CHILDREN'S BOOK CORNER

Here is a selection of books related to the holidays and special days of this month, recommended for your child’s reading pleasure, related stamps are also highlighted.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

DREAMERS

Yuyi Morales, author and illustrator

A Pura Belpré Award Winner

Overview: This is the story of a Hispanic woman who came to America with her child. It tells of how she tried to feel at home in a new country, not knowing the language. When she discovered the library, books became a meaningful, comforting part of her life. At the end of the book, the author gives a list of books “That inspired me; and still do.” Ages 3 - 8

Hispanic American stamps (Issued: 10/31/94 – Scott # 2103)

Oct 2,1967 THURGOOD MARSHALL sworn in as first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

A Picture Book of THURGOOD MARSHALL

David A. Adler, author

Robert Casilla, illustrator

Overview: This is the story of how a hard-working boy grew up to be a person determined to fight for equality and the importance of education. It tells how Marshall worked for the NAACP and became the first Black to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Ages 4 – 8.

(“Black Heritage” stamp issued: 1/7/03 – Scott # 3746

Oct 14, 1964 – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. wins Nobel Peace Prize at age 35.

BE A KING:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream and You

Carole Boston Weatherford, author

James E. Ransome, illustrator.

Overview: This book sends a message to children that they can follow in Dr. King’s footsteps. With the phrase “You can be a King” the author outlines several ways children can act to further Dr. King’s dream of a united America. Ages 4 – 8

ford, author James E. Ransome, illustrator.

Overview: This book sends a message to children that they can follow in Dr. King’s footsteps. With the phrase “You can be a King” the author outlines several ways children can act to further Dr. King’s dream of a united America. Ages 4 – 8

(“Black Heritage” stamp issued: 9/16/11 – Scott # 4565

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

FANNIE LOU HAMER ~ October 6th

VOICE OF FREEDOM, FANNIE LOU HAMER:

Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement

Carole Boston Weatherford, author Ekua Holmes, illustrator

Overview: Through a collection of poems, the author outlines the life, feelings, and emotions of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of equal voting rights. It also contains a “Timeline” and “Source Notes” on the use of quotes from Fannie Lou Hamer, Ages 10 - 12

(Medgar Evers with Fannie Lou Hamer stamp issued: 2/21/09 with “Civil Rights Pioneers” stamps – Scott # 4384e)

DR. MAE JEMISON ~ October 17th

MAE AMONG THE STARS

Roda Ahmed, author Stasia Burrington, illustrator

Overview: This book tells how as a young girl, Mae Jemison dreams of becoming an astronaut and with the encouragement of her mother and father, she pursues her dream. Ages 3 – 6.

(“Endeavor’s Lift Off” issued 8/4/95 ~ Scott # 2544A)

HARRIET POWERS ~ October 29th

SEWING STORIES: Harriet Powers' Journey from Slave to Artist

Barbara Herkert, author

Vanessa Brantiey-Newton, illustrator

Overview: This book tells about the life of Harriet Powers. As a slave. Powers began sewing and making a career for herself. She began making quilts that illustrated Bible stories and local legends. Powers exhibited her quilts at local cotton fairs, and though she never traveled outside of Georgia, her quilts became priceless examples of Black folk art. Ages 4 – 8