Ekua Holmes

Black is more than a color on a page. It is the shade of a bicycle tire, the robe worn by Thurgood Marshall, and the beauty of a people whose history keeps shining forward. In this lyrical picture book, a child notices that black is missing from the rainbow, then discovers how deeply it belongs in everyday life, family memory, culture, courage, and pride. Angela Joy’s rhythmic words invite you to listen closely, while Ekua Holmes’s vibrant art fills each page with movement and meaning. Warm, powerful, and full of wonder, this is a celebration of Black history, Black culture, and the joy of knowing where you come from.

American Beach was a place of sun, music, family, and freedom. For MaVynee Betsch, it was also home. This picture book biography tells the true story of MaVynee, an African American opera singer who grew up loving the beach her grandfather helped create during the Jim Crow era, when many public beaches were closed to Black families. As MaVynee’s life carried her from the ocean shore to international stages, American Beach remained close to her heart. When the beloved community began to fade, MaVynee turned her powerful voice toward preservation. Her story introduces young readers to civil rights history, environmental activism, and the importance of protecting places that hold memory, dignity, and joy.

Before Earth, before stars, before even time, there was silence. Then came a burst so huge it set the universe in motion. This poetic picture book follows the story of creation from the Big Bang to blazing stars, planets, oceans, living things, and you. With lyrical language and sweeping mixed-media illustrations, it turns a vast science idea into something young readers can feel: the matter that makes up our world began long ago in the stars. A beautiful blend of science and wonder, this book invites curious readers to look up at the night sky and see their own place in the universe.

Dream Street is alive with jump ropes, greetings, music, stories, and neighbors who know how to make one another feel seen. Take a walk down a bright, welcoming street where every person has a gift to share. You will meet children with big dreams, elders with wisdom, and families connected by laughter, memory, and care. Each stop adds another piece to a neighborhood filled with imagination and love. Inspired by the Roxbury neighborhood where the author and illustrator grew up, this joyful picture book celebrates community, Black childhood, intergenerational bonds, and the special magic of belonging somewhere.

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.

Have you ever read a poem that made your heart sing or your mind wander to new places? In this glorious and lyrical book, Newbery Award-winning author Kwame Alexander joins forces with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth to celebrate the magic of words. Together, they have crafted beautiful original poems that pay tribute to twenty of the world's most famous poets. As you turn the pages, you will discover how legendary writers have sparked imagination and wonder across generations. The powerful words are brought to life by stunning, vibrant mixed-media illustrations from Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes, making every single page a visual and literary feast. This inspiring collection is more than just a book of poetry; it is an invitation to listen closely, think deeply, and find your own creative voice. Whether you are a longtime lover of poetry or discovering it for the very first time, this breathtaking celebration will leave you eager to pick up a pen and write your own masterpiece.