28 Days

Grades: 2 - 5

“Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, as well as one of the wealthiest black Americans, to Barack Obama, the country's first African-American president.

With powerful illustrations by Shane Evans, this is a completely unique look at the importance and influence of African Americans on the history of this country.”

Big Papa and the Time Machine

Grades: Pre - 3

“When a little boy is feeling afraid to go to school one day, his grandfather, Big Papa, takes him away in his time machine—a 1952 Ford—back to all of the times when he was scared of something life was handing him. "That's called being brave," Big Papa says over and over.”

Black Jack

Grades: 3 - 5

“To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Jack Johnson becoming the first black man to win the World Heavyweight Championship on July 4, 1910, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrator Shane W. Evans have teamed up to create the powerful and poignant Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson which chronicles Johnson’s life, from early on as the child of two former slaves to his crowning achievement. In capturing Johnson’s battles in and out of the ring, the authors relay one of life’s most important messages: never give up on your dreams, no matter what barriers stand in your way.”

Chocolate Me

Grades: Pre - 3

“A boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.

For years before they both achieved acclaim in their respective professions, good friends Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans wanted to collaborate on Chocolate Me!, a book based on experiences of feeling different and trying to fit in as kids. Now, both men are fathers and see more than ever the need for a picture book that encourages all people, especially kids, to love themselves.”

I Love You More Than…

Grades: Pre - 3

My child.

I am not always with you
as much as I’d like.

But you are always in my mind
and my heart.

“Some families look different than others. A father who doesn’t live full-time with his son tells him all the ways he misses and loves him.

I Love You More Than ... by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans, is perfect for families who are separated, whatever the circumstances. Its message of love underscores the bond between parent and child in ways that little ones will understand.”

Mixed Me

Grades: Pre - 3

Mom and Dad say I'm a blend of dark and light:

"We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right."

”Mike has awesome hair. He has LOTS of energy! His parents love him. And Mike is a PERFECT blend of the two of them.

Still, Mike has to answer LOTS of questions about being mixed. And he does, with LOTS of energy and joy in this charming story about a day in the life of a mixed-race child.”

My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood

Grades: Pre - 2

“On a really good day, Jamie feels purple like the first bite of a juicy cold plum.

And with a crayon in his hand, Jamie eases into a green feeling--like a dragon dancing through a jungle made of green jello.

But when his brothers push him around and make fun of his drawings, Jamie feels like a dark gray storm brewing.

What will it take to put Jamie back in a bright-feeling mood?

Through Jamie, young readers will learn to describe how they’re feeling in a unique way.”

Underground

Grades: 1 - 3

“A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger's home. Where are they heading? They are heading for freedom by way of the Underground Railroad.”

We March

Grades: 1 - 3

“On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.

We March was one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012, and is an important story about the African American civil rights movement.”