In honor of Black History Month, we asked Diane Garrett, owner of Diane’s Books on Grigg Street in downtown Greenwich, for her favorite book suggestions for all ages.
AMAZING GRACE
Written by Mary Hoffman
AMAZING GRACE, which was written in 1921, has been a favorite of mine for 30 years – Yes, Grace is amazing because her high flying imagination takes her everywhere! A beautiful picture book for everyone! And sequels too – BRAVO GRACE! BOUNDLESS GRACE! ENCORE GRACE! PRINCESS GRACE!
HANDS UP
Written by Breanna McDaniel
I love the joy in this picture book as a young Black girl lifts up her hands – to celebrate who she is, over the years. Ages 4 and up.
PARKER LOOKS UP
Written by Parker Curry
A visit to Washington D. C.’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’ s portrait. A beautiful picture book for ages 5 and up.
I AM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
Written by Brad Meltzer
I love this series Ordinary People Change the World, and of course this book is about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to do just that – change the world! Ages 6 and up.
SUPERHEROES ARE EVERYWHERE
Written by Kamala Harris
HOORAY says our new Vice President, Kamala Harris, SUPERHEROES ARE EVERYWHERE and I can be anyone! A book of inspiration for Ages 6 and up.
JUST MERCY
Adapted for Young Adults
Diane’s Books cheers for these important non-fiction books, many of which are now adapted for our young readers! JUST MERCY is an important book for everyone and a true story of the fight for justice.
LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY
Written by Harrison Vashti
Iconic trailblazing women in black history. Readers will find heroes, role models and everyday women who did extraordinary things! Ages 8 and up.
AS BRAVE AS YOU
Written by Jason Reynolds
This important award winning author is the perfect conclusion! Jason’s debut middle grade novel won the Kirkus Award in 2016. [This is about] two brothers and a rite of passage.
LOOK BOTH WAYS: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Written by Jason Reynolds
A middle grade best book of 2019, LOOK BOTH WAYS conjures up ten tales about what happens after the school bell rings and a poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home.
STAMPED: Racism, Antiracism and You
Written by Jason Reynolds
A fast-paced narrative shining a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas and on ways readers can identify and STAMP out racist thoughts in their daily lives. STAMPED is a book for the entire family to read out loud and talk about—and the most important book on this 2021 list for Black History Month.
