African-American Books

Loved it! Dwayne Joseph does it yet AGAIN. I'm a fan for life. This book read with such intensity, great characterization and movement. While part of me thought Danita overreacted to what she found but another part of me thought she had every right to feel the way she did, and she had every right to leave Stephen, so what happened?? Our worst enemy can be carrying the pain inflicted by a previous love in to a new relationship. That's the prescription for breakup and this book echoed that heartrending reality. It was sickening to read about the reckless liaisons Danita continued to carry on while being obviously aware that it would never lead to anything more. I wanted to give Latrice a high-five for keeping it real with Danita. To me, that was the highlight of the book and with expertly written dialogue I knew this author had witnessed an altercation or two between women in the past. Sad ending but as cruel as it sound, Danita got what she deserved. And finally, so did Stephen. Two thumbs up!

Mr. Joseph is awesome. Every book that I read of his makes me appreciate him more and more. I get such a clear comprehension with his storytelling and that's great. This novel is a must read.

Dwayne S. Joseph Literally stuck his foot in this one. It was more than refreshing to read a story that captured the trials and tribulations that Good Men often endure. Once I began reading I just couldn't put it down. Dwayne did an excellent job in bringing Danita and Stephens' voice out that captivates the reader into reading `Til It's Over!

Dwayne penned another great one continuing to be one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to read HOME WRECKER Soon!

Péron F. Long

We are introduced to Danita and Stephen who have been together for 5 years.They are happy and in love and Stephen is ready to take the relationship to the next level.Danita finds something unexpected and her trust in Stephen is broken.She gets a new job and her being insecure clouds her judgement and she does the unthinkable while her relationship with Stephen is dissolving and fast.When Danita comes to her senses she realizes it too late and Stephen has had enough and moved on. Dwayne Joseph couldn't have picked a better title for the book.It speaks for itself.I truly enjoyed this book,as I do with all Dwayne's books.I'm looking forward to reading your next book,HomeWrecker.

Dwayne S Joseph never dissapoints!!! "Got til it's Gone" was HOT!!!
This is a book about realtionships and how things can go terribly wrong when there is no trust and a lack of communication.
Danita Evans and Stephen are happy and in love. But Danita has been hurt by so many men in the past that Stephen (who is a decent man who loves Danita) will soon suffer for something he did not do. Things take a turn for the worse when Danita looses all trust in Stephen.
Got til it's gone is an appropriate title for this touching novel full of heartbreaks. The grass is not always greener and this novel about love lost captures the essence of that age old lesson.

This beautifully written book is poetry and artwork, sharing a significant story we all need to hear.

Under the Quilt of Night is a wonderful example of poetry following the escape of slaves on the underground Railroad. Excellent example of voice for young writers. Beautiful pictures.

Excellent, very informative and well written, illustrations are vivid and colorful

I use this book on a reqular basis with my 5th grade class when we are discussing slavery and the Underground RR. It is an awesom book. We also read The Barefoot!

UNDER THE QUILT OF NIGHT, written by Deborah Hopkinson, is a wonderful story of the journeys taken by slaves long ago on their path to freedom. A runaway girl flees with other slaves during the darkness of night, waiting, listening, and looking for the opportunity to continue fleeing toward safety. When she spots a quilt hanging outside a house, she knows she's found a safe house in which she will be fed and sheltered. At the end of their travels, they meet freedom.

This is a wonderful story capturing events I'm sure happened many nights during the times of slavery. The writing flows fluidly and is set up in several poem-like passages throughout the book. The illustrations are wonderful, clearly showing the darkness of the night, the emotions of the characters, as well as the symbolic nature of their plight. This is a book I'd highly recommend to parents, teachers, and librarians for older children as everyone should study and know about The Underground Railroad.

Children at the lower end of the projected age range may not enjoy the book as much if reading alone because the colors are more somber than most kids' books. However, if read with an adult or coupled with lessons on the Underground Railroad, it may be more enjoyable to them.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I have been blessed enough to meet Dr. Akbar on several occasions and find him to be a GIANT, at 5'7" his spirit and manhood fills any room he's in. I attended a lecture he gave at a workshop in Atlanta in 1991, before over 2,000 people, and he received a standing ovation for 10 minutes, BEFORE he said a single word.

Very approachable and down to earth, but as serious as cancer. This book, along with; The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Invisible Man and Souls of Black Folk are required reading for any one of African desent who is serious about knowing who they are...but only if you are brave enough to step up, all cowards...keep frontin'

*Please note that I say 20th century because the book was published in 1992.

Na'im Akbar and his book, Visions for Black Men, are extremely informative and inspiring. The book begins with the preface. The preface is tedious with its psychology jargon but once you begin the first chapter, that's when the magic happens.

The first chapter speaks on black males who masquerade as black men and describes the differences between the two. The second chapter talks in metaphors about how Black people have been manipulated by the education system to be of little use to their communities, even to go as far as to ignore or loathe their communites.

Chapter 3 gives you a history lesson about Black civilization to inspire you to be great. In chapter 4, Akbar gives examples of excellent Black men and explains why they are excellent. He needs to be on that list himself.

If you are interested in learning more about the subjects Akbar speak of in his book then the selected bibliography serves as a book list for further reading. I know I am using it in that manner.

The book is short and sweet; It has less than 100 pages thus it is an quick read. I recommend this book for any living Black man.

In and age where black boys are imprisoned, killed, jobless, and are mental slaves in record numbers, this is a severly needed book. Dr. Akbar doesn't only tell you how to make the transfermation from males to boys to men, but he also tells you why we have to make the transfermation as black men. The book is exciting and extremely imformative, and it's a very short read becuase he knows how to say what he has to say and not just fill volumes of repetitive and watered down information. Required Read for all black men and Women.

Society of Learned Mind's
Liberated Minds or Death
www.learnedminds.com

There's alot of deep readings in this thin azz book.
Those who read to add-on knowledge. VISIONS FOR BLACK MEN is the foundation for provision. EMPOWER self to IMPROVE SELF.

BUILD SUPPORT AND ONLY LEND IT OUT
* use good sense and be slective upon build powers *
* exclude the savage-men and devil-men *

I purchased this book about a year ago. I read it in two days, and finally understood the difference between a male, and a man. This is very important always because there are plenty of grown "boys" out there pretending to be men. There is an enormous difference between the two, and Dr. Akbar really sets it straight. Dr. Akbar really lays down a perfect foundation, for an indiviual who is starting their journey in Afrocentricity from a male point of view. This book will make the reader realize that their history didn't start on a boat in the 1600's; like what we are told in "they schools". It is a journey of how to be a man, handle problems like a man, becoming a father, and being true to the old African proverb, that it takes an ENTIRE VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.

It's a short read, but well worth the time invested. A classic must have.

Peace!!!!!!!!!

You should read Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner and it is historical fiction. The Muldie boys and their dad were going to the West. They came to Kentucky to make their wood house. In Kentucky, it was a free land. One day the Muldie boys' dad went to find a new place to build a new house. It is a good book because the Muldie boys try to find their dad. It makes me feel very happy to read the book because it was historical fiction. I learned about the Homestead Act and I learned that you can help each other.

This was the first chapter book I ever read by myself. It was a great adventure. It is about a family of black pioneers. I was sad in the beginning when I read that the Muldie boys' Mom had died on their way west. When they made their first friend out west, and learned to make a dugout, the story began to get exciting. My favorite part was when they made friends with a group of Native Americans. Later, the three Muldie boys traveled over a hundred miles on their own to find their father on his new homestead. I was thrilled to read on the back page that my first reading adventure was based on a true story. I would recommend this adventure to any new reader.

This novel is about an African American family who moves from Kentucky to Nicodemus, Kansas during the time of westward expansion. The father left his sons in Nicodemus, while he went on to find a place for them to settle, the children followed. The family has a positive encounter with Native Americans, who give them food during the harsh winter. The family experiences a prairie fire, wild animals. This easy-to-read yet adventurous story about boys of various ages would work well with the informational book about Nicodemus.

The main idea of Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner is how the Muldie boys survived when their father went to find free land. The book is historical fiction. The Muldie boys went to look for their father because their dad went to find a place to live better. The important events are that the Muldie boys and their father went to find free land. The Indians helped the Muldie boys by giving them food to eat. I like the book because it was interesting. It was based on a true story. It was good and made me want to read it again. I learned that families help each other when they have a problem.

Another great offering from the "I Can Read Book" series. This book is also a Reading Rainbow Book, and it is a true story!

My kids loved the fact this amazing little story about black pioneers in 1878 is true. Considering that I used to have qualms leaving them alone in the house while I went to our mailbox at the end of our pipestem, they find it fascinating that three boys (8, 11, and 3) were left alone while their father went further west to find a good piece of land to settle. Then he sends a letter with a map and tells them to come find him 150 miles away - which they do. Simply amazing.

Straightforward writing, simple sentences, my 1st and 2nd graders loved it.

We've Come This Far is an insider's inside look at a pillar of African American Christianity, Abyssinian Baptist Church. Bob Gore's skill as a photographer and his commitment to his faith are evident on each page of this lovingly crafted work. In some cultures in the world, taking a photograph of a person is looked at with trepidation because it is believed to be an attempt to capture the subject's soul. And that's exactly what Mr. Gore has done in this book and there is no need for fear. The pictures and accompanying essays capture real life/real time moments in the broad scope of the life and spirit of this historic church.

I've never been to New York, and I've never been to a black Baptist church. But the spirit of this institution- its leaders and worshippers- absolutely radiate off the pages of this book. It is unbelievably inspiring. It would make an excellent gift for any liberal Christian activist you know, for a pastor or clergy member working hard to integrate the church into the community, or for yourself. The text is also beautifully formatted, and the history and descriptions are very accessible. The primary focus is always on the black and white photos found on almost every page. Beautiful.

The rich and vibrant history of Abysinnian Church and the Harlem community is revealed in this work by Bob Gore. The photos are of such superior quality that you can feel the message conveyed in the picture without using the text. With the additon of text there is a wonderful account of the Harlem experience, chock full of information about the history and the individual personal expressions of those who were there when it happened. This photographic journal is vibrant and colorful in both word and image. There are real accounts of Abysinnian Baptist Church's history, including it's spiritual, political, social and economic relationships with the communities that it serves. I urge you to consider this book not just for reading but also as an important addition to your library.

I've been to Abyssinian only twice, but was almost overwhelmed each time with the power of commitment and community. Bob Gore's book captures with warmth and intimacy the spirit of this special place and its people. It is the only church I've been to where I felt that power of love which Christianity must have carried through the centuries.

this book will move you. i have viewed many photo books and exhibits and have found many to be interesting and technically proficient. this book easily jumps those hurdles, but more importantly, the images on these pages reach out of their simple wood pulp shelter to touch your heart.

white, black, or blue; gospel lover or country western, you owe it to yourself to spend time with this group of deeply felt images.

buy two copies.

Great read. Interesting characters in a believable setting that is funny, and will grab your attention. Ms. Suzette is just getting better with each new book. Can hardly wait for the next one. Recommend reading when not busy or in a rush, you will not want to put it down.

You will read this very fast. Excellent book. Could not turn pages fast enough. A must read for all of you.

We voted this novel Best Romance for 2003.
The story is smart, fresh and keeps you turning the pages.
I loved this story.

BE PREPARED FOR STARES AS YOU COMMUTE ON THE BUS AND THE TRAIN BECAUSE THIS NOVEL WAS LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. ALSO BE PREPARED TO TALK BACK TO THE BOOK TOO BUT HOPEFULLY YOU'LL ONLY DO THAT IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME/ROOM. :) MS. HARRISON DID EXCELLENT ON HER SECOND GO ROUND WITH THIS NOVEL BECAUSE LIVING ON THE EDGE OF RESPECTABILITY WAS GOOD. I WAS UPSET THAT I STARTED THIS BOOK DURING THE WEEK? WHY? BECAUSE I HAD TO SLEEP AND WORK! A WORD TO THE WISE, START THIS BOOK ON A FRIDAY NIGHT SO YOU CAN READ IT THROUGH THE NIGHT. GOOD WORK MS. HARRISON AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE NOVELS.

GOD BLESS!

WHEN PERFECT AIN'T POSSIBLE is a love story about a single mother of a teenage daughter who finds herself reluctantly falling in love with her daughter's guidance counselor.

After a disastrous first marriage her daughter Nia's father, Imani, the protagonist, has given up on men. When she is summoned to her daughter's guidance counselor's office, the last thing Imani expects to find is Braxton, an extremely attractive 6'1" head turner, who tickles her fancy but raises her ire. Before long they develop an off again on again romance punctuated with satisfying sexual encounters.

After a spiritual awakening, Imani starts having moral misgivings about the direction their relationship is taking and opts to end the affair. Braxton on the other hand, is not ready for a serious relationship, but finds himself extraordinarily attracted to Imani. After Nia and Braxton are involved in a near fatal auto accident, the two lovers are forced to make some life altering decisions.

This book is a tedious read though it has it's bright moments. The plot is meandering and the characters lack the depth necessary to keep the reader interested in a novel of this length. The author does an admirable job in dealing with the issue of morality in a contemporary relationship. Perhaps a more condensed version of the story would make for a more engaging read.

Reviewed by Autumn
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

All three stories were well written. These stories deserve their own stand alone novel! They were great. All the stories pulled you in and you hated to see the characters go! I would love to hear more about Erin and Raimi as well as Tre' and Dr. Summer Lane.

All three stories were great. Francis Ray's story was about Samantha Clark, a former manager of a bed and breakfast. Samantha answer an ad for a housekeeping position and never expects to find the handsome Ethan Rawlins, a man still in pain. Shirley Hailstock's story is about a woman that was hurt when her prom date stood her up. Now he has returned and she is trying to fight the attraction that still lingers. Donna Hill's story is about a radio relationship expert that has no relationship of her own, when she meets the handsome program director, will all of that change?

If you only had one wish for Christmas, what would it be? Would it be something materialistic, or would it be to find love with that special someone, on the day that is set aside to celebrate the birth of the one who is the epitome of unwavering love? In WINTER NIGHTS, an anthology with stories from such notable authors as Francis Ray, Donna Hill and Shirley Hailstock, we are treated to three endearing stories of true love at its finest.

Though each story was your typical romance with the happily ever after ending, the authors managed to portray deep emotions that have you rooting for the characters as they embark on that often bumpy, but ultimately rewarding, road to love and happiness. Next time you're feeling blue and need a little something to bring a smile to your face, or you want to escape from the pressures of life, pick up a copy of the newly re-released WINTER NIGHTS. You're sure to come away with a full heart and the knowledge that true love really does conquer all.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Again my girl Ray out did herself with another great read! "Winter Nights" kept me up all night! I encourage everyone to go out and get a copy. They even have it in paperback now!

Francis Ray's, "Until Christmas" is a touching novella about a young woman who not only touched the heart of the high school principal, Ethan Rawlings, but Samantha also won the hearts of Ethan's twins, Alan and Alex. Samantha, aka "Sam," was hired as a combination housekeeper, babysitter temporarily, but only until Christmas. At least, that is what Ethan told the twins and Sam, as well as himself. However, it was much too late for all of them to abide by this decision. Each was starved for the other's affections and each had become too attached to give up. The twins, not only saw Sam as their housekeeper/babysitter, but they saw her as a friend. She could play ball and was not afraid of their dog. The twins' affection went deeper still. Although they were in contact with their grandmother, they were still minus a mother figure. Sam with her winning ways, not only because she was a good cook and let them help her in the kitchen, but because it was who she was, had become special to them and they wanted her with them full time. Not only had Sam become special to them and the twins had become special to Sam, but Sam had also affected the twins' dad. Ethan's feelings for Sam were more than that of an employer, more than that of a friend. Somehow, in that short time, Sam had imbedded herself into Ethan's heart. Was he willing to allow a new love interest into his life or was he still shadowed by the deceit and experience of his ex-wife and the deceased mother of his twins. Ethan thought he had a solution to the problem when he reluctantly agreed to keep Sam, "but only until Christmas." However, love does not have a set time to go away. Therefore, until Christmas, turned out to a lifetime of love for Sam, Ethan, Alan and Alex. "Until Christmas" was the best. Way to go, Ms. Ray.

"Kwanzaa Angel" was a sweet remembrance into the past with a chance to correct the future. Erin had been hurt in the past by Raimi, who had reentered her life. Would Erin give in to her feelings that never dissolved for Raimi and become involved in a new relationship or would she revert back into the past? "Kwanzaa Angel" was about the Kwanzaa celebration, but with a twist of love for Erin and Raimi. Good story.

"'Round Midnight" was about the New Year's celebration. I loved the story of Dr. Summer Lane, the psychologist who now has a job at the radio station as a counselor on the air. Her show airs around midnight. It is at the radio station where Summer meets Tre Holland, one of the bosses. Everyone thinks Summer is a snow or ice maiden because Summer stays to herself and does not socialize with the others. However, Tre is attracted to Summer and sets out to melt the snow. Summer also has feelings for Tre and wants the ice to melt from around her heart. However, after getting together, somewhere while the ice is melting another freeze comes along and the ice around Summer's heart becomes another block of ice. Summer and Tre suffer heartship and are temporarily separated. Tre sets out to recapture Summer's love and to permanently melt the ice. He knows a new year will be approaching and is determined to be in Summer's life when the new year begins. So, he sets out around midnight to make it happen. Will Tre succeed in his endeavor? Read "'Round Midnight" and see what the New Year has in store for Summer and Tre. Great story with just the right amount of heat.

When the realization of being adopted finally dissolves into normalcy, it becomes continual struggle with self-esteem and identity problems for Zora Bridgeforth, a twenty-nine year old trying to bridge the many gaps in her life. This is Zora's Cry, a good story from Tia McCollors that has both poignancy and a sense of belonging for those sympathetic to a character on a mission. Oftentimes happenstance and Providence are much more than willing accomplices where destiny has defined a presence. Zora finds this out while in search of for her deceased mother's bridal veil, coming across a letter revealing the circumstances surrounding her adoption status. Needless to say, this is unwelcome news to Zora as she vows to find her biological family and in the process confront issues that are necessary for her stability.

As her journey unfolds she gets involved with the annals of a sisterhood that promotes discipleship, thus meeting the acquaintances of three other women sympathetic to her plight. Meet Paula, Monet, and Belinda, if you will. As it is with all situations when women come together, real truths and intimacies are revealed through testimonial revelation and common causes are amalgamated into one. Thus, is the bonding attributes of true friendship...and through it, Zora manages to overcome much more the emotional issues she faced.

I liked the fact that the author truly gave readers a chance to discover what it means to have the means to circle the wagons to confront issues on a spiritual tip, complete with the recipients gaining value from it. The book moves along with a pace that forces you to want to know how Zora ends up taking advantage of her newfound friends' camaraderie. In the process, the author gains my respect for writing a story with a storyline that give meaning to setting to play a defining role in writing without being complacent. I think too, that there will undoubtedly be readers that can identify with characters that benefit from lessons derived from persevering once a mission is at stake for clarity. I rate this book four stars out of five, and feel that Zora's Cry can be heard over the din that is apropos when looking for a soothing read. Thank you Tia for writing from a perspective that is fresh, original and full of imagery! This truly is an inspirational read for men and women who respect how friendship and the love of God can propel priorities for practical use in life.

There aren't a lot of good christian fiction books on the market and one I find one I want people to read it. This book brought tears to my eyes. I don't want to give away the story but its great for any women's ministry group that would like to do something different. Read the book and then discuss the questions in the back or make up your own questions. Great for young women wanting values for keeping pure until marriage.

Four women with very different problems end up attending P.O.W.E.R meetings, Purpose Oriented Women Equipped and Righteous. They're not sure they want to be there, and at first they are reluctant to open up and share.
There's Zora Bridgeforth who recently lost her parents in a tragic accident, just a few months before the date of her wedding. While going through their papers, Zora discoveres that the people she called Mother and Dad were not really her birth parents. She was adopted. She's still trying to work through her grief and now she has been hit with this.

Monet Sullivan, Zora's best friend, is helping plan for the wedding. Monet is single, and hasn't had much success playing the love game. Tired of being disappointed in her relationships with the opposite sex, she's ready to give up, but God has a plan.

Paula Manns married for status and money and it turned to ashes in her hands. Her husband is seldome home, he's gambling away their money and she suspects he's having an affair.

And then there's Belinda, whose mother has cancer. She and her husband, Thomas, have just adopted a six month old daughter, Hannah, and Belinda is the primary caretaker for her mother. She's stressed to the max, with no relief in sight.

Zora's Cry is a heartwarming, touching story about four women struggling to make sense of their lives. It's a tribute to the strong bonds of sisterhood, and as the four women strive to overcome the roadblocks in their journey to God, we learn from their situations. When Belinda is overwhelmed by the changes in her life, she complains to God about being taken by surprise. He replies, "You may be caught off guard, but I never am."
No, He's not, and that's one of life's greatest blessings. Tia McCollors characters are realistic and well developed. I thorougly enjoyed reading Zora's Cry, and I'm happy to recommend it.

Power,and Faith and God, These women share there stories with each other and with the power, and faith and God they learn to handle what ever was put in there paths. These was some praying sisters and these are the sisters I would want in my life.I had gave this book a 3 but by the time I was finish it made me thing about things in my life.We all need a power group in our chruchs. Goodreading

this was my first time reading this authors work and it was a blessing to see how we as woman can be there for each other and help with the walk this story was easy to read and the character are people we all know that may be stuggling with diffcultes in life and have no one to share them with i will read her first book keep using your talent

There are many good books of reference on African American history published. However, this one ranks among the best. Well written, user-friendly layout, addressing a broad range of topics, this is recommended for a home or classroom library to teach that all members of a society contribute to its advancement and that our society must be inclusive of all members. Every child can be proud of his or her cultural and historical heritage in a country created by immigrants.

The author states in his introduction that this book is not to be viewed as a text book, but rather to be used as supplement. It's a rather comprehensive supplement with captivating text! This book is organized in easy reading segments that are all numbered 1 thru 1001 & also divided within 6 Parts (Sports, Culture and Religion. . .). I feel as if the author is talking with me personally. History boring? I don't think so with this book! I plan to use this book with homeschooling as well as "homeschooling" myself! Can't wait to learn more of what I missed in school!

It's not easy to write a comprehensive history book that is also engaging and user-friendly. Author, historian, and professor Jeffrey Stewart found the way. In 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History, he pens a concise yet encyclopedic narrative that highlights the people and events underlying the amazing story of African American history.

Stewart organizes his work around six sections: Gretat Migration, Civil Rights, Science, Sports, Military, and Religion. This is a book you can read cover to cover or one article at a time in any order.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction .

This is a wonderful wealth of information written at a level that easily read and interpreted by students. It should become an addition to every classroom library.

Took me absolutely forever to read this book - months! But I loved it and certainly learned a lot. Stewart is to be commended for pulling so much information together in a marvelously cohesive book. Prints and photographs are terrific. And for those who want more on the subject, and there is more, believe it or not, there is a black history calendar, a desk calendar, also chuck full of history and info.

OK.....so here I am.......the author.....writing a review for MY book. My Brer Rabbit first came into the world eight years ago and I'm still very proud of him. Of all the stories for children that I've written, the Brer Rabbit stories are the best and my favorites. I get a special joy out of seeing so many children and adults get a kick out of hearing and reading Brer Rabbit's stories. I am a performing storyteller so I have the opportunity to share these stories often, out loud, entering Brer Rabbit's world and sharing with my audience what I see and feel. I become that rabbit, that fox, that bear, et al and I bring my audience right along with me. The stories in this book, especially when read aloud, with take you into Brer Rabbit's world where you are truly welcomed and the FUN is non-stop. ENJOY!

This is a very good book that my son loves to read over and over again at night:) It not only is entertaining for children, but it teaches them a lesson.

As the parent of an African-American child, it is very important that I expose my daughter to the richness of her legacy - Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends has assisted in this exposure. Karima Amin has compiled a vast variety of interesting, comical, and spirited stories that were once shared among my ancestors - my appreciation cannot be expressed. I read the collection to my daughter practically every night (per her request - she's two) and there is no book that makes me feel quite this proud. The stories are in the tradition of oral storytelling - teaching as well as entertaining. If you are interested in a book that performs these duties and keeps your children asking for more, then Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends is the book for you. The book is complete with the history of Brer Rabbit (an excellent, added feature) and is guaranteed to remain in your hands once your child has left your lap. Please - share these beautiful words with your children!

November is a chilly, leafless month where I live in Western New York. However I just finished re-reading The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends as retold by performing storyteller Karima Amin, and it was like drinking a magic spring tonic. Instantly, I found myself transported to the warm, sun-drenched, dreamy world of Brer Rabbit and his myriad animal neighbors. The text of each story wraps and winds its way around the lush color illustrations by Eric Copeland, with a sprinkling of big, bold, bouncy exclamations of "Bookity-Bookity", "Splishy-splushy", and "Lippity-clippety" jumping out to grab your attention at just the right moment. The stories have a universal appeal because they reflect the "life lessons" we all struggle to learn when growing up - to pay attention, to get along with your neighbors, to use your natural abilities, to take time to laugh. Of course, these stories didn't appear out of thin air and the book includes insightful background on the historical context of these classic African American tales and their even-earlier African origins. The only way the publishers could have improved upon this well-done project would have been to offer a cassette or cd/book read-along package. That would have allowed readers the pleasure of following along as Karima Amin brings to life these charming oral tradition folk tales.

I give The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends to every new baby I know! As a parent, grandparent, early childhood educator and school board member, I am thrilled to find a book that meets my criteria for excellence. Karima Amin has skillfully combined the richness of the vernacular language with current concepts and expressions familiar to today's child. The colorful, active illustrations also draw us into the wonderful world of pranks, surprises, and fun. Sections on the African storytelling tradition, the Southern plantation world of Brer Rabbit, and the animals native to Southern USA deepen our learning and appreciation of the treasured tales we have in this lovely book. Brer Rabbit and Friends is perfect for lap reading, group reading, dramatization and learning to be a storyteller. Karima Amin's Brer Rabbit is truly every child's pal!