When I Hear Spirituals, illustrated by London Ladd and written by Cheryl Willis Hudson, has received its fifth starred review from School Library Journal, and was awarded a Gold Standard Selection from the Junior Library Guild. The School Library Journal review praises the book saying, “No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.” Congratulations, London!
New York Public Libary’s 100 Best Books for Kids includes Adela’s Mariachi Band, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (Charlesbridge), and My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd (Harper Collins). Congratulations Erika and London! See the full list here.
Chicago Public Library’s 2024 list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers includes Miles of Style, illustrated by Lynn Gaines (Lee & Low Books) and Elise Gravel‘s El rosa, el azul y tú (NubeOcho). Congratulations Lynn and Elise! See the full list here.
My Hair is a Book, illustrated by London Ladd, has been included in School Library Journal’s Best Picture Books of 2024. SLJ writes: “Everything in this must-have book builds Black beauty and love. In mixed-media art of thick acrylic strokes, the typography graphically highlights plays on words, and everything shines a light on strong historical figures, moving and doing and being.” Congratulations London! See the full list here.
The Chicago Public Library announced its Best Board & Picture Books of 2o24, and included Una Corona para Corina (Little, Brown), illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, and both the Spanish and English editions of Adela’s Mariachi Band (Charlesbridge), illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina. Congratulations Elisa and Erika!
Booklist and Kirkus each praised When Alexander Graced the Table in Starred Reviews. Kirkus proclaimed, “The joy of cooking—and family—brought to brilliant life.” Booklist says, “For an excellent example of #BlackBoyJoy, look to this sweet celebration of food and familial love from renowned chef Smalls and his cocreators. Warmth and community are exuded in Morrison’s oil paintings.” Published by Simon & Schuster/Denene Millner books, When Alexander Graced the Table, written by Alexander Smalls and Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison, hits shelves in January.
