What to Read: African American History, Part I
This month we celebrate the African American men and women who contributed greatly to the advancement of this nation, often while facing some of the most brutal obstacles. They were explorers, artists, educators, writers, inventors, freedom fighters, community leaders, and more.
An Apple for Harriet Tubman (Ages 4 – 8, Preschool – Grade 3)
As told to the author by one of Tubman's great-nieces, this story depicts just one small part of Harriet Tubman's incredible journey toward freedom. At a young age, Harriet is aware of and feels the indignation of slavery. Being forced to pick apples in the field and never allowed to taste one for herself, she dreams of her freedom. For young Harriet, freedom means being able to grow and eat her own apples as she pleases. A simple pleasure, maybe, but the desire to have something of one's own, is wholly recognizable for children.
Can a Coal Scuttle Fly? (Ages 4 – 8, Preschool – Grade 3)
A picture book biography of the late Baltimore artist, Tom Miller. Miller, whose illustrations inspired this story, was known for his “Afro Deco” style–a term he coined. He painted bright and bold colors on found furniture and objects, and used geometric shapes and simple lines in his paintings (as is seen in his prints). The titular object–the coal scuttle–is real, and is currently featured in the museum's Structure & Perspective exhibit, along with some prints of the book's illustrations.
What a fun experience to read about Miller and then see his work come alive!
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World (Ages 6 – 10, Grades 2 – 3)
Each “day” features an individual who contributed greatly to this nation's progress–knocking down barriers, making sacrifices, achieving industry firsts, and more. The book is limited to twenty-eight men and women to fit the month of February, but it's the creative combination of text and illustration that makes it worth having on the shelf.
Each page includes a short biography of the individual, providing historical context for his or her achievement. The illustrations are evocative, and giving weight to each page is a poem. Some rhyming, others free verse. You will find your kids, and maybe yourself, returning to the book to admire its powerful images and to recite the lyrical lines.
Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson (Ages 7 – 10, Grades 2 – 4)
The story of the discovery of the North Pole is the story of two men: Robert Peary, the man credited with being the first to reach the top of the world, and Matthew Henson, the man who got him there.
Born in Nanjemoy, Maryland (Charles County), Matthew Henson traveled to Baltimore at the age of 13, and became a cabin boy on a ship bound for Asia. For five years he sailed around the world, learning mathematics, navigational techniques, and rope tying. At the age of 21 Henson met Robert Peary by chance, and the two men began an expedition that would see 18 years before they reached their goal: the top of the world.
“But when Peary and Henson returned to the United States, only one of them was remembered. Deborah Hopkinson's stirring and eloquent text, enhanced by quotations from Henson's own writings, reminds us of the accomplishments of this skilled and courageous explorer. Stephen Alcorn's stunning artwork elevates and enriches this inspiring story” (From the Editor)
Seeds of America Trilogy (Ages 10 – 14, Grades 5 – 9)
This trilogy follows the harrowing journey of an enslaved young woman, Isabel, who seeks her freedom against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War. Anderson weaves an extraordinary tale of heartbreak and heroism, and brings a human face to the nation's many struggles at that time.
Strange Fruit: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History (Ages 12+, Grades 7+)
Written and illustrated like comics, this volume offers a fresh take on recognizing those lesser known individuals and events that shaped our nation's history. Volume I includes nine stories from early African American history, including the story of Henry “Box” Brown, who literally shipped himself to freedom. Injecting humor in the illustrations and texts enlivens these incredible tales of ordinary superheroes from decades, and even centuries, ago.
Look for Volume II, available soon, in the museum store.
You can find all of these titles and more at shop.mdhs.org, or visit us in store! We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm.
(Below: check out Frederick Douglass related titles and items available in the store as well as upcoming events celebrating his life.)
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