February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the past and present achievements of African Americans. On February 8th, the Scott County Public Library is proud to offer “Women of Jazz” presented by Galen Abdur-Razzaq. Jazz is a uniquely American music genre and often its early musicians are forgotten. Mr. Abdur-Razzaq, a prominent lecturer and musician himself, introduces us to the women who brought us the sounds of this unique period of history. You may register for our program here.
On February 17th, join us on Facebook for a virtual Black History Month Book Bites program. In addition, we invite you to discover these children’s book titles and many more through our online catalog.
Boxitects by Kim Smith
A STEAM-centered, adorably illustrated picture book about Meg, a brilliant and creative boxitect who creates extraordinary things out of ordinary cardboard boxes.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick D. Barnes
Derrick Barnes’s smooth, fresh words and Gordon C. James’s lush, vibrant illustrations capture the confidence, pride, and magic black and brown boys feel the moment they get a new haircut and admire their own beautiful reflections in the mirror.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
A little girl’s daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.
My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
After being teased yet again about her unruly hair, MacKenzie consults her neighbor, Miss Tillie, who compares hair care with tending her beautiful garden and teaches MacKenzie some techniques. This book includes tips for shampooing, conditioning, and protecting black hair, and recipes for hair products.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Saddened by her classmates’ and teacher’s mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names.