what you get here. Moving Forward tells the story of Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who volunteered to help with experimental aircraft safety testing. While he was in this program, he consistently put himself into harm’s way for the good of science and humanity, only to return home to find that Jim Crow laws made it very clear he was not welcome in society, despite his sacrifices. Never one to sit still when there was work to be done, Alton soon became a force for social justice. The book tells of his personal journey and details both his experiences in the Air Force and his activism, right up to the day his peaceful act of protest was met with violence. The book’s hopeful message shows kids that one individual can make a difference and highlights the history of an incredible man who should not be forgotten.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Parker Dresses Up by Jessica Curry, Parker Curry Illustrator: Tajae Keith, Brittany Jackson
Published by Simon Spotlight on January 18, 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Easy Reader
Pages: 32
Source: The Publisher
My rating:
The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read about the fun of dressing up and dreaming big!
Parker is playing dress-up with her younger siblings, Ava and Cash. With each costume, Parker imagines what her life would be like if she were a doctor, a princess, or even a princess doctor. Because Parker knows that she doesn't need to limit herself to being one thing. The sky’s the limit!
This book has a wonderful message for kids about how we don’t have to only be one thing in life. On a rainy day, Parker and her siblings decide to play dress-up, but they soon end up arguing over what “belongs” with the costumes. Mom reminds them that she’s both a mom and a writer–and no one needs to be defined by only one aspect of themselves. The kids reaction to this revelation is very fun—they go a bit crazy with their dress-up and explore lots of different careers and identities! (Mermaid-teacher? Why not?) The illustrations are vivid and playful–just like the book–and the language is perfect for Level-One readers. And the final page features Black fashion designers!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Your Friend, Parker by Parker Curry, Jessica Curry Illustrator: Tajae Keith, Brittany Jackson
Published by Simon Spotlight on January 25, 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Easy Reader
Pages: 32
Source: The Publisher
My rating:
The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read celebrating friendship that stays strong even over long distances!
Parker is writing to her friend, Gia, about the exciting sights she sees during her road trip across America. Even though Parker and Gia are far away from each other, they can still be best friends!
A very sweet book about a bond between best friends. Parker doesn’t want to be separated from her best friend Gia when she goes on vacation, but she realizes that she can share her adventures by writing letters to her friend. The story is simple (perfect for a Level-One reader) but effective, and the descriptions of Parker’s trips are very fun. The illustrations in these books are stunning, just like in the original picture book. I love that Parker’s grandparents are depicted as an interracial couple (not sure if that’s true to life or an illustration choice, but either way, it’s nice to see). The back page of the book features two notable black women writers who wrote letters to each other–a very nice touch.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I loved Amari and the Night Brothers too. It’s one of my favorities fantasies too. Can’t wait for the sequel. Natalie @ Literary Rambles
fun review
Amari sounds fantastic. I don’t think I’ve added it to my TBR yet, so going to rectify that now!
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