Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Christy Ottaviano Books

(Little, Brown and Company)

(pub.1.2.2024)

48 pages

Ages 5 - 9

Author: Dinah Johnson

   Illustrator: Jerry Jordan

Character: Ida B. Wells

Overview:

" Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Here is Ida’s story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women’s March of 1913."

Tantalizing taste:

"Ever since she was a young woman, Ida had always done the right thing. The right thing now was not to follow the wishes of these white women who didn't care if she and other Black women got the vote.

The right thing now was for Ida to follow her heart and mind. She worked her way through the crowds of people along the path of the parade."

And something more: In A Note From The Author, Dinah Johnson explains that Ida B. Wells' "many invaluable contributions to society were celebrated in 1990 when the US Postal Service issued the Ida B. Wells commemorative stamp. More than a century after the Women's March of 1913, her story is as important and inspiring as ever."

Major Taylor

World Cycling Champion

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Candlewick Press

(pub. 9.12.2023)

48 pages

Ages 7-10

Author: Charles R Smith Jr.

and Illustrator: Leo Espinosa

Character: Marshall "Major" Taylor

Overview:

" One hundred years ago, one of the most popular spectator sports was bicycle racing, and the man to beat was Marshall 'Major' Taylor, who set records in his teens and won his first world championship by age twenty.

The first African American world champion in cycling and the second Black athlete to win a world championship in any sport, Major Taylor faced down challenge after challenge, not least the grueling Six-Day Race, a test of speed, strength, and endurance."

Tantalizing taste:

"When the other racers saw

the color of your face,

they taunted you

and threatened you

to drive you from the race.

But you pedaled on, Major,

and you didn't quit,

and when the rain came

only you finished it.

So keep riding, Major,

keep riding, don't quit.

Now, just like then,

keep pedaling, finish it."

And something more: Charles R Smith Jr. , in the Author's Note explains that "As a pro, Major won races and set countless records along the way. Many of the white racers tried to hurt him on the track due to his skin color, but Marshall adopted racing tactics to avoid harm and emerge victorious. He would stay at the back until the last lap, then put on a quick burst of speed to sprint ahead for the victory. This racing style made him a fan favorite."

Review of Good Books For Bad Children

The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Anne Schwartz Books

(Random House Kids)

(pub. 9.19.2023)

48 pages

4 - 8 years

Author: Beth Kephart

   Illustrator: Chloe Bristol

Character: Ursula Nordstrom

Overview:

" Ursula Nordstrom was a grown-up who never forgot what it was to be a child. The girl who'd always loved to read would grow up to work in the Department of Books for Boys and Girls at Harper & Brothers Publishers. Soon she was editing books by Margaret Wise Brown and E. B. White, discovering new talent like John Steptoe and Maurice Sendak, and reinventing what a book for children should be.

'Children want to be seen,' she'd tell her writers. 'Not good enough for you,' she'd scribble in the margins of their manuscripts, asking them to revise. Her favorite books of all? 'Good books for bad children,' she'd say. And those books went on to win every award imaginable, including the Caldecott and Newbery Medals and the National Book Award."

Tantalizing taste:

"Ursula published what she pleased.

She was curious.

She was honest.

She knew what to ask her writer and artists

and how best to listen -

how to stare out through her bright blue eyes

and her wide spectacles

and encourage their most fabulous stories.

'Children want to feel seen,' she said,

in a voice some called musical

and some called gravelly.

'Children deserve our best.'"

And something more: Beth Kephart, in the Author's Note writes that Maurice Sendak said, "I loved her on first meeting. My happiest memories, in fact, are of my earliest career, when Ursula was my confidante and best friend."

Beth Kephart shares about her inspiration for writing this story: "I fell in love with Nordstrom several years ago, when teaching children's literature at the University of Pennsylvania...[and when she learned that Ursula proudly defended] E. B. White's right to write about a talking mouse named Stuart Little. My kind of editor ... I have followed her through the channels of my own imagination - puzzling through her inconsistencies, weighing the mythologies, and doing my utmost best to honor her, with the help of my own perfection-nudging editor, Anne Schwartz."