African American Children's Books That Inspire and Empower

You don't have to wait until African American history month to learn about and celebrate the lives of powerful men and women who contributed greatly to the well-being of all Americans. Not sure where to start? Here are some really amazing books that demonstrate the power of leadership and courage in the face of tremendous obstacles. We've often heard the names Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, and these amazing women led complex, challenging lives and rose above hardship.

Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride
By: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrated By Brian Pinkney

Her story is layered, and you may be reluctant to share a book on slavery with a young child. However, this book does a great job of engaging young minds through a vibrant retelling of Sojourner's life. She was a towering figure with an electrifying voice, and when she spoke, people paid attention. Sojourner knew that no one would hand out equal rights, and she traveled across the country fighting for equality.

We're inspired by her bravery and courage in the face of death threats and other indignities. Acclaimed children's author Andrea Davis Pinkney takes her story and makes it accessible for young children in the 4-6 age range. By doing so, she ensures that Sojourner's rich history will be carried forward to future generations.

Who Is Harriet Tubman?
By: Yona Zeldis McDonough
Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

This lively and engaging story takes us on a journey through the life of Harriet Tubman. She was a leader, freedom fighter, and courageous African American woman who stood for something larger than herself. As she found her way to freedom, she personified the notion that "we are our brother's keeper" and risked her life countless times to bring others to freedom as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Ms. Tubman's bravery saved lives and kept families intact. She is a remarkable example of fortitude and fearlessness.

A Picture Book of Sojourner Truth
By: David Adler
Illustrated By: Gershom Griffith

This easy-to-read picture book can be enjoyed by young children from 4-6 who read independently. The book focuses on Sojourner's childhood and how she grew up to make such a huge difference for African Americans, women and all Americans. Children will put this book down feeling proud and inspired to prepare themselves for leadership.

The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.
By: Johnny Ray Moore

We've heard the story of Dr. King before, but this book makes his story accessible to the youngest of readers in a easy-to-hold board book. He touched so many lives with his bravery, courage and unbreakable spirit, and this book ensures that his legacy lives on. It's never too early for kids to begin to learn about hard work, integrity and leadership--all hallmarks of Dr. King's life.

These great books for children would be a perfect addition to any bookshelf as these pages are filled with heart, courage and leadership--an example for African American children and all children.

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American Indian Fairytales - A Forgotten Native American Children's Classic

Initially published in 1895 and again in 1907, American Indian Fairytales is a collection of Native American folklore especially compiled for children and young adults.

The author, Margaret Compton, drew on authentic lore and anthropological research from a wide variety of sources of the day, including the Smithsonian Institute and US government reports. Considering the difficulty and duration of trans-continental travel in the day (the Trans-Continental railroad was only completed in 1869) and the relatively young age of the United States, it's a wonder she managed to collate so much material in such a short space of time. Markedly, she retains some of the most colourful story elements, such as grotesque monsters and cross-dressing characters, which some other authors and publishers of her day (and possibly ours) might have omitted under the banner of Political Correctness.

She further maintained the authenticity of the works by sprinkling throughout stereotypical language references of the time, like "squaw," "papoose," and "wigwam". The late Sir George Webbe Dasent, the famous translator and editor of mainly Norse and Viking sagas and tales, once wrote "the person who, in such a work, wilfully changes or softens, is as guilty as they "who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." Therefore we can thank Margaret Compton for her perseverance in retaining the stories and tales as she saw them. Something that could not have been easy for a female author in her day.

Originally published under the title Snow Bird and the Water Tiger and other American Indian Tales, this volume includes 17 stories of Magical Feathers, Fighting Hares, Islands of Skeletons, Great Wizards, Bended Rocks, Snow bird and Water Tiger, Star Maidens, Living Statues and more. In addition, and interestingly, a description of the Iagoo, the narator of the stories in this book, also waits within. Each story is embellished with a decorative capital and there are at least 10 exquisite illustrations.

American Indian Fairytales also provides an interesting window into the attitudes of the past; as such we encourage readers to think upon how attitudes have changed in the century since this book was originally published. So join with us and journey back to a time when these stories were told around spitting and crackling campfires, to the delight of young and old alike.

This book is one of seven dedicated to raising funds for the American Indian Education Fund. 33% of the publisher's profit from the sale of this book will be donated to this institution.

For more info, a table of contents or to view a sample of the interior, go to http://www.abelapublishing.com/IndianTales.html

John Halsted is CEO of Abela Publishing and an out-and-out fan of fairytales.

He founded Abela Publishing as a Social Enterprise and specialises in publishing new and old Children's stories, fairytales, folklore, myths and legends.

33% of Abela Publishing's profit is donated to charities around the world.
To see which charities are currently supported, go to http://www.abelapublishing.com/charity.html

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