Do you ever read aloud to a loved one of any age? Does a special person read to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
It’s back-to-school season. Check out these wonderful titles to share with the young readers in your life.
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It’s safe to say that Mary J. Blige knows what the 411 is. It’s writing children’s books! It seems that she started a recent wave of celebrity authored children’s books with her book Mary Can! The debut book is about young Mary who is ambitious and self-confident and determined to sing despite the naysayers. As the publisher HarperCollins puts it, “Mary Can! is perfect for go-getters who aren’t afraid to be a YES in a world full of NOs.”
Following the trend of invoking one’s younger self as a main character, is Taraji P. Henson. Her children’s book You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book follows the main character, a sweet little girl named TJ as she navigates bullying for being her beautiful, eccentric self This precious gem of a book celebrates uniqueness and the joy of overcoming obstacles. Readers will journey with TJ on her road to making new friends and getting to a place where she appreciates what sets her apart.
Like Mary and Taraji, Stacey Abrams’ new children’s book features little Stacey in the adorable Stacey Speaks Up. Stacey and her classmates eagerly await Friday which is TacoPizza FryDay! But when Stacey learns that some of the kids cannot afford to buy the beloved lunch, she springs into action. The young activist rallies her community to affect change. This is a perfect story that shows what people at any level are capable of accomplishing when they put their mind to it.
Continuing the trend, Insecure author Jay Ellis has written a book about little Jay, a military brat who must navigate a new school every year in Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? This fun book is truly an adventure in boyhood. It is essentially a memoir of a kid who tells Mikey, his imaginary friend, everything. Geared towards older kids, this book deals with real life issues that some young people contend with such as Jay’s fear of being stopped by cops or the loss of his teenage cousin in a drive-by shooting. This raw story will resonate with readers as it ultimately asserts the importance of being able to trust yourself when dealing with life’s challenges.
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Anika Noni Rose is familiar to young readers, thanks to voicing the role of lovely Tiana in Disney’s beloved animated musical The Princess and the Frog. They will gravitate toward Tiana’s Perfect Plan and enjoy an adventure with their favorite and familar character in this colorfully illustrated book. Tiana and her husband Naveen receive a letter stating that Naveen’s parents want to celebrate Mardi Gras with them and now Tiana is determined to make everything perfect. But she may soon realize that she has everything that she needs. (October 24)
South African comedian Trevor Noah’s new children’s book Into the Uncut Grass is a touching, poetic contemporary fable about a young child who ventures far away from home into a magical world. It is in this world that the child discovers the true meaning of connection and peace especially with the people that we love most. Filled with beautiful, soft colored illustrations, this book makes the perfect gift for readers and dreamers young, old and in between. (October 24)
While these celebrity-authored books might catch the eye of adults, their impact on children are evident. They all inspire and encourage young Black readers to be confident, brave, and most of all happy!
Do you ever read aloud to a loved one of any age? Does a special person read to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
