Author Profile
Carole Boston Weatherford
17 Books
Carole Boston Weatherford is an acclaimed American author and poet who specializes in children's literature, often focusing on African American history and historical figures. Her renowned works include the Newbery Honor book "Box" and the Caldecott Honor books "Moses" and "Freedom in Congo Square". Through her engaging prose and poetry, she brings important historical narratives and biographies to life for young readers.
The ancient words of the biblical Beatitudes echo through modern history in this powerful exploration of the civil rights movement. Blending lyrical text with stirring illustrations, this book connects profound spiritual promises with the real-world struggles and triumphs of African Americans fighting for justice. You will discover how the enduring message of blessing the peacemakers, the merciful, and those who hunger for righteousness perfectly mirrors the courage of civil rights leaders and everyday heroes. As you journey through these pivotal historical moments, the rhythmic pairing of scripture and history reveals a deep, lasting testament to faith, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This inspiring narrative offers a unique and moving perspective on a defining era in American history.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
Connie notices the signs everywhere in Greensboro. Some places are for white people only. Some counters, seats, and doors are not meant for her family at all.
Then four college students sit down at the Woolworth’s lunch counter and refuse to leave until they are treated fairly. Connie is only eight, too young to march or make speeches, but she can see courage spreading through her town. She helps her older brother and sister make signs, listens to the grown-ups talk, and begins to understand that change can start with a quiet, brave act.
Told through a child’s eyes, Freedom on the Menu is a moving historical fiction picture book about the Greensboro sit-ins, the Civil Rights Movement, and one girl’s hope for something as simple and important as being served like everyone else.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
34 Pages
Young Ovella dreams of learning in a real classroom, but her rural community desperately lacks a proper school building. Set in the 1920s, this uplifting story follows Ovella and her neighbors as they join forces to achieve the impossible. Through hard work, dedication, and penny-pinching, the community rallies to raise the funds needed for a new schoolhouse. Their incredible efforts are soon matched by the generosity of Julius Rosenwald, the president of Sears, Roebuck, and Company, sparking a powerful partnership. You will witness the true strength of community teamwork and the profound impact of shared goals. This moving historical tale highlights a real-life initiative that successfully built thousands of schools for African American children, proving that when people unite, they can build a brighter future for everyone.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Follow the rich, rhythmic history of a uniquely American music. This lyrical journey explores the deep roots and lasting legacy of jazz, tracing its powerful evolution through the centuries. From the rhythmic beats of African drums and the soulful melodies of gospel choirs to the vibrant energy of Harlem dance halls, you will discover how historical struggles and triumphs shaped this incredible art form. The poetic text creates a musical beat of its own, paired with striking oil paintings that bring brilliant musicians and everyday people to life. Experience the sorrow, the joy, and the undeniable resilience that combined to create a global phenomenon. Step onto the dance floor of history and feel the true, undeniable sound that jazz makes.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
Step into the spotlight and discover the incredible life of the Queen of Soul. Long before she became a global superstar, Aretha Franklin was a young girl singing in her father's church choir. Her voice was a gift that could move hearts and lift spirits, but her journey to fame was filled with challenges.
Follow her extraordinary rise from a gifted child to a legendary musician and passionate civil rights activist. You will see how she used her powerful voice not just to entertain the world, but to demand equality and justice for all people.
This beautifully illustrated biography captures the rhythm, soul, and determination of a true musical icon. It shows how one woman's courage and unmatched talent helped soundtrack a movement and inspire generations. Get ready to find out what it means to demand respect and change the world with a single voice.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Step into the dazzling spotlight of a true trailblazer. Lena Horne was more than just a captivating singer and a pioneering Hollywood actress; she was a fierce voice for equality and justice. From her early days performing on legendary stages to her groundbreaking roles on the silver screen, Lena broke through barriers and redefined what was possible for African American artists in entertainment. But she refused to simply sing and smile while injustice remained. You will explore how she bravely used her massive fame as a platform to become a dedicated civil rights activist, fighting for a fairer world. This inspiring biography celebrates the incredible life of a woman who commanded the stage, challenged the rules, and left an unforgettable legacy for generations to come.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee
MacNolia Cox was not your average eighth grader. While other kids played outside, her idea of fun was memorizing the dictionary. In 1936, her dedication paid off when she became the first African American to win the spelling bee in Akron, Ohio. Suddenly a local celebrity, she boarded a train to Washington, DC, to compete at the prestigious National Spelling Bee. Thousands cheered her departure, but the celebration quickly turned cold when her train crossed into Maryland, where strict segregation laws ruled. You will follow MacNolia as she faces blatant prejudice at the hotel and the competition itself. Meeting injustice with extraordinary dignity, she refused to let discrimination erase her brilliance. Discover the groundbreaking story of a young girl who challenged the rules and spelled out her own success.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
43 Pages
Feel the rhythm and tap your toes. From the very first note, a lively group of children is swept up in the irresistible groove of a swinging jazz beat. As the music plays, you will watch them bounce, clap, and hum along to the energetic melodies. Every page pulses with musical movement, celebrating the joy of sound and the natural urge to dance. When the tempo finally slows down, the lively tunes gently transition into a soothing lullaby, perfectly guiding the tired little ones toward sleep. This bouncy, rhythmic story captures the magic of music and how it connects us all. It is a playful, toe-tapping read-aloud that perfectly mimics the lively bounce and smooth flow of a classic jazz performance.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
A white teacher once told Gordon Parks's all-Black class that they would all wind up working as porters and waiters. But Gordon had a different vision for his future. Before he broke barriers as the first Black movie director in Hollywood, he was a young man searching for his path. When he bought a camera, his entire life shifted into focus. He taught himself how to capture striking images, and his immense talent soon landed him a job with the government in Washington, DC. There, he came face-to-face with the ugly reality of segregation. Determined to take a stand, Gordon realized his camera could be a powerful weapon for change. Through beautiful lyrical verse, discover how one self-taught artist used a single, unforgettable photograph to force America to confront racism and recognize the undeniable truth.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
34 Pages
16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop
A vibrant generation voicing its deepest hopes and fears successfully founded a global hip-hop nation. But where did this powerful rhythm truly begin? The rich history of rap has deep origins that echo long before the legendary turntables of DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. You will travel back in time to discover how this dynamic art form organically evolved from early folktales, spirituals, and spoken-word poetry. Feel the explosive showmanship of James Brown, and witness the underground birth of colorful graffiti art and acrobatic breakdancing. Written in a fast-paced, lyrical rhythm that mimics the beat of a true hip-hop track, this dynamic book celebrates the pioneers of the culture. Explore the creative roots that grew into a powerful language spoken by communities around the entire world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
47 Pages
A mother's love is a quiet, powerful promise. When you are just a newborn, she can easily cradle you to sleep, studying your face and holding your tiny hand in hers. But as you grow older and step out into the wider world, she knows she cannot always be right beside you to keep you perfectly safe. Through beautiful, heartfelt poetry, a mother expresses her deepest hopes and dreams for her child's future. She beautifully promises that even when she cannot physically hold your hand, she will always hold you closely in her heart, trusting that you are protected by a higher power. This tender, deeply moving story is a beautiful testament to the unbreakable bond of family and the comforting strength of unconditional love.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A Song of John Coltrane
Before he became one of the greatest musicians in history, young John Coltrane was surrounded by the natural rhythms of life. Long before he picked up a saxophone and changed the world of jazz, he was just a boy listening closely to the world around him. He heard the rhythmic patting of hands, the rhythmic chugging of heavy steam engines, and the joyful singing of gospel choirs in his community. Every single sound he absorbed helped shape the incredible music he would eventually create. This captivating picture book biography invites you to listen alongside a young legend as he discovers his profound musical roots. Step into his world and see how everyday noises inspired a brilliant mind to eventually compose some of the most iconic, groundbreaking jazz melodies ever recorded.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Travel through more than four hundred years of history as you discover the milestones, struggles, and incredible triumphs of African Americans. Based on a classic spiritual song, this deeply moving book invites you to look back at pivotal moments like the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown and the peaceful protests of the Civil Rights movement.
See how faith, strength, and resilience helped people persevere through the hardest of times. You will recognize famous heroes, musicians, and athletes who changed the world, as well as everyday people who stood up for what is right.
The gorgeous paintings and reworking of classic lyrics create an inspiring story of hope. It is a powerful reminder of yesterday and a beautiful dream for tomorrow that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to make a difference.
6-8 Years
18 Pages
Harlem's Historic Neighborhood
Take a stroll through one of the most famous neighborhoods in American history and meet the incredible people who made it shine. During the 1920s, the Sugar Hill area of Harlem became a vibrant home for successful African American artists, writers, musicians, and leaders. Through upbeat, bouncing rhymes, you will discover a community where creativity was everywhere. From church pews to music lessons, young children growing up in Sugar Hill were surrounded by greatness. You will cross paths with jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, brilliant artists, and powerful civil rights leaders like Thurgood Marshall. This joyful celebration honors a time and place where boundary-breaking achievers built a community that nurtured big dreams and changed the cultural landscape of the world forever.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression
Dorothea Lange saw the stories that others overlooked. Before she lifted her camera lens to capture some of the most iconic photographs in American history, she focused her attention on the downtrodden. A childhood battle with polio left her with a limp, granting her a deep, personal empathy for those facing hardship. When the Great Depression struck, Dorothea traveled across the United States. She documented bankers waiting in breadlines, formerly enslaved people struggling to survive, and homeless families sleeping on sidewalks. Through her fieldbook and her camera, she captured the undeniable face of a struggling nation. This lyrical picture book biography invites you to view the world through the eyes of an influential artist who used her unique perspective and powerful images to advocate for the forgotten.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
35 Pages
Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
Discover the incredible true story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a fierce and tireless champion for racial equality. Born into a family of sharecroppers in Mississippi, Fannie Lou faced immense hardships and injustice from a young age. But instead of staying silent, she raised her powerful voice to demand change. This inspiring biography explores her monumental impact on the civil rights movement and her unwavering dedication to her community. Beyond her famous speeches and voter registration drives, she helped launch a Head Start preschool program to educate young children and organized a massive farm project to combat hunger in her neighborhood. She also fearlessly led the cotton pickers' resistance movement and cofounded the National Women's Political Caucus. Through stunning historical details, you will learn how one woman's courage and determination helped reshape a nation. Step into the past and explore the legacy of a true American hero who fought for justice, equality, and freedom for all.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
34 Pages
By
Carole Boston Weatherford
●
Pictures by
R. Gregory Christie
●
Read by
J.D. Jackson
●
With
Freddi Williams Evans
Mondays meant slopping hogs. Wednesdays brought baking bread. Saturdays required plucking hens. For enslaved people in nineteenth-century Louisiana, the week was filled with relentless toil under an unjust system. But every day, they counted down to Sunday. For one half-day each week, they were allowed to gather in New Orleans at Congo Square. Here, they built an open market, sang, danced, and played joyous music. In this vibrant space, they could momentarily forget their struggles and oppression, celebrating their culture and community. This powerful, poetic history captures the resilience of the human spirit. You will discover how a single afternoon in Congo Square became the true beating heart of freedom, offering hope and light amidst the darkest of circumstances.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
