“Leisure Reads” for February 2026
February’s “Leisure Reads” celebrates Black History Month! The post features illustrated works for children by or about African American and Black people. Many thanks to MSJ librarian Cynthia Gregory for suggesting these reads, who was inspired by the art exhibit “From Caldecott to Coretta Scott: Award Winning Black Illustrators” (curated by Richard Michelson).
When Harriet Met Sojourner by Catherine Clinton and Shane W. Evans
“This powerful picture book relates the lives of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth on alternating pages, leading up to the day they likely met in Boston in 1864. Share this book in the classroom or at home as an introduction to these two American heroes.” – Publisher’s Summary
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora
“In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge Mora comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who—with perseverance and dedication—proved that you're never too old to learn.” – Publisher’s Summary
“The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.” – Publisher’s Summary
Ananse and the Lizard by Pat Cummings
“All the young men had gathered in the village courtyard to hear the Chief's pronouncement: whoever guesses his daughter's name will have her hand in marriage, inherit half his riches, and become the next Chief. No one outside the palace had ever heard the royal daughter's name. In a stroke of luck Ananse the spider discovers the secret. ‘I, Ananse the most wise…the most clever…I alone know the name of the Chief's daughter!’ But clever Lizard has plans of his own. Pat Cumming's lively retelling and vibrant illustrations capture all the mischief and humor of Ananse, one of the most popular characters of West African lore.” – Publisher’s Summary
Talkin’ about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman by Nikki Grimes and E. B. Lewis
“Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Coleman was always being told what she could & couldn't do. In an era when Jim Crow laws and segregation were a way of life, it was not easy to survive. Bessie didn't let that stop her. Although she was only 11 when the Wright brothers took their historic flight, she vowed to become the first African-American female pilot. Her sturdy faith and determination helped her overcome obstacles of poverty, racism, and gender discrimination.” – Publisher’s Summary
If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
“If you plant a carrot seed . . . a carrot will grow. If you plant a cabbage seed . . . cabbage will grow. But what happens if you plant a seed of kindness . . . or selfishness? With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, If You Plant a Seed demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.” – Publisher’s Summary
Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea by Joyce Carol Thomas and Floyd Cooper
“An award-winning, beautiful picture book—poetry and art exploring issues of African American identity. A favorite book to share in schools and homes. Included in Brightly's list of recommended diverse poetry picture books for kids, and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. ‘A must,’ according to Kirkus. ‘Delicately interwoven images. Laden with meaning, the poetry is significant and lovely. Cooper's paintings, with vibrant, unsentimentalized characters in earth tones illumined with gold, are warm, contemplative.’ Booklist commented: ‘Poems rooted in home, family, and the African-American experience. Highly readable and attractive.’ Added Brightly: ‘Each poem has a unique message and theme and is accompanied by beautiful brown and gold earth-tone illustrations related to broomwheat tea.’” – Publisher’s Summary
Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda C. Roberts and Frank Morrison
“One fine evening, Miz Mozetta puts on her firecracker-red dress and heads outside to enjoy the moonlight. When she hears the neighborhood kids' music, she's inspired to dance, but her old friends have too many aches and pains to join her. The kids doubt that Miz Mozetta would be able to keep up with them. So she retreats to her parlor, where she dreams about the old days at the Blue Pearl Ballroom. Just when her feet are itching to get out there and do the jitterbug—friends or no friends—a knock comes on the door, and Miz Mozetta gets some welcome company.” – Publisher’s Summary
Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill and Bryan Collier
“Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.” – Publishers Summary
Duke Ellington by Andrea Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
“A joyful biography of jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, recognized with a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award Honor, brought to life by a bestselling husband and wife duo. Born in 1899, Duke Ellington was the forerunner in the evolution of jazz. By the time he was nineteen he was playing at parties, pool halls, and cabarets; and then, in 1927, he entertained at the hottest place around, The Cotton Club in Harlem. But the defining moment of his career came when Duke and his orchestra gave a groundbreaking performance at Carnegie Hall, when they first performed his suite Black, Brown, and Beige, a tribute to the history of African American people. To this day, Duke, the ‘King of the Keys,’ is beloved by jazz fans old and new. This is a stunning introduction to Duke Ellington—a legend who continues to live on and influence musicians everywhere.” – Publisher’s Summary
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
“One snowy morning, a little boy named Peter puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house into a winter wonderland. He is captivated by the way the snow has transformed his world, and spends the day making snow angels, building a snowman, sliding down slick mountains, and much more. By the time he comes inside, Peter thinks his adventures in the snow are over. But when he wakes up the next morning, he realizes that new snowfall has covered the earth once more! Universal in its appeal, this treasured story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that curiosity forever. The Snowy Day is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.” – Publisher’s Summary
The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia Hamilton; Leo Dillon; Diane Dillon
“The well-known author retells 24 Black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up.” – School Library Journal
Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe
“Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean—and definitely not inside the lines—to be beautiful.” – Publisher’s Summary
Bronzeville Boys and Girls by Gwendolyn Brooks and Faith Ringgold
“This classic picture book from Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, paired with full-color illustrations by Caldecott Honor artist Faith Ringgold, explores the lives and dreams of the children who live together in an urban neighborhood. In 1956, Gwendolyn Brooks created thirty-four poems that celebrated the joy, beauty, imagination, and freedom of childhood. Bronzeville Boys and Girls features these timeless poems, which remind us that whether we live in the Bronzeville section of Chicago or any other neighborhood, childhood is universal in its richness of emotions and new experiences.” – Publisher’s Summary