eBranch Blog

February 21, 2006

African American Book List

The National Education Association (NEA) has created this comprehensive reading list of 100 titles that celebrate African American heritage, tradition, and achievement.

Dennis Brindell Fradin and Judith Bloom Fradin. Ida B. Wells: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement
The acclaimed civil rights leader Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) is brought vividly to life in this accessible and well-researched biography. Wells was a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and she helped black women win the right to vote. But what she is most remembered for is the success of her lifelong crusade against the practice of lynching--called by some "our nation's crime%"--in the American South. She fought her battle by writing and publishing countless newspaper articles and by speaking around the world. (Grades 5 and up)

Leo and Diane Dillon. Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles-Think of That
In illustrations and rhyme describes the dancing of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, one of the most famous tap dancers of all time. (Grades PreK-2)