Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy and illustrated by Janelle Washington (8 – 12 years, and up)

The impactful words reach out to the reader, make us feel every feeling Mamie did, make us realize that choosing brave is something each and everyone of us can do everyday. The cutout style artwork enhances and empowers the narrative with its quiet strength. And the backmatter adds so much to this stunner of a book. We need more books like this!

The Girl With a Mind For Math: The Story of Raye Montague (Amazing Scientists) by Julia Finley Mosca (Author), Daniel Rieley (Illustrator) (7 – 10 years, and up)

When I see books about people, or math, it lights up the numbers in my brain! And this one is a biography of a girl with a mind for math. So of course I had to read it, and so glad I did. I had no idea of Raye Montague and her perseverance as well as genius before this. Powerful rhyming verse with sweet vibrant artwork make this bio about a truly inspiring hero a must-read!

Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell with art by R. Gregory Christie (4 – 8 years, and up)

Such an inspiring and uplifting title, just like the woman it is about! With a lyrical free verse narrative that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of racism and beautiful detailed illustrations, as well as a wonderful author’s note, this book gives an insight into Baker’s life that will educate and empower, and to ask ourselves (like Ella’s refrain in the book): “What do you hope to accomplish?”

So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom by Gary D. Schmidt and art by Daniel Minter (4 – 8 years, and up)

Stunning, stirring, simply astonishing is what I can say about this book. With a no punches pulled poetic prose, and paintings that portray harshness, hardships, and all-that-heart with an amazing gentleness, this is a book that brings Sojourner Truth’s larger than life personality to, well, life, within its pages.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah by Vivian Kirkfield with art by Chris Ewald (7 – 11 years, and up)

An entrepreneur I had never heard of until today (not even a tiny bit). Vivian Kirkfield’s depth of research shines through, and her use of lyrical, rhythmic text enhances the reading experience. Ewald’s realistic paintings in warm colors that take us back in time add to the beauty of this book that everyone needs to read, so we can all learn about Sarah and her journey from being enslaved to becoming a patent holder who created sweet dreams for all. Rich back matter includes information on patents, an author’s note, and a timeline of patents.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson and art by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (5 – 12 years, and up)

While a bit wordy for younger readers, it still works when someone reads to them perfectly well! The illustrations are both sweet and truthful of the events and times, while the narrative shows us how Audrey became the youngest marcher, and also became the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest.