Monday, June 4, 2012


How do you define Friendship?


What would be the first word to come to mind when you think of your bff? Kind? Loyal? Trustworthy? Funny? Smart? Well all these words describe the 3 amigos in this month's NBHE's bookclub selection.

We Beat The Street is the New York Times Best Seller, and true story coauthored by the three African American male doctors: Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt with Sharon Draper. 

This book chronicles the lives of 3 friends who when faced with numerous obstacles held one another accountable and refused to give up on themselves and each other.

This is an excellent family read. You will explore the meaning of TRUE friendship, goal setting, and being an overcomer!! Below is a link that will enhance your family's discussion time and bring forth topic not commonly discussed. You will feel emporwered and ready to encourage everyone to go after their dreams, especially young boys!! 

Don't forget to share your comments on the blog!!:-)

http://www.readinginthemiddle.com/Novels%20Study/8th%20Student%20Activity%20Guide.pdf

Happy reading my friends,

Charron Smith

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Drum Roll Please

I am happy to announce the April family reading selection:

The Mighty Miss Malone
written by Newbery Medal-winning author
Christopher Paul Curtis

He is the author of two other bestselling classics:
Bud, Not Buddy
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963

"We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful."

In this story Deza Malone takes us along the journey with her family as they deal with life's twist and turns during the Great Depression in Gary, Indiana. The trials come as Mr. Malone leaves home to find work. Unfortunately many of us are facing the same dilemma today. I hope this book will shine rays of hope.

Let's get started reading. I'm sure this book will be as delightful as the author's other classics.

Where did I find this book? at my local public library
Kudos to Public Libraries!

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

When the Saints Come Marchin' In



Happy March to you!

This month's selection is an excellent reader for a family project. The book is a celebration of African American spirituals which are expressed through beautiful calligraphy and art influenced by quilting patterns from Gee's Bend in Alabama, African art forms, and inspirations from urban living. It is an exquisite book to browse, use as a hymnal, or share as a starting point for your own art journaling creations.

Artist Timothy R. Botts and author Patricia Raybon balance this book with inspiring words and design. You will be glad you read it.

March Selection:

Bound For Glory: Celebrating the Gift of African American Spirituals through Expressive Calligraphy

by Timothy R, Botts with reflections by Patricia Raybon

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Happy February!

This month we have three selections for you.

1. Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History. Henry Louis Gates, Jr (2011)

2. Never Forgotten. Patricia C. McKissack/artwork by Leo and Diane Dillon (2011)

3. The Hallelujah Flight. Phil Bildner/illus. by John Holyfield (2010)


I believe you will be delighted with each of these titles. I am very impressed with Mr. Gates' book. It is very inviting and user friendly with numerous documents, paintings, and portraits to enhance the learning experience. The sections are divided into easy to read bites for all ages.

It was also great to see this latest collaboration between Patricia McKissack and the Dillons. I pulled it straight from the new books collection at my library last week. I will have more to say soon.

The Hallelujah Flight is the story of James Banning. I, like the author, did not know he was the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight.

"All aboard!" Let's journey through new territory this month in the covers of a good book. Check these titles out.

Happy Reading!


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Heart and Soul



Happy New Years NBHE family!

January is a time that we reset our goals and hopes for the year. We invite you to make reading a priority this year for yourself and your family. Begin this year with us with our first selection of 2012. I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

When I saw the cover of this book, I was spell bound. The artwork captures your full attention before any of its words are read. Author and Illustrator Kadir Nelson has given us a book of portraits that makes the reader proud and curious as he turns each page. Heart and Soul is a introductory narration of the history of America and African Americans from the first president, George Washington, to the election of our first African American President, Barack Obama. Our guide, “Everywomen”, recounts the stories of her family as they lived through the eras. Be care to pay attention because she is only going to tell you this story once. Mr. Nelson presents Americans who are proud, hardworking, caring, resilient, determined, honorable, and wholly human. I believe this is a book that the NBHE families will appreciate and cherish.

You can read an additional book review by Walter Dean Myers for the New York Times on November 13, 2011.

So what else are we reading at our house:

The Root of Riches by Chuck Bentley

Martha's Entertaining by Martha Stewart

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

Look Now published by Dorling Kindersley(DK)

One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer

Let us know what you think of our book choice this month and what are you reading. Talk to you soon.

Happy 2012! May God bless and prosper you.