Showing posts with label books for black children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books for black children. Show all posts

Friday, February 19, 2021

Ten-Year-Old African American Author, Makenzie Lee Foster, Pens Second Book

At only ten years old, child author Makenzie Lee Foster is breaking molds. She wrote her first award winning children's book, Kickin' it with Kenzi - What's Meant For Me Will Be at only 8 years old. The book teaches children to follow their dreams and that nothing will come easy, it all takes work. The book won a Moonbeam Award and was a finalist in the Indie Book Awards alongside Kobe Bryant's 2 books. Makenzie's first book can be purchased via her website and on Amazon.

Makenzie recalls her initial experience as an author "I wanted to write a story that put out a positive message for children. I started bugging my Mom to write my own book when I was 4 or 5. After my first book came out, I was able to visit classrooms and read to other children that may not see many African American people. I live in a very small community and only 1% of the town is African American (Clayton, CA). It's very hard to be an African American author because I feel like we are expected to write books about certain things/topics. Many assume my book is about African American hair confidence or something like that. I love books like that, but I wanted to make books that connect with issues that all children face. I wanted to show that I am the same as them…I didn't want to continue to separate myself. I am human just like everyone else."

Luckily My Luck Is Me is the second book in Makenzie's series and centers around young Kenzie finding a coin which has special powers that bring her luck. As the story progresses, she somehow loses the coin and fears that her luck is gone forever. She sets out on a journey with her dog, Josie, to figure out what the real source of her luck could be now that the coin is gone. The book will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BookBaby on February 23rd.

Makenzie has more books planned in the series which she plans to release later this year. She would love to release a new inspirational children's book every year.

When asked about her future plans, she shared, "I want to be and do so many things. I feel like as long as I am doing something that I love and that I have control over, I will be happy with whatever I end up doing in the future. I don't want my future happiness to be based off of someone else's dreams and I hope that other children think the same way. I hope that I can continue to do something that makes children smile and feel confident."

Makenzie is also an actress who has had a recurring role on NBC's popular show This Is Us as well as a regular role in season one of Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab. She is currently part of a commercial campaign for Rocket Mortgage which premiered during the Superbowl.

CHECK OUT MAKENZIE'S FIRST BOOK

Sunday, September 08, 2019

Three children's books for African American children

Many of my readers here at AfricanAmericanReports.com are always on the lookout for children's books featuring characters that look like their children, so I have listed three such books in this post. I hope you, and more importantly, your children enjoy and learn from these books.

Dad, Who Will I Be?

Dad, Who Will I Be? is written by G.Todd Taylor, a former educator and child mental health expert with over 20 years of experience. This book inspires, encourages and educates young readers to be great by introducing to them heroes of color from a number of different professions on an elementary level. Some real-life heroes in the book include Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammed Ali, Mansa Musa, Guion Bluford and Garrett Morgan, W.E.B. Dubois, Tiger Woods and many more. Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu says "This is a fantastic book for children! Children need to have goals and a purpose in life. They need to have their career range expanded. Children need to hear it from their fathers. Garrett truly needs to be commended."

BUY THE BOOK

I Love My Hair!

In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence.

I Love My Hair! has been a staple in African-American picture books for 20 years, and now has a fresh, updated cover that shines on the shelves!

BUY THE BOOK

CHAMP: Building Character In The City

In this bike-riding adventure, Champ goes on a quest thru his community and learns building blocks of character from everyday heroes. Along the way, Champ meets three heroes that teach him character traits he can begin to use right away.

BUY THE BOOK

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Tiana Mermaid a new children's book by Henry Davis

It can be difficult to find children's books featuring African American characters, so I'm always happy when I find a new book to share with you. Check out "Tiana Mermaid" a book by Henry Davis.

Henry Davis, a New York City-based author, US Marine, carpenter, electrician, and poet, has completed his book “Tiana Mermaid”: an entertaining story introducing a good-natured little mermaid inspired by the author’s own young daughter.

Henry shares, “Tiana is an African American mermaid who shows love, kindness and concern for all the creatures of the Boobiest Sea. Tiana is funny and a whole lot of fun; she has an underwater Halloween and dance party. She also has special healing powers and will have you laughing from beginning to end of her adventures. You will look forward to reading more adventures from Tiana. God willing this is only the first of a series of Tiana Adventures.”

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Henry Davis’s book is a sweet mermaid tale for young children and independent readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “Tiana Mermaid” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON

PAPERBACK ------ KINDLE

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The reviews are in for NAPPY, a book for little black girls.


The reviews are in for NAPPY!

NAPPY a short picture book letting young black girls know how beautiful both they and their hair are. 99¢ for kindle: NAPPY FOR KINDLE

5.0 out of 5 stars Nappy! October 2, 2013
By Cinnamon Curly Girl
Format:Kindle Edition
In a society the heralds a standard of beauty contrary to those of African Americans with highly textured hair; Nappy by George Cook III, promotes positive self image for young Black girls. This book reaffirms that we are indeed made in God's perfect image!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read October 15, 2013
By Sammie
Format:Kindle Edition
My granddaughter enjoyed the story, I had to read it 3 times. This seems to be our nightly bedtime story. I loved the story line and how it let the reader know that it's ok to wear natural hair and as a woman that also has chosen to be natural, this book is long overdue... Thanks George for inspiring our young ladies of color!

4.0 out of 5 stars Important Message for young black girls: September 30, 2013
By Larry Sputnik
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is very short (only 5 pages) but carries a big message for young girls. While we all know that girls of all races eventually are faced with image issues, one particular issue that is typically unique to black girls is that of their hair and coming to terms with the fact that it does not necessarily look like the hair on their dolls or the hair on most female models in magazines or on TV. The short poem and child-friendly illustrations introduce self-awareness and pride to young children who may be confused or unsure of the beauty of their inherited attributes.

Also available for Nook: NAPPY FOR NOOK

Smashwords: NAPPY FOR SMASHWORDS