Black History Month Recommendations

In her Star Tribune article, "New children's books celebrate Black History Month," reviewer Andrea Hoag recommends several books and gives the new edition of "Little Black Sambo" a thumbs down. Among the books Hoag recommends are Ntozake Shange's "Ellington Was Not a Street," a picture book illustrated by artist Kadir Nelson; "Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America," by Robinson's daughter, Sharon Robinson; and Laban Carrick Hill's "Harlem Stomp," which focuses on the Harlem Renaissance. For more books that focus on African Americans, see my subjects directory.

In discussing Christopher Bing's "Little Black Sambo," Hoag acknowledges that "Bing's wildlife illustrations are sumptuous." However, she goes on to say, "But the story itself, rooted in racism, sadly remains as unpalatable as ever." If you'd like to express your opinion of the book, join our discussion on the About Children's Books Forum. recall recall