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Piano starts here

2016

by Robert Andrew Parker

Regardless of whether they have heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike. Included in the back matter is a biography and bibliography.

Biography

Preaching to the chickens

2016

by Jabari Asim and Earl B. Lewis

"Critically acclaimed author Jabari Asim and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis give readers a fascinating glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis. John wants to be a preacher when he grows up a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm's flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story, featuring Jabari Asim's stirring prose and E. B. Lewis's stunning, light-filled impressionistic watercolor paintings, includes an author's note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and is now a Georgia congressman"--|cProvided by publisher

Biography

Radiant child

2016

by Javaka Steptoe

Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocked to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art work had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message and art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful

Biography

Raza’s Bindu

2016

by Ritu Khoda, Vanita Pai and Kundan Shanbhag

BINDU is a familiar symbol in Indian culture, but how does a child respond to it? Young Raza started searching for deeper meanings within the BINDU and saw it as more than just a Dot. It lingered with him till he started giving creative expression, using BINDU as the focal point. This book delves into the works of famous Indian artist S.H. Raza and takes children on a fantastic visual journey. It directs them to demystify the BINDU and introspect on its meaning and significance. Raza's world of BINDU--as Universe, Sun, Panchtatva and more--unfolds through brilliant illustrations and a stirring narrative. Creatively interlaced with fun projects, BINDU unlocks the realm of art to children. -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography

The emancipation of grandpa Sandy Wills

2016

by Cheryl Wills and Randell Pearson

In a one-of-a-kind brilliantly illustrated children's book that's based on a true story, veteran television journalist Cheryl Wills tells a powerful tale about her enslaved ancestor who fought for his freedom as a soldier during The Civil War. Overflowing with lessons of perseverance and the power of one's imagination, the book also meets common core standards, includes depth of knowledge questions and a handy glossary. Edited by an Ivy -league educated and award winning teacher, The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills is a story that students and teachers alike will cherish for the entire school year. Young readers will be captivated by the emotional narrative which is spun from Cheryl's real-life career as a television anchor who researches what turns out to be her biggest scoop ever: tracking down her great- great-great grandfather Sandy Wills --

Biography Oppression & Resilience

The golden girls of Rio

2016

by Nikkolas Smith

The women athletes of the 2016 Summer Olympics captivated the world: Simon Biles, the most decorated American gymnast of all time; Katie Ledecky, who shattered swimming records in multiple events; Michelle Carter, the first American gold medalist in shot put; Simone Manuel, the first African American woman to medal in individual swimming. Their accomplishments amazed us, as did their personal stories of persistence and hard work. [This book] focuses on the paths to glory for these women athletes, how they got their start and rose to meteoric heights in the Rio games. The other swimming and gymnastic teammates are included in the story as well. An inspiring story, bursting with color and action and life, that will make you smile to see these champion athletes as little girls, and to revisit their triumphs in achieving Olympic gold.

Biography

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