African-American Books

This book is written with such clarity, love and hope. After surviving being shot in the head by her husband, Ms. Morris-Grant uses her total recall of the events leading up to and following that event to give readers a clear understanding of the confusing/contradictory emotions and circumstances that make domestic violence so dangerous and difficult to escape. A must read for anyone who is supporting someone as they deal with an abusive relationship.

Ms. Morris-Grant has truly been through a MAJOR life event and has shared her experience with the world. She is a gifted writer and her story is compelling. As a man, I had no idea that what Ms. Morris-Grant went through would be considered abusive behavior. My eyes have been opened and I am ashamed. Buy this book! It will open your eyes. I await her next book!

I am pleased to recommend "whom Shall I fear" to any and all readers. Ms. Morris-Grant reveals all sides of the story in dissecting her life from her childhood up through the present day in relation to her own self-image and her relationship with herself, God, and, most compellingly, her husband.
She is typical of many women who are abused verbally but who don't know what to do and are actually in denial about the existence of a real problem. Her husband is portrayed as endearing. I found that I, too was as surprised as the author when unappealing aspects of his character pop up. Ms. Morris-Grant strikes a balance. There is no glorification of herself and her actions. She is brave, she is strong, but one never feels that she finds herself to be infallible. Indeed, the flawed and honest portrayal of a wife and mother breaking away painfully, trying to identify the issues that plague her life, and to cope with them is done expertly. You feel as if you know a man who one could portray easily as a monster, as a man who has the chance to follow several roads, but who follows a tragic one. You feel as if you know the author extremely intimately, and she is also a regular woman who has several paths to choose from. She, however, chooses a path filled with light and makes the best out of what could be a devastating turn of events.
For anyone who thought that batterers (or worse) have horns on their head or have 'DANGER' clearly written on them, and who don't understand what goes on inside the life of a victim, here's a great book. to anyone, like myself, who has witnessed abuse of this nature, I say the same. In truth, there is no one who could not benefit from this compelling story.

This is an incredible story of courage, love and strength and a real page turner! After reading this book, I realized that others may try to victimize you, be you never have to "own" victimhood. Ms. Morris-Grant proves this point again and again in her story. She isn't afraid to reveal the truth about herself (all of it), and in doing so, she challenges the conscientious reader to do the same.

While I would highly recommend this book to anyone, I would ESPECIALLY recommend it to women who feel trapped in abusive relationships. Ms. Morris-Grant proves that you can truly rise above even the worst circumstances with faith, love and a continued sense of hope.

I find Lavon Morris Grant to be a very brave and trueful woman and writer. The book is very enlightful for all woman and men also who has been either a batter or battered woman. It lets people know that they are not the only ones out there with that problem. Its makes you stop and think that maybe this is happening to me or someone I know. The book is very helpful to let you know that it's not your fault and you do have choices. I really enjoyed the book and hope that every woman would read it and tell all their friends that it is easy reading.

I had the honor of knowing Suzanne. She's an extraordinary human being, and I'm glad that someone else found her as special as I did. This book is simple, haunting, and beautifully written. Blessings on Suzanne, wherever she may be.

The book came in the maximum amount of time I expected - 2-14 business days from the notice I received from the seller that the item had been shipped. The quality of the item was high, much higher than expected for a used book. It looked brand new and I was very pleased with the item.

This book was a excellent book in the matter that it protrayed another perspective of Jean-Michel Basquiat and let us in on the life of one of his most enduring muses in his short and unfortunate addictive lifestyle and life. The books poetic writings give Jean-Michel and Suzannes life together a hard tragedy instead of a glamorous protrayal (tragedy is the actual matter of fact). Jean-Michel and Suzanne's relationship was truely bizarre and not understanding to the everyday person. People who know or know of Jean-Michel probably never knew the side of him that Suzanne saw, and it is refreshing and wonderful that we were allowed to read such intimate details of their life together. I titled this review "Hearts and Tracks" because the book is full of heart and the heroine abuse of Suzanne and Basquiat (including a discription of his unfortunate death).

This is a surprisingly light read of a heavy topic that gives a unique, inside view of life with the artist, Jean-Michael Basquiat. It is an even better book when read as a success story of a woman who ultimately left an unhealthy relationship. Since it covers her childhood as well as her relationship with Basquiat and her attempts to move away from him you get a little bit of insight as to why she would be attracted to this type of person. When you finish the book you will have learned about the sensationalized artist but you will also learn a story about a very successful woman who wasn't quite as interesting to the public only because she was strong and overcame adversity instead of wallowing in it. She is probably not as famous as her ex-beau because she didn't die of an overdose, but such is our culture.

I have been a fan of Basquiat for a long time. I am an artist as well. I have always been intrested in his life and have a lot of books on him and his art and his life. I found this book to be about a totally different perspective. Not only a womens persepctive but a women who was a muse to him. This book does not paint a glorified Picture of him...or a star struck tragic picture of him. It is about Susan and her plight with life, and him being a big part of it. The book is extremely poetic, very dark, sad, melancholy...but above all MOVING. I read it in less than 24 hours. I applaud Jennifer Clement

Had this book recommended to me over two years ago; however, just got around to reading it. It is so well written and provides a perspective that is so clear and truthful. Anyone who is interested in the historical perspective of the Deep South and the attitudes which prevail (ed) should read this book. AWESOME!! INSPIRING!!

I applaud Ms. Scott for compiling her father's interviews and writing this book, which has enormous historical significance. It is customary to read and hear about the heavy weights in the struggle for civil rights, such as Martin Luther King and Booker T. Washington. However, this book serves as a reminder that grass roots workers like John H. Scott represented pivotal forces in helping to bring about justice for African Americans. As a South Carolinian, I tend to read with greater frequency about historical events of places like Charleston and Savannah and Atlanta, GA. Reading about Louisiana broadened my knowledge and I was able to garner a history lesson from nearly every page.

It is unbelievable how steadfast John Scott and others were in fighting simply to be able to vote. Equally unbelievable are all of the atrocities perpetuated against them. But they persevered, and the story is very well told.

At a recent book signing in Charleston, SC, Ms. Scott told me that she is writing another book. I look forward to it.

The late John H. Scott and his daughter Cleo Scott provide a griping account of the life and experiences of a civil rights pioneer. The book makes something as bland as history, something engaging and entertaining. I learned a great deal from reading this book and enjoyed every minute. Looking forward the movie...

This book is the testament of a determined person who has raised the consciousness of a parish. He along with others refused to be refused a right that many of us take for granted today. From the Scott Scholarship to the visits Cleo Brown makes to Louisiana (thank you Tallulah for bringing her October 2003!), John H. Scott lives on. His words ring out pride in yourself and hope for your community. I am challenged to not let his and others' efforts go in vain. This book, which certainly has a place in (a certain book club), should be read by every student in the Delta area. They should know that great people can come from humble beginnings. Thank you John H. Scott Memorial fund for helping me through school and thank you Cleo Brown for compiling this book to help me through life.

I just finished this book and am so glad and elated that Cleo Scott Brown decided to document her father's story.

My great uncle is Francis Joseph Atlas, Sr., the other man who testified with Reverend Scott as well as the one who endured financial hardship just because he wanted to vote. My family has been in East Carroll Parish for centuries, and through this book, I have learned a ton of information that I did not have available to me. It also helps me a lot with my genealogical project.

This book was written wonderfully; there were many times I couldn't put it down because I just had to know what was going to happen next! I also enjoyed the perspective from which the story was told, and the righteous spirit that Reverend Scott held onto, even when it was extremely hard to do so.

Every African American owes it to themselves to read this.

Yellow bird and me is about a girl name Doris and she has a friend named Amir that moved away from 163 st.Doris wanted to se him but so she got a job at the Bee Hive. Her mother and father don't like the idea because it seems like they don't have any money. So one day she wrote a poem and her teacher caught her writing it and her teacher will even read it out or throw it in the trash. The teacher told Doris to give it to her and the teacher took it and Doris said it was birds so the teacher gave it to him. While they were in class Doris looked at birds pocket and saw that the paper wasn't in bird pocket any more. Then later she saw her paper being passed around the classroom and being read out loud. Later that day when school was dismissed Doris was walking down the hallway and bird saw her and ran to her and she pushed him away because what he done in class. When Saturday came she was walking down to hive bird stop and said T.T. took the note out of the back of his pocket. So she told him about the job and asked could he be the lookout. So the signal was 1= mother, 2=dad, 3=mrs.nicols, 4=all clear. So when she was done doing the little girls hair Bird ran to the window and put up 3 and there was Mrs. Nicole with her flowed hat walking in the hive.

Doris Quickly ran to the back to the sink and put a rag over her face so that Mrs. Nichols wouldn't see her. Then the girl working at the named carols came over to Doris and asked her why she was hiding. And she said she didn't want Mrs. Nicole to she her.By: Kevon Starke

Southwood Book Club discuss this book in March 2004. And I think this book is a very good and a easy to read.

Dwayne SOUTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!

Yellow Bird and Me is a very good book. It is about a girl named Doris and her friend Bird. Doris has a friend that moved away. Doris writes letters to her friend every time she writes a peom. Doris and her friend are very good friends. I like the book because it is funny and I recommend this book to everybody. I've got to say, it's a big big laugh-out-loud. There is nothing that I don't like about this book. This is a very good book to read.

Sincerely,
Organic

Yellow Bird and Me is one of the best books I have ever read (I have read a lot of books). If I had to rate it 1 - 5, I would give it a 5. This is what it is about... Doris has a friend named Amir who moved away. She also has a friend named Yellow Bird, who has problems reading. This is a good book for little kids. ...

I liked the book Yellow Bird and Me. It was hard to put down, but it was boring at the beginning. It was about Doris, who is trying to earn money to see her friend Amir and Bird, who wants to be in the drama club, but he can't read, so Doris has to help him. ...

Great Exercises, in some cases they were challenging. This book really helped me to heal. I'll still refer to it in years to come.

Sometimes all it takes is someone saying something very simple like this to get you to wake up and realize. Dr. Grace is one of the best at what she does. I read the book years ago but forgot to do the review. I wish I still had the book now to reread it, but you know what happens when you let people borrow good stuff. They never want to give it back and you lose touch with them...... GO get this book! ALL WOMEN!

This book hit the nail right on the head. It let me see into my own relationships and I found out what I was doing wrong or what my partner was doing wrong. It was refreshing to find out I wasn't the only one bumping my head in relationships. I INHALED this book within a day and learned so much to make me a better person in life and in my relationships. THIS BOOK OPENED MY EYES. I shared this book with my best friend and within a few pages she was crying seeing the "TRUTH" in her own relationship. Dr. Cornish is a blessing to women that need to hear the truth be told without making us feel less than for making less than perfect decisions in relationships and the pursuit of happiness. GET THIS BOOK!!!!!

I brought this book and read it in two days! Thank God for smart black women like Dr. Cornish, who have dedicated their lives to educating and informing black women on sexuality and healthy relationships. I was just about to make one of the biggest mistakes in my life until I read this book. This should be requried reading in college classes on gender and sex.
Thanks Dr. Cornish.

Kudos and 5 stars to Dr. Grace for writing another spectacular book. No matter what stage you're at in life, you will be able to relate to a least one of the stories in this book. Buy the book and buy it now if you're ready to find and meet your soul mate. Dr. Grace gives a great prescription in her seven steps to healthy love. This book is amazingly uplifting, inspirational and optimistic. Although she includes Christian principals and addresses some of the issues that Black women and men face specifically, don't think for a moment that this book can't be applicable to your life if you happen not to be a Christian or African American. Her message is universal, easy to understand, and practical. Having met Dr. Grace in person she truly practices what she preaches. If your ready to make some lasting and positive changes in your love life this book is for you, go ahead buy it because you deserve healthy love Sis!

"Afroetry is educational and motivational. This interesting book of poetry sparks deep reflection and inspiration."

"It is a wonderful compilation of afrocentric poetry that touches on interesting subject matter that will encourage and uplift, while providing thoughts for readers to ponder."

"Linda Mayfield-Hayes brilliantly utilizes poetic expressions to enlighten readers. Presenting a gentle reminder to all the significant contributions of African Americans."

Afroetry is a wonderfully satisfying collection of poetry by Linda Mayfield-Hayes. In compiling this impressive opus, Hayes has attempted to shed light on the various aspects of Black history & culture that are often ignored by the media and in classrooms, and, after reading even a portion of what she has to share, you'll thank her for her commendable efforts.

As of late, discussions regarding race relations have too often been reduced to the back-and-forth slinging of hackneyed clichés and over-simplified characterizations; in Afroetry, Hayes takes a refreshing dive into real (often uncomfortable) honesty, invoking the reconciliation that can only come through indulgence in real truth. Consider her take on the N-word in her poem, "Nigger":

They call me nigger
I was made in God's image
They blasphemy God.


And this passage from "Modern Day Slave":

Private companies also profit
Off the sweat of prisoners backs
The majority of these inmates
Just happen to be male blacks;


Rather than recycle rhetoric or quote statistics, Hayes aims straight for the heart of racial conflict in America, and does so quite effectively.

Of course, no treatise on Black culture would be complete without a proper sense of history, and Hayes provides numerous historical gems regarding African-American lore, including tales of the Tulsa race riot of 1921, the achievements of Farrah Gray, and even a secret female member of the famed Buffalo Soldiers. She also waxes philosophic on six year-old Ruby Bridges's experiences in integrating Franz Elementary School in "From The Mouth Of A Babe":

President Eisenhower ordered Federal Marshals
To escort her to and from school each day
As she bravely faced the threatening white mob
This is what she would silently pray:

"Please God, try to forgive these people
Because even if they say those bad things
They don't know what they're doing;


To build on its historical commentary, Hayes's collection is also rife with educational nuggets framing the current state of race relations in America. Nowhere else is this more telling than in her stinging rebuke of corporate America in "Unfairness Of Working In America":

"You're an excellent worker" they tell me
"You're really top of the class
But I'm afraid regarding that promotion
We'll simply just have to pass";


She goes on to suggest that entrepreneurship is the best path to take if true economic equality is ever to be attained - and one can hardly fault her in that assessment.

Afroetry comes in at just over 50 pages, but in its brevity is a profundity that many books twice its size often lack. Hayes has compiled a masterpiece of poetic cultural treasures that beckon to be discovered - don't miss your chance to be enriched.

Cathay Williams, Black Wall Street, the attainment of knowledge of self, the elimination of a slave mentality, the Middle Passage, the N-word, a holistic diet - Linda Mayfield-Hayes covers it all in her rhythmic Afroetry. Purposeful, educational and very easy-to-read, Afroetry would make an excellent collection for anyone's library.

Linda Hayes gets two thumbs up for daring to talk about Black History through poetry and from her own perspective. In this short, but deep collection, she introduces readers to many facets of Black History. This collection will poetically speak to you about people like Ruby Bridges, Cathay Williams, and Farrah Gray, a young black man who became a millionaire at the age of 14.

I found AFROETRY to be an easy and exciting read. I enjoyed and was inspired by poems like "DNA: DestiNation Africa," "It Takes a Village," "Second Class Citizens," and "Oklahoma Bombing." This book explores various areas of Black History from African symbols to African traditions and the importance of knowing the truth about history. This author's words are inviting and will cause readers to want to learn more.

AFROETRY is a great read for those who need to be inspired and those who want to be exposed to just a little bit more. But for the Black History lovers and book collectors, the sentiments in this book will stir you up inside and cause you to want to explore. It's obvious that Linda Hayes is passionate about Black History; most importantly, she makes a brave effort to poetically reach back and educate others. Get this book today, not just during Black History Month!

This is an excellent book of poetry. It consists of a variety of poetic forms and styles that are easy to understand, such as acrostic, rhyming couplets, narrative, quatrain, and freeform. The essence of the poems serves as a teaching tool or a memory refresher, depending on one's knowledge of African-American history. Some of the poems have a sense of humor while being very serious at the same time. For instance, the rhyming couplets and message in "It Takes a Village" are outstanding. "Anger Management" really sends an awesome message regarding the existing conflicts in different areas between African-American youth.

There are other ingenious poems in the book, such as, the bombing of the "Black Wall Street" in Oklahoma, which is really an eye opener for everyone (Oklahoma Bombing). "Watch What You Eat" is really a poem to live by because of the medical ailments affecting African-Americans. The Book of Leviticus as stated in the poem has some comprehensive solutions. Linda's faith in God really shines through in this awesome book. The poem "African Burial Ground" in New York is just incredible. I visited the site several years ago and it was just a moving experience. I could write a dissertation on this excellent book; however, one must read it for oneself and feel the humbling experience. I could not put the book down once I started reading until I read the last poem, which linked some of the songs of the unforgettable Luther Vandross into a very thoughtful piece. What a great way to end a book with an awesome and uplifting poem. This book is very poignant and has a positive experience awaiting you. Get your copy today and don't delay. There is an exciting experience awaiting you in the wonderful words of Afroetry!

What I mean is that I think its Cool that this Girl is speaking her mind,telling us what she wants in a relationship.And Althou I Might not Knowtis(?)a flower poking its head threw a crack in some cement I would do all that i could to live up to that And other simmiler ideals.(If Any Girl Is Interested)

This book is a great read.some of the stories made me cry and feel the writer's pain.There are stories of incest and rape,first
love and menstration.This book is a must read for any women who
has been hurt by a man .For we all share a bond in sisterhood

Am I The Last Virgin? is a collection of frank and honest short stories about african-american female sexuality. I cried...I laughed...I could relate... The book is a courageous dialogue about a very important aspect of life and living. A must read for young girls, their mothers, their fathers, their brothers, their sisters, their friends. I have passed copies along to many of my family members.

I didn't notice it until I sat down to write this review, but this book was written for adolescents. However, I got a lot out of the book, and I'm 27 years old! This is a very short book (you could read it in less than an hour), but it's chock full of beautiful, and painful lessons about female sexuality, love, relationships, and healing. My favorite story was House Arrest, which was written in "Dear Diary" form, and is about a young woman having to overcome her fear of leaving the house after being raped coming home one evening. Even though that's a painful issue, the writer handles it in a rather humorous way. Other issues addressed are remaining a virgin, incest survival, a lesbian coming out to her family, and losing oneself in an unfulfilling relationship, to name a few. As another reviewer mentioned, this is an excellent read for ladies of ALL ages, because we, or someone we know, have faced, or will face some of the issues addressed in these powerful stories.

I am Executive Director of Sisterhood Infinity, a mentoring program for young women in Brooklyn, NY. We, the mentors and mentees read "Am I the Last Virgin" to prepare for a seminar on Human Sexuality. In discussion, we found the stories to be wonderful tales of young womanhood that touch on several experiences that are pertinent to issues of past and present. This book of insightful and honest essays is a great introduction for teenagers considering taking that serious step into womanhood. Furthermore, it is a great conversation piece that could bridge the gap between older and younger generations in conversations around womanhood and sex. I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age.

This book is as beautifully illustrated by Diane & Leo Dillon as it is well written by Margaret Musgrove, and the Caldecott Award committee only did what it had to: acknowledge a hands-down winner, a book for the ages. Westerners particularly will find their eyes opened, even today, to the range and depth of Africa - a great and beautiful aid in helping children appreciate - and adults to remember - the array of cultural diversity in a poorly understood continent. The alphabet is presented in order, of course, but this is way more than your rote A-B-C primer... get it in hardcover if you can, or paperback if you can't, but get it! Gift-shoppers, get extra copies for yourselves - you'll be very glad you did!!

My brother & I received this book when we were children in 1980 from our parents. It's one of my favorite childhood books & I still have the same copy. It's a great way to introduce African culture to not only African American children, but all children who yearn to learn about other cultures.

This is a book that describes different African tribes from each letter of the alphabet. This is a great way to teach children about African tribes, and the book also pronounces each tribe so it is easier to read. The illustrations are wonderful and full of detail. This would be a great lesson in the classroom to learn about Africa. It would also be great to use each page as a poster or transparency.

This is an amazing book, practically one of a kind! The information, illustions, and luster of the indigenous African cultures is beautiful to behold. I recommed introducing young children to cultures and peoples as varied as the come to fully portray to them the true beauty of this creation, life. There is nothing so intricate, so inveloping and powerful as life in this form. Pronounciation is given for the tribes names to bring ease of reading, which is, in fact, very enjoyable.

Ho hum, thought I when I first saw this book. Yet another African alphabet book. It wasn't too long ago that I read, "Jambo Means Hello", the Swahili alphabet book by Muriel Feelings that was published in 1974. That book was okay, but I was disappointed that it didn't distinguish between tribes or acknowledge the advance of technology in Africa in the 1970s. Then I picked up this 1976 Caldecott winning book and upon reading it I was stunned. This book is everything that "Jambo Mean Hello" SHOULD have been. With meticulously researched information, delicate details, and stunning illustrations this book deserves to be read to every single child in elementary school for as long as there are either children or schools.

The book goes through the alphabet by naming a different tribe for each letter. First of all, I was surprised that there actually was an African tribe for every letter in the alphabet. Shows what I know. As we view each tribe we get a stunning illustration of their clothing, towns or villages, and activities. Author Margaret Musgrove describes their life, picking out the most interesting details for each. Through this method we learn that in Baule legend the crocodiles aided them when they were at war with the Ashanti. Or we find out that in the Tuareg tribe the men are veiled and the women do most of the talking, storytelling, and poetry. From A to Z we see a wide spectrum of African inhabitants, ending with a map of Africa that shows where each tribe resides.

But it doesn't stop there. Feelings explains in her Author's Note in the front that modern technology is changing the face of African life, though she contends that the traditions pictured in this book are still being passed on from generation to generation. She points out that some customs mentioned here are unique and relate only to that particular tribe while other values and philosophies are shared by all. She is even so careful as to point out that many (not all) African language prefixes are added to denote the plural. She, however, has used the root words throughout the book for simplicity's sake. Should you have any doubts about the background of this author, you can read in a tiny note on the publication page that she lived and studied in Ghana for years and a list of publications consulted is included. And if you've any doubts about the illustrations, don't. As noted, even the interwoven designs at the corners of the pages are based on Kano Knots. Every article of clothing, every animal, every home depicted here is accurate and beautiful.

I don't mean to pooh-pooh "Jambo Means Hello", but that book hasn't got anything on the amazing "Ashanti to Zulu". It's stunning.

A Band of Angels is a moving story by Deborah Hopkinson based on real events and people from history. The book is appropriate for readers in third through fifth grade, and would particularly be appropriate for those studying American history in the late 1800s. The experiences and emotions that Ella faces in the book provide a good depiction of the feelings and events people encountered during that time period in a subtle way. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are presented in soft and appropriate colors that are well-suited to the text. The pictures are unique examples of the illustrator, Raul Colon's work, and add to the mood and setting of the story. Overall, A Band of Angels is a touching story that children can enjoy.

The storyteller, Aunt Beth, relates to her niece the story of her great-great grandmother Ella Sheppard. This is the story of the determination of a girl to save her school by forming a chorus and taking them on tour to raise money. While the story is fiction, Hopkinson reveals in a note at the end of the text that is was inspired by factual events. Raul Colon's earth-toned art gives this book a historical flair. The glowing illustrations are suggestive of old photographs. The child narrator gives the book the personal effect to entice the reader to be indulged. This story illustrates the power of hard work and determination.

If you have read Andrew Ward's new book about the Jubilee Singers, Dark Midnight When I Rise, you will also be interested in this award-winning book that introduces children to their inspiring history.

When I heard about this book on NPR I wished there were more places to hear about children's books like this one. It seems as though bookstores often carry only light and fluffy or series books. I love to share historical fiction with my children and love books like A BAND OF ANGELS.

A Band of Angels tells the story of Grandma Ella, a character who is inspired by Ella Sheppard Moore who was a pianist for the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. We learn that Grandma Ella was born into slavery and freed at fourteen when the civil war ended. The story details how young Ella worked tirelessly to save money to attend a new school for freed slaves known as Fisk School. After saving her money and arriving at Fisk, Ella continues working so that she can stay in school and also joins the school chorus. In spite of her personal efforts, she still faced the very real possibility of having to leave school because the school itself was experiencing great financial hardship. While school officials had pretty much given up hope of keeping the school open, the school chorus and Professor White, the choir director, believe that they can help save the school by doing concerts throughout the North. The story then chronicles the experiences of the choir which range from jubilant moments to performing in virtually empty concert halls.

A Band of Angels is a book that provides a colorful way to share a proud part of African American heritage with your children. Colon's illustrations add greater depth to the story and will help children better visualize the events that take place. While this is a work of fiction, the story is based on real people who selflessly used their talents to keep Fisk's doors open. The book also provides a good introduction to Negro Spirituals, which were kept alive through the voices of the Jubilee Singers. In addition, readers will see how this brave group of singers would not let racism quiet their talented voices. Above all, the story will help inspire children to hold fast to their dreams in spite of the hurdles or difficulties they may encounter along the way.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The reason I could call my review Tight boy and his violin because He was the bomb. I meen like he was the bat boy and he had it good because if you wer at my school C.L.A.S you couldent be no bat boy or a water boy . My school cause it self C.L.A.S because it stands for CULTURE AND LANGUGE ACADEMY OF SUCESES se THE C IS CULTURE AND THE L IS LANGUAGE AND THE A IS ACADEMY AND S IS FOR SUCCES. But yeah some of the other books chek me out like darnell rock reporting or this one oh yeah thats it.

Reginald's father is the manager of a baseball team in the Negro league. Reginald would rather play his violin than anything else. His dad signs him up to be a bat boy. Reginald plays his violin for the team which starts them on a winning streak. Shows insight into world of music impact and Negro ball players.

Reginald's father is the manager of a baseball team in the Negro league. Reginald would rather play his violin than a else. His dad signs him up to be a bat boy. Reginals plays his violin for the team which starts them on a winning streak. Shows insight into world of music impact and Negro ball players.

My son and I absolutely loved the story and illustrations. We can't wait for Gavin Curtis to write his next book, and for E.B. Lewis to illustrate his next book. Continue to keep up the high standards for children's books. We love to read! Reading is one of my most favorite things to share with my son who will be 5 in July. Thank you again to the both of you for a book well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book has so many themes superimposed on one another, but they are all presented within the context of a wonderful story about a boy who just wanted to play his violin.

Set among the context of the Negro League era, Reginald's father decides one summer to make him bat boy for his team. The team is down on its luck, and Reginald's heart isn't in this assignment, but everything comes together for him and the team one day.

The history of the era as gently portrayed in the travels of the players is presented for young readers. The story of being true to yourself, and of parents learning to accept that in their children, is here as well. Above all else, the story of Reginald and his journeys with the ball players is a story of hope and triumph among the community in a time that was not always seen as one of hope. Along with all of this, the illustrations of E. B. Lewis capture these themes beautifully.