The 2012 American Library Association Awards represent the best in children’s literature. One of the ALA Awards categories is the prestigious Coretta Scott King Book Award, recognizing an African-American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults. This year’s recipient is Kadir Nelson, author and illustrator of Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, a fitting read to commemorate Black History Month.
Nelson tells of America’s past, sharing the bad and the good, proud moments and shameful, as he relates the history, suffering, courage, and achievements of African-Americans. He does so in a gentle, easy manner, bringing history to life for young readers through the voice of a senior citizen whose ancestors were brought to our shores as slaves.
Hers is not an easy story to tell, as she explains, “Many of us are getting up in age and feel it’s time to make some things known before they are gone for good. So it’s important that you pay attention, honey, because I’m only going to tell you this story but once.” Despite her admonishment, this remarkable book is one to read more than once.
Nelson’s beautifully rendered oil portraits of famous individuals, as well as common men and women who worked the American landscape, richly illustrate the incredible narrative of an unknown woman sharing her memories and the lessons taught her by her elders. Her story will move and inspire readers of all ages as she leads them from the slave ships that brought her ancestors to America to the voting booth where she cast her ballot to elect the first African-American president.
“What Kids are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books available for young readers in Santa Maria. This week’s recommendations are made by writer, educator, and grandmother Ariel Waterman.
This article appears in Feb 2-9, 2012.