Renée Watson, author portrait
© Shawnte Sims

Renée Watson

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and community activist. Her books have sold over one million copies. Her young adult novel, Piecing Me Together (Bloomsbury, 2017), received a Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor. Her children's picture books and novels for teens have received several awards and international recognition. She has given readings and lectures at many places, including the United Nations, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. embassies in Japan and New Zealand. Her poetry and fiction center the experiences of Black girls and women, and explore themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

Ekua Holmes is a collage-based artist who investigates family histories, relationship dynamics, childhood impressions, and the power of hope, faith, and self-determination in her work. She has created and led workshops, been a visiting artist and lecturer, and held artist residencies throughout New England. For her work in illustrating children’s literature, Holmes is the recipient of a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King’s John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, Robert Siebert and Horn Book awards. She is also currently Commissioner and Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission, along with Associate Director at the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at MassArt.
Black Girl You Are Atlas
Harlem's Little Blackbird
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen

Books

Black Girl You Are Atlas
Harlem's Little Blackbird
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen

Books for Juneteenth

This month we celebrate Juneteenth—a time to amplify Black joy, resilience, and community. As we commemorate and reflect on the achievements of Black Americans throughout history on Juneteenth and during Black History Month, we encourage you to embrace Black joy year-round by infusing your classroom with great books. HISTORY FAMILY & CULTURE FICTION POETRY SOCIAL

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The New York Public Library’s Best Books of 2024

The New York Public Library has announced its Best Books of 2024. Curated by NYPL librarians and staff, these are their top annual recommendations for kids, teens, and adults, including nonfiction, fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and books in Spanish. All of the books are available in the Library’s catalog. Below is a selection of Penguin

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Books for Black History Month

Join Penguin Random House Education in celebrating the contributions of Black authors and illustrators. In honor of Black History Month in February, we are highlighting essential fiction and nonfiction to be shared and discussed by students and teachers alike. Black History Month – Middle School Black History Month – High School Explore additional books by

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