Tami Charles

Young Debbie Allen is destined for fame, and soon everyone will know her name. Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement in the Jim Crow South, Debbie faced immense obstacles. Local dance schools refused to let her in, but she refused to give up on her dreams. To give her daughter a chance to shine, Debbie's mother moved the family to Mexico so Debbie could study ballet. Returning to Texas with fierce determination, Debbie broke barriers to become the first Black dancer admitted to the Houston Ballet Foundation, launching a legendary career. This uplifting, poetic biography celebrates a living icon of dance. Young readers will be inspired by this true story of resilience, creativity, and the power of believing in yourself when the world tries to hold you back.

The shake-shake of maracas vibrates down to your toes as you join Belle and her Ti Gran in the kitchen. Every year, Haitians around the world ring in the new year by eating a special meal called Freedom Soup. This tradition dates all the way back to the Haitian Revolution, and this year, it is Belle's turn to learn the family recipe. Together, grandmother and granddaughter dance and clap while preparing the holiday feast. As they chop and stir, Ti Gran shares the rich history of the soup, the roots of their family, and the triumphant story of Haiti's independence. This beautiful celebration of cultural traditions shows how stories are passed from one generation to the next. Lyrical text and vibrant illustrations bring history to life, offering a sensory experience that readers will savor to the very last drop.

Your roots are deep, your history is rich, and your future shines incredibly bright. This lyrical and affirming story is a powerful ode to the Black and brown heritage, celebrating the momentous contributions of men and women from the beginning of time. Through soaring language and breathtaking artwork, readers are guided on a journey of assurance, tenderness, and triumph. It highlights the beauty and excellence within the community, assuring children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Every page bursts with love and pride, offering a vital reminder that greatness is already inside you. This inspirational companion piece celebrates young readers exactly as they are. It serves as a beautiful touchstone for families to share, strengthening children for their triumphant days ahead and inviting them to imagine a world where they continue to make history.

High in the hills above Port-au-Prince, a young girl named Fallon has one big wish. She wants nothing more than to carry a large, woven basket to the bustling market, just like her Manman. She watches her mother balance the heavy load with perfect grace. Eager to prove she is ready, Fallon twists her own braids and places the empty basket on her head. But she quickly realizes that balancing the panye is much harder than it looks. When the basket tumbles to the ground, Fallon must learn that mastering this ancient tradition takes patience, strength, and time. This exuberant and lyrical story celebrates the beauty of Haiti and the deep bonds of family legacy. Readers will love exploring the vibrant market streets alongside Fallon as she discovers the pride of carrying on a beloved cultural tradition.

Alone we are strong, but together we are truly unstoppable. This astounding picture book delivers a powerful declaration of unity, love, and community, reminding readers that we are all part of something much greater than ourselves. In the profound final installment of this beloved trilogy, young readers are invited to recognize the brilliance they hold as individuals, and the immense power they unlock when their voices join as one. Rhythmic, courageous text pairs perfectly with breathtaking artwork to explore how every person is connected across the world. It is a beautiful message of optimism and a community touchstone for families and classrooms. By celebrating our shared humanity, this story shows children that the best way to build a brighter, kinder future is to create it hand in hand.

Meet one of the unsung legends who helped settle the American West. Mary Fields was a larger-than-life pioneer whose incredible true story continues to inspire today. Born into slavery, Mary found her freedom and sought out a new life. In 1895, in her sixties, she entered a grueling competition to become a stagecoach driver. She shocked everyone by beating out a field of tough cowboys, proving she was the fastest to hitch a team of six horses. Winning the dangerous job, she became the first African American woman to drive a United States mail route. For years, she traveled the rugged badlands with her pet eagle, fiercely protecting the mail from outlaws and wild animals without ever losing a single package. This thrilling biography introduces young readers to a fearless trailblazer who paved the way for women and people of color across the frontier.

You always have mattered, and you always will matter. This profound and beautiful picture book reads as a soaring anthem of love from parents to their children. Through rhythmic, poetic language, a young boy is reminded of his deep, inherent worth. As he navigates the world, he is wrapped in the reassuring message that his life holds incredible meaning. The story gently addresses the realities of the world while wrapping the child in a protective blanket of history, heritage, and unshakable family pride. Paired with stunning, rich illustrations, this love letter to Black and brown children provides a much-needed mirror of excellence. It is the perfect read-aloud to remind every child that they are brilliant, they are loved, and they matter beyond measure.

Discover the incredible true story of a young girl who followed her biggest dreams to the highest court in the land. From a young age, Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson knew she wanted to be a lawyer, and her relentless hard work set her on a path to history. After 232 years and 115 appointments, Justice Jackson shattered barriers by becoming the first Black woman appointed to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Through sweeping, lyrical text and unforgettable illustrations, readers are invited to witness the defining moments that shaped her brilliant legal mind and steadfast character. This inspiring picture book biography is a powerful testament to perseverance and justice. It beautifully captures a monumental milestone in American history, leaving an indelible mark on the young dreamers and future leaders of tomorrow.

Zuri Ray is back and ready to throw the ultimate end-of-summer party. With her parents' questionable taste in decorations out of the picture, Zuri takes charge of every detail. The food, the games, the entertainment all must be absolutely perfect for her backyard bash. Luckily, her loyal friends step up to help bring her grand vision to life. When the big day arrives, the party does not go exactly according to plan. Unexpected surprises and sudden chaos threaten to ruin everything Zuri worked so hard to build. Now, this spunky planner must figure out how to let loose and improvise. Young readers will love joining Zuri as she discovers that sometimes the best moments happen when things fall apart. This charming story highlights the joy of friendship, the importance of flexibility, and how much fun you can have when you simply go with the flow.

Meet Zuri Ray, a spunky girl with a huge heart who is always willing to go the extra mile for her friends. She is usually up for any challenge, but her loyalty is put to the test when her best friend, Jessie, asks her to join a summer ballet camp. While Jessie is thrilled to practice her plies in tight hair buns and frilly pink tutus, that just does not sound like Zuri at all. She wants to be a supportive friend, but she is completely out of her element in the dance studio. Zuri has to figure out how to put her own unique spin on classical ballet without letting her best friend down. This vibrant and charming story encourages kids to try new things while staying true to who they are. It is a wonderful celebration of individuality, compromise, and the power of friendship.