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Gender: Boy/Man

Characters whose self-identity as a boy or man is made explicit in the story, or whose gender expression (appearance, clothing, how they present themselves to others), pronoun (he/him), and name align with prevailing masculine norms.

A Bowl Full of Peace

2020

by Caren Stelson and Akira Kusaka

"In this deeply moving nonfiction picture book, award-winning author Caren Stelson brings Sachiko Yasui's story of surviving the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and her message of peace to a young audience. Sachiko's family home was about half a mile from where the atomic bomb fell on August 9, 1945. Her family experienced devastating loss. When they returned to the rubble where their home once stood, her father miraculously found their serving bowl fully intact. This delicate, green, leaf-shaped bowl—which once held their daily meals—now holds memories of the past and serves as a vessel of hope, peace, and new traditions for Sachiko and the surviving members of her family." -- publisher

Biography Informational Oppression & Resilience

A Wave of Stars

2020

by Dolores Brown and Sonja Wimmer

"We find magic and emotions in this story written by Dolores Brown and illustrated by Sonja Wimmer. Mimbi and Kipo love who they are: a seal and a turtle. Have you ever heard of the moonbow? It’s a rarely occurring natural phenomenon. Its beauty is otherworldly, but legend says that if animals gaze upon one… they become human! Mimbi the seal and Kipo the turtle live carefree lives in the ocean, playing every day with their friends and listening to old tales the octopus tells at night. But one day… Follow these two friends in this new beautiful and magical legend by the creators behind The Truly Brave Princesses, Dolores Brown and Sonja Wimmer." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

Beautiful Shades of Brown

2020

by Nancy Churnin and Felicia Marshall

"Growing up in the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn't see any artists who looked like her. She didn't see any paintings of people who looked like her, either. As a young woman studying art in Paris, she found inspiration in the works of Matisse and Gaugin to paint the people she knew best. Back in Philadelphia, the Harmon Foundation commissioned her to paint portraits of accomplished African-Americans. Her portraits still hang in Washington DC's National Portrait Gallery, where children of all races can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured." -- publisher

Biography

Colin Kaepernick

2020

by Blake Hoena and Sam LeDoyen

"This graphic biography shows readers the moments that have defined Colin Kaepernick’s life as a quarterback and an activist. His talent and determination made him a college football success and brought him to the National Football League. As a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, he led his team to multiple playoffs and even competed in the Super Bowl. When outrage over violence against African Americans became a national movement, Kaepernick joined the protests. His decision cost him his career in football, but he gained a voice heard worldwide." -- publisher

Biography Cross Group

Dads

2020

by John Coy and Wing Young Huie

"elebrate all that fathers do: building, fixing, cooking, cleaning, laughing, crying, hugging, playing and more! John Coy and Wing Young Huie—the author and photographer behind Their Great Gift—reunite for a new book that shows a wide range of fathers and children, particularly highlighting families of color and lower-income families, who often aren't depicted in children's books. This beautiful book is a perfect Father's Day gift!" -- publisher

Incidental Informational

Everyone’s Awake

2020

by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris

"A silly and sublime bedtime book from the New York Times bestselling children's book author Colin Meloy. Giggle your way to sweet and silly dreams! A simple goodnight routine turns marvelously madcap in this cleverly rhymed picture book. Instead of settling down to sleep, Dad bakes bread, Mom fixes the roof, and Grandma plays cards with a ghost. And between the dog, the cat, Sister, and Brother, there's at least three different wars being waged! A modern classic perfect for read-aloud fun and bedtime alike." -- publisher

Any Child

Exquisite

2020

by Suzanne Slade and Cozbi A. Cabrera

"A picture-book biography of celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize" -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography Oppression & Resilience

I Am a Promise

2020

by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, Ashley Rousseau and Rachel Moss

"An inspiring children's picture book about the indomitable spirit of Jamaican six-time Olympic medal winner Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce." -- publisher

Biography

Jackie Robinson

2020

by Blake Hoena and David Shephard

"In an era of discrimination, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson broke Major League Baseball's race barrier. Before Robinson took his place at first base, the majors discriminated against African-American athletes, denying them a chance to compete. Despite facing harassment from fans and other players, Robinson stayed focused on the game, becoming the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and later a baseball legend. This graphic biography follows Robinson's time on semi-pro teams, his days in the US military, and his history-making experience with the Brooklyn Dodgers." -- publisher

Biography Cross Group Oppression & Resilience

Jesse Owens

2020

by Blake Hoena and David Shephard

"In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn't account for African-American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career. Owens turned Hitler's Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine Olympic records and set three world records. In graphic nonfiction style, this biography takes readers from Owens's early life to his historic athletic triumphs." -- publisher

Biography Cross Group

Many of the cover images on this site are from Google Books.

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