Hey there!!!  The summer is starting and it's time to relax, stretch out in the sun, and open a awesome book.  Here are a few to start your summer off right.

Beautiful Girlhood

The transitioning years between girlhood and womanhood are an exciting time for a girl, as well as tumultuous and confusing.  Beautiful Girlhood, revised and expanded by Karen Andreola, is a lovely guide that will help the young girl understand the changes she is going through emotionally and physically and also guide her in the proper behavior befitting a young woman. A must read for all young girls but recommended for ages 9-12. (Summary by Laura Caldwell)


 

The Bondwoman's Narrative

The Bondwoman’s Narrative chronicles the life of its author, a young house slave named Hannah Crafts, who discovers that her new mistress is descended from slaves but is passing for white.  Hannah decides to flee to the North where she and her mistress can be free.  The bulk of the novel traces the hardships which Hannah experiences in her flight through the South and highlights the overwhelming physical and emotional anguish that typified life among slaves in the antebellum American South. A Must read for all women. (Summary by enotes.com)

My Grandfather's Son

My Grandfather's Son A Memoir is the 2007 memoir of Clarence Thomas, an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  The book spans all of Thomas's life to the present, beginning with his early childhood in the Deep South and his mother's decision to send him and his brother to be raised by her father and stepmother as she felt unable to care for them. He tells of his upbringing by his grandparents, his time in college and law school, and his career in government. Particular attention is focused on his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.  It's father-son read, but fathers must indeed read!!!! (Summary by wikipedia)

*Disclaimer- All books are recommended or suggested for your personal perusal.  Please use your good judgement when choosing books.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

Need some new easy readers?

  A few months ago NBHE received an e-mail from a sweet lady telling us about a series of new books she had published for children.  She offered to send us a few copies to review.  As soon as we opened the package, we fell in love with the fun illustrations!  The stories are very sweet and easy for children to read.
   Mrs. Marion McKenney is the author of a number of books.  She has been writing since 2005.  She writes adult fiction, young adult fiction, and children’s books.Marion earned her BS in Elementary Education from Bradley University, Peoria, IL. She lives in Huntersville with husband, Joe.  They have three children and two grandsons.She attributes her ability to write to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    Some of our favorite titles include: "Cinnamon is Jealous", "The First Day of Kindergarten," and "The Twins: Hailey and Bailey." 
    To find out more visit her website at: http://www.freewebs.com/mwmcken59/