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IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY

This page was created in conjunction with our January 15, 2001 newsletter. If you wish to subscribe to our newletter, send an EMAIL to: etc_newsletter-subscribe@embracingthechild.org

Each of the books in our Black History newsletter has been chosen because they contain good stories. They are real stories that are heartwarming, soul-searching, emotional, thought provoking and passionate stories. They are about family, the value of family, community and friendship, perseverance, tenacity and heroes. They are ideal for reading at home or in the classroom and in the case of “Words With Wings” or “Civil War: A Library Of Congress Book,” paired with art and photographs for a powerful impression.

This is education through literature at its best.

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MY FAMILY SHALL BE FREE: THE LIFE OF PETER STILL by Dennis Brindell Fradin [2001] Ages 10 and Up

My Family Shall Be Free: The Life of Peter Still“At the beginning of the nineteenth century, approximately one million people of African descent were slaves in the United States, and this number rose to almost four million by the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. Sold like cattle, slaves belonged to the highest bidder. Their lives were sad and often short. There was, however, a small number who, through sheer bravery and perseverance, managed to buy their freedom. My Family Shall Be Free! Is the amazing and powerful true story of one such hero, Peter Still.

“All of the dialogue and attitudes attributed to the people in this book are based on first hand nineteenth century printed sources, mainly ‘The Kidnapped and the Ransomed,’ written by Kate Pickard with Peter and Vina Still's assistance; ‘Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still’ by James Still; ‘The Underground Railroad’ by William Still; the Peter Still papers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey; and the Still Collection at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.” Read more:

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Words With WingsWORDS WITH WINGS [2000] All Ages. Some of the world's greatest poets and artists are paired together to introduce readers of all ages to poetry and art spanning the nineteenth century through the present. Belinda Rochelle has carefully selected and paired this collection to explore different themes-some universal and some particularly African-American, illustrating the incredible diversity of African-American poetry and art. The color, vibrancy, and mixture of artists and poets are stunning, and will be treasured for its beauty and educational values. An introduction and informative biographies of all the contributors are included in the back of the book. Read more:

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Civil War:  A Library of Congress BookCIVIL WAR: A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS BOOK by Martin W. Sandler [2001] Ages 9 Up

During the years 1861-1865, America was a nation torn apart by war. From terrible land combat to fierce battles at sea; from mothers losing sons to brothers fighting brothers--this was a conflict that profoundly affected all that it touched...and changed
our nation forever.

From the archives of the Library of Congress, often called "the Storehouse of the national memory," here are over one hundred vintage posters, paintings, and photographs that bring the events of the Civil War vividly to life. Witness the scenes and encounter the words of those caught up in a nation at war with itself. Read more:

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Let It ShineLET IT SHINE: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney [2000] Ages 9-12

When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, she sparked a protest that changed America. Having escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman defied bounty hunters and returned to the South again and again to lead slaves to freedom. As the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Shirley Chisholm paved the way for generations of women to enter government.

The lives these women led are part of one incredible story. It's a story about courage in the face of inequality, oppression, prejudice, and fear. It's a story about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights. And it's a story about speaking out for what you believe, even when it feels like no one is listening. The ten freedom fighters featured in this book let their lights shine on the darkness of discrimination. And shine they did. Read more:

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F is for FreedomF IS FOR FREEDOM by Roni Schotter [2000] Ages 9-12

"Reading is freedom," Hannah's mother has always told her. "The thoughts in books are powerful strong, stronger even than chains," her father has said. One sharp knock at midnight, then a double thump. Impulsive, imaginative Amanda loves to read and playact, but this noise is real. Outside, her father is unloading a wagon. Out of the sacks come a man, a woman holding a sleeping baby, and Hannah, a tall, thin girl about Amanda's age—runaway slaves!

Set a decade before the Civil War, this moving story crackles with suspense and says as much about the power of words as it does about the power of friendship. Read more:

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ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:

North American Slave Narratives

North American Slave Narratives: Collection of Electronic Texts

Portrait of a Black Doctor: Dr. James Still, "Black Doctor of the Pines."

Take a Black History Quiz

Virtual Trip Underground Railroad

Visit our African-American Page and Women in History Page with recommended books, bios and supporting links.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“Your world is as big as you make it.”
--Georgia Douglas Johnson (1880-1966)

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