Reviews (6)

Ella enchanted
You open this book and the endpapers swirl and glow like black painted silk. They're the first indication you receive that this book is something special. Something different. Something apart from the rest. Using the narrating character of one Scat Cat Monroe, an actual well-dressed feline, the story follows Ella from child to lady of the stage. As we watch, Ella moves to Harlem thinking she's gonna make it big through dancing. Once there, however, she switches her focus and unleashes her fabulous voice. She pairs up with the Chick Webb Orchestra and Al Feldman. She then bebops with Dizzy Gillespie and earns herself the name "The Queen of Scat". It's a fabulous upbeat tale that takes the spirit of Ella Fitzgerald and lets her shine. The best possible tribute to her name.

The text of the story is especially amusing. Sometimes a book will attempt to speak in a jiving slangy sort of way and simply come off as annoying. Other times, the author sounds as if he/she is trying too hard. Fortunately, Andrea Davis Pinkney has everything under control so that when the book says something like, "She won the contest straight up, kicked her dance dreams to the curb, and pinned all her hopes on being a singer", you know it's true. There's a poetry to this book's speech that never crosses the line from authentic to agonizing. Instead, it's got a rhythm all its own.

Accompanying Andrea's text are Brian Pinkney's illustrations. At first I was a little put off by the amount of magical realism evident in its pages. Then I read Brian's inspirations (William H. Johnson, Aaron Douglas, the Art Deco movement, etc.) and it all made sense. And there's no arguing that the pictures here are fan-freakin'-tastic. Brian Pinkey has used scratchboard to make these images as bright and free flowing as they are. The result looks like nothing so much as woodcuts on acid. There's breath and movement to these pictures, and Ella herself has been granted the power of appearing larger than life.

If I've any objections to this book, maybe it comes with the choice of creating Scat Cat Monroe. Do we really need an anthropomorphic cat to lure children into this story? But it's a small complaint. Andrea Pinkney is kind enough to supply a biography, bibliography, videography, and selected discography at the end of the book for future reference. Always a nice touch. The Pinkney duo have truly created one of the best picture books encompassing the jazz, scat, and bebop movements of the past. This is the book to read.

A great story to share with young people
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale Of A Vocal Viruosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Scat Cat Monroe is the amazing true-life picture book story of the First Lady of Song, also known as the Queen of Scat, Ella Fitzgerald. This amazingly gifted African-American singer, and her illustrious achievements are presented with free-wheeling, full-color illustrations by Brian Pinkney and a jivin' prose. A great story to share with young people about the joy of music and reaching for one's dreams, this Weston Woods school library packaging edition is enhanced with the inclusion of a CD of the story with page-turn signals.

the first lady of song
The Pinkney couple's biography on Ella Fitzgerald is a delightful read for young children who want to learn more about the talented jazz artist. The use of narrator Scat Cat Monroe as a device to engage children is successful especially due to his use of language. The rhymes and rhythms the authors adopt to tell the story echo the snazziness of the music at the time. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy getting to know more about the artist Fitzgerald through this story.

I love Ella
I found a children's book about her, even better. It was a great book to jive with. Beautiful pictures, and a nice history lesson on this wonderful woman!

A Tribute to the First Lady of Song.....
"You may think I look like any other cat. But baby, I'm in a class all by myself. Scat Cat's my name. Scat Cat Monroe. A name I've earned. Got my name from knowin' Ella. Ella Fitzgerald. The Queen of Scat. What's scat? you ask. Scat's the sound that don't hold back. Ella's sound-that was scat. Singing so supreme. Music's velvet-ribbon dream..." Narrated by this cool, zoot suited feline, Scat Cat Monroe introduces the incomparable, Ella Fitzgerald, to a whole new generation of fans. From her humble beginnings in Yonkers, New York, to her contest winning debut at Harlem's Apollo Theater at seventeen, to her meteoric rise, singing with the big bands and jazz artists of the 1930s and '40s, Scat Cat was there, stompin' at the Savoy with the Chick Webb Orchestra and jammin' to cloud nine and back with Dizzy Gillespie. "Now, when Ella performed, she let her lyrics go. She took her singing out to play." Andrea Davis Pinkney's engaging, lyrical text swings with imagery, magic, and rhythm. Brian Pinkney's bold, bright, and inventive illustrations dazzle, as they swirl around the pages to the music of the words. Together, word and art create an inspiring and captivating introductory biography starring the First Lady of Song. With an Author's Note at the end to complete the story, Ella Fitzgerald is an energetic, fun-filled tribute, that's perfect for music lovers 8-12, and also works well as a read-aloud for younger children. ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

What a sweet book!
I "I Smell Honey..." is a tasty treat of color, rhyme and familial togetherness. A favorite of my two year old, she never tires of hearing this beautifully written story of cooking a "feast" with mom; full of colorful food groups. Your five senses will be tantalized by a preparation of catfish, beans, collard greens and--who can resist sweet potato pie?! A cultural must read! My only criticism lies in the illustrations. Though vivid in color, the people pictured were a bit visually stilted. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, "King of the Keys," was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. "He was a smooth-talkin', slick-steppin', piano-playin' kid," writes master wordsmith Andrea Pinkney in the rhythmic, fluid, swinging prose of this excellent biography for early readers. It was ragtime music that first "set Duke's fingers to wiggling." He got back to work and taught himself to "press on the pearlies." Soon 19-year-old Duke was playing compositions "smoother than a hairdo sleeked with pomade" at parties, pool halls, country clubs, and cabarets. Skipping from D.C. to 1920s Harlem, "the place where jazz music ruled," Duke and his small band called the Washingtonians began performing in New York City clubs, including the Cotton Club, where Duke Ellington and his Orchestra was officially born. By 1943, Duke Ellington--writer of more than 1000 compositions, including ballet and film scores, orchestral suites, musicals, and choral works--had made it all the way to Carnegie Hall.

We applaud this talented husband-and-wife team--award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney and writer Andrea Pinkney--for making music fly in this fantastic tribute to a jazz legend. Andrea does an extraordinary job of translating music into words, with blues "deeper than the deep blue sea" and "hot-buttered bob, with lots of sassy-cool tones," while her husband visually interprets the movement of music as spirals, waves, and swirls of color, prepared as scratchboard renderings with luma dyes, gouache, and oil paint. Andrea writes, "Toby let loose on his sleek brass sax, curling his notes like a kite tail in the wind. A musical loop-de-loop, with a serious twist," while Brian paints those curling notes, the loop-de-loops, and the kite sailing up to the New York City skyline. Young readers will enjoy the rhythm and beauty of the story itself, and may even be inspired to give Raffi a rest and swing with the Duke! (Great read-aloud, ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson, Amazon.com Kids editor ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An outstanding picture book biography!
This beautiful picture book biography recounts the life and career of jazz musician, Edward Kennedy Ellington -- better known to all as the Duke.

When the Duke's parents enrolled him in piano lessons for the very first time, he flat out did not want to go. At that time he had visions of playing baseball; but his parents insisted that he learn to play the piano. The music lessons were slow and not a lot of fun. It wasn't long before he quit taking lessons altogether and kissed the piano goodbye. Little did he know then that the melodious rhythms of Ragtime would draw him back to this instrument again and lead to his success as a great musician, composer, and orchestra leader!

Andrea Davis Pinkney does an outstanding job sharing the Duke's story with young readers. Her husband, Brian Pinkney, matches her wonderful text with vibrate illustrations, which translate the Duke's music into a series of bold colored spirals, waves, curls, and swirls that literally leap off of the pages of the book! Without a doubt, this husband and wife collaboration will guide readers in appreciating the rhythm and beat of the Duke's life and music. This book is truly a musician's delight!

This thing's got that swing!
I just finished reading the Pinkney's "Duke Ellington" to a first grade class in our predominantly white rural school northeast of Seattle. Being trained as a musician, but now working as a librarian, I loved the way this text really swings. When I noticed much of the slang was going over the heads of the children, I'd ask them if they knew what certain words meant. Interestingly, the one African-American girl in the class was hip to most of the jive.

Sure some of the terminology went right past these kids, but they got into the groove, which is carried along soulfully by the vibrant illustrations. Like another reviewer here, when I was done reading this to the kids, I wanted to hear "Take the 'A' Train." Fortunately I had a CD of "Duke Ellington's 16 Most Requested Songs" sitting in my library, so I popped it in, and these kids were a-hoppin' and a-boppin'.

I think next time, I'll play the CD first. Hopefully, I'll be able to settle 'em down afterwards to hear this jazzy biography.

A beautiful tribute to Duke Ellington
"Duke Ellington" is a biography of the legendary composer. The book is directed towards younger readers. Andrea Davis Pinkney's text is well complemented by the rich, colorful illustrations by her husband and collaborator, Brian Pinkney.

The book begins with Ellington's childhood, and describes his early interest in music and the beginning of his career. The Pinkneys portray his triumph at the Cotton Club, his musical partnership with Billy Strayhorn, and other aspects of his life and career. The book concludes with the triumphant premiere of Ellington's great composition "Black, Brown, and Beige" at Carnegie Hall in New York.

One of the aspects of the book that I like best is Andrea Pinkney's use of hip slang that recalls the era being portrayed. Example: "Yeah, those solos were kickin'. Hot-buttered bop, with lots of sassy-cool tones." And Brian Pinkney's illustrations combine vibrant color with an appealing "antiqued" look. Overall, an excellent educational book for young readers.

The best juvenile biography I've ever read!
I teach 3rd grade at a very "white" private school. My students absolutely LOVED this story, asked questions galore when it was done, oooo'd and ahhh'd over the amazing illustrations. The wonderful story and the artwork practically made it possible to hear the music.

At the same time, I wouldn't hesitate to read this story to older students, even in the upper grades. The book provides in-depth biographical information--there is nothing babyish about it.

first-rate
This is a wonderful, fabulously fun book for young readers! Another very poignant book I recently picked up (was just published last fall, I think), though for adults, would also be terrific for young adults,or those new to Ellington and that is Duke Ellington: A Spritual Biography by a Ms. Janna Tull Steed. ... Read more

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Reviews (3)

Positive Toddler Book - a must have
My son, Maxwell, loves this book. We brought it for his 1st birthday. His dad reads it to him often. It's a positive reinforcement of the uniqueness of being African American. This book does a great job at highlighting the beautiful features of African American children. Maxwell smiles and laughs when he sees his own pretty brown reflection at the end of the book.

shows father-son closeness and teaches self-confidence
A beautifully written and illustrated book for children of all races. My daughter especially enjoys looking in the mirror on the last page. Its a wonderful self exploratory book for babies.

Great Book! My grandsons (and Dad) loved it!
This bought this book for my grandsons (2 1/2 and 15 months). It quickly became one of their favorite books. They especially enjoy the mirror in the back. Thanks for such a positive and very simple book. SEG ... Read more

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Reviews (2)

Ten Inspirational Women...
What do Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune and Shirley Chisholm all have in common? They're three of the ten extraordinary African American freedom fighters in Andrea Davis Pinkney's marvelous collection, Let It Shine. These are strong women who didn't just sit back and accept the status quo, but met challenges head on and took action to change the world and make it a better place. These ten dynamic women were never silent, even when they thought no one was listening, faced discrimination, inequality and racism, triumphed in their battles against oppression and for civil rights and inspired those who followed in their footsteps. Told in easy to read, conversational style, each chapter is rich in both anecdotal and historical detail and accompanied by Stephen Alcorn's beautiful and bold oil painting illustrations. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, Let It Shine also makes a wonderful read-aloud book the entire family can share and enjoy.

Continuing the Legacy
"Let It Shine: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom Fighters" is an amazing, entertaining, and educational journey back through time for both children and adults alike. The stories accurately depict the changing face of America for all people. The author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, uses a combination of oral stories and historical facts to re-create the lives of ten African American women "freedom fighters" (a.k.a. civil rights activists.) The descriptive language Pinkney uses keeps the style of the text upbeat and enjoyable. Among the list of women are Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. However, there is also a presence of many unknown women, such as Shirley Chisholm, an inspirational politician, and Biddy Mason, a one-time slave with never ending generosity. The stories are quite diverse, spanning a history of nearly the entire 20th century. Some of these historical references include the signing of the emancipation proclamation, the peaceful demonstrations of the civil rights movement, and the Democratic Convention of 1968. There is one common, underlying goal of each story- inspiration. From Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad to Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, there is a sublte undertone that promotes and requires action. These women learned that justice comes from not only speaking, but doing. Their stories and successes encourage people of all ages to get up and fight against inequality. The combination of descriptive oral stories and historical facts, along with the colorful illustrations, keep readers of any age interested in this text. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dancer's dream
I think that this book was a really good book because, Alvin make his dream come true by dancing on a stage. I recommend this book to those people who wanted to dance and make their dreams come true.

DANCINGTO HISOWNBEAT: ALVIN AILEY
Readers may have heard the name "Alvin Ailey" but this book makes the man live.From the time he was a kid his life was music: at first in church. Alvin's moving, leaping body is caught perfectly in the scratchboard illustrations toned with watercolors and acrylic.A fine topchoice biography of an African-American artist! ... Read more

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The Dear Mr. President series brings history alive through fictitious correspondence between a president and a young person. Although the letters are all imagined, they are based upon meticulous historical research. Elegantly designed in two colors, the books include photographs, maps, primary source material, a presidential biography, U.S. postal history, an index, and timelines. In this latest addition to the series, the United States descends into Civil War, a 12-year-old slave on a South Carolina plantation begins corresponding with the newly inaugurated President Lincoln. Full emancipation, the president writes to her, cannot come easily in so deeply divided a nation. But her continuing appeals prod the conscience of this burdened man, and he drafts the Emancipation Proclamation that sets Lettie on the road to freedom. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The story of a slave girl as seen through her letters.
Twelve-year-old Lettie is a slave girl living on the Tucker Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1861. It is only because of the friendship of her owner's young daughter, Katherine, that Lettie and her family have not been separated Even though Katherine taught her to read and has ensured that her father is not cruel, Lettie still longs to be free. With more questions than answers caused by the outbreak of war, she takes a daring step and writes to President Abraham Lincoln with the question she must know the answer to - when will she finally be free? This was a moving story about the cruelty of slavery as seen through the story of a spirited young girl longing to be free. Even though the letters were fictional, they seemed so real. ... Read more

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Reenie and her mama love to go fishing down by the river. But the peace of their idyllic fishing spot is often marred by the appearance of Peter Troop and his daddy. Peter is up-jumpy and loud, scaring the fish away. And the Troops harbor some resentment toward them, too. Peter and his daddy are fishing for food; Reenie and Mama fish for fun. The Troops are white; Reenie and Mama are black. And in the Jim Crow South, it is this last difference that is most significant. One day, when the Troops' fishing reel breaks, Reenie overcomes their mutual fear and mistrust to help Peter-an act that holds the promise of friendship and understanding. This is a moving story about two children crossing boundaries of race, class, and gender, and about small acts that make a big difference. ... Read more

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Wonderful book!
As a future teacher in an ethnically diverse society, I am very concerned about presenting positive views of other cultures.I stress "positive" because too many books present a negative, stereotyped view of others who fill our world.My search for the perfect "good" book to present a positive message about a black child who did not speak English incorrectly was not easy.I finally did find a book which turned out to be better than I expected.

Hold Fast to Dreams, by Andrea Pinkney, is about a 12-year-old black girl and her family; her sister, mother and father.The family moves from an all black neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland, to an all white neighborhood in Wexford, Connecticut.Deirdre, the main character, is very nervous about going to a school where she will be the only black person in the entire school.She is a very smart girl and loves photography and the poetry of Langston Hughes, a poet whom no white student knows anything about.The book focuses on the dreams of each character and how those dreams were affected by changes in life's situations.The book touches on racism, blind prejudices, and stereotyping while teaching acceptance, friendship, trust, and recognition.

Here is a brief synopsis of the book, Hold Fast to Dreams.Deirdre Willis, the main character, seems to want to remain resistant to the strangeness of her new situation.Her sister, Lindsay, chooses to force her acceptance by the white students by "acting white." She is a good athlete and so tries to prove herself the best at the new game of lacrosse, which neither of the girls knew how to play; in fact, they had never heard of lacrosse.The girls' father's dream was to provide the very best for his family.His promotion to vice president of the new company was the beginning of his dream.Their mother actually gave up her dream of being a second grade teacher in support of her husband's dream.Deirdre, Lindsay and their father all come up against some serious racism issues.Everyone at Deirdre's school is afraid of Deirdre because she is black.One very popular girl, Stacy Sneed, is especially afraid of her.One girl, whose nickname is Web, however, sought out Deirdre's friendship.Web always felt different from the other girls in her school because she is a redhead. Lindsay, because of trying to "act white," came up against a group of girls who challenged her in an unfriendly manner.This challenge, in which Lindsay was completely embarrassed,forced her to lie to her mother.She did not want to go back to school and she lied and pretended to be "sick."Mr. Willis had to deal with a racist guard at his company who forced Mr. Willis into a corner and demanded to see his company id.The guard knew that Mr. Willis worked for the company.He was simply showing his racism.Mr. Willis told his daughters that it felt like that guard had taken a piece of his integrity.(This is an obvious deep rupture of emotion that a thoughtless act of prejudice can cause.)I liked the book because it presented these very serious issues and then worked each issue out in a realistic manner. In the end, Deirdre won second place in a school contest and she realized that she only needed to please herself.Her sister, Lindsay, also realized that she did not have to change her behavior in order to be accepted.Mr. Willis was no longer challenged by the guard.Mrs. Willis relaxed a little each day knowing her family would be okay.

The language of the book is beautiful.The author uses a plethora of figurative language which clearly paints a picture in your mind of the scene.She spoke of "the half-circle moon glowing into the kitchen, casting a creamy haze over the room" (1)."The rickety noise was part of my room's rhythm, along with the steady ticking of my alarm clock" (27)."The sun's glare lighted the dew on the leaves, making the trees in the distance twinkle like a forest of crystal-drop chandeliers" (63)."The moon hung high and full in the blue-black sky.Its pearly, glistening light followed us along the road" (106).Simply exquisite language from the beginning of the book until the very end! ... Read more

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An excellent introduction to African-derived rhythm
My son received this book as a first birthday present. We read it at the party and it became his absolute favorite right then and there. If you have a child who is musically inclined or even if you just want a book that can link you and your child with your African heritage without being dogmatic and boring, this is the book for you. But beware! The rhyme is so catchy, you'll have to read it at least 6 times per sitting! Oh yeah, and you'll probably want to go out and get a shekere yourself... ... Read more

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A Belly-hum of a story!
It's 1915 and Pap is working on the new subway in New York, keeping him from his family on Christmas. His wife, Mim, and children, Saraleen and Royce, miss him very much, so they make and send him some of the family's traditional holiday recipe - Belly-hum jam. This jam is so good, Pap is able to use it to sweeten the sour attitudes of the foremen, Mr. Mead and Mr. Evans, who send the men home to celebrate with their families. Luckily for us readers, the recipe follows the story.
Once again the Pinkneys have brought us a wonderful, meaningful story, this one a touching holiday tale. The scratchboard illustrations are beautiful. I always look for new books by this family of authors and illustrators to add their work to my school library's collection. ... Read more

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A great booster for kids who feel they are "different."
The story is touching and deals with several sensitive issues beautifully. The drawings bring the characters to life. They are lively and expressive ... Read more

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Reviews (10)

good book!
I thought that this book was very very good.This book talks about a hard time for Africans and African Americans in a way that does not make you cry but makes you feel good that these people were able to make good out of their own lives.

Silent Thunder , A review by Lisa C.
This book tells of an exciting adventure about a 12-year-old slave, Summer, and her 13-year-old brother, Roscoe.They find out from a wise old slave named Thea, that everyone has a "silent thunder." Summer wants to learn how to read,which is forbidden, but Roscoe is still teaching her.Roscoe, along with his friend Clem, wants to run off to war.When their slave master becomes sick, they all have to come together to keep everything running.Then, when Missy Claire, the slave master's wife, has her brother come, Roscoe and Clem run away. The women are at a party, serving, and they don't find out until later. This book tells of an exciting adventure, even though I thought some parts moved along slow.

One of my favorites
This is one of my favorite books.I enjoy reading stories written from the perspective of children slaves.I liked the fact that she kept learning to read.She did what she knew she had the right to do and didn't let other people hold her down.This is a good book on the strength of the human spirit.

My Thoughts of Silent Thunder
Well...what all of those other people are saying isn't true...if you are a 14 year old girl like me...i was assigned to chose any civil war book to do a book report on...looking at how short this one was and how big the words were...i started reading and it seemed every time i read, i hated the book more and more...now i am a procrastinator so when it was two days before the due date and i had only read about 70 out of 208 pgs, i knew i had better get reading...i really thought this book was a good explanation of what slave children went through (if they had kind owners)...but when i read it i realized that certain facts were only brought up a few times and you never heard anything else about them, like the fact that Rosco wanted to enlist in the army...all in all, if i had to read a civil war story again...i'd choose this one!!!

Certain people have badmouthed this book and i think that should not be allowed. From what I have learned about the Civil War, all this information seems pretty accurate so shut people...youhave no right to say such things. If there were mistakes, then I'm sure it was an accident... GOD, please forgive those horrid people for being so incentive toward this book...you created all men/women and their faults for a purpose.

Disappointing Historical Fiction
Although this historical novel has engaging characters, the whole premise of the book is historically inaccurate. If the story had taken place in 1863 instead of 1862, then the desire of Rosco to become a Union soldier might have been more credible. How could editors not check basic facts such as when Black solders were recruited for the Union Army and the date of the Battle of Vicksburg?I am mystified by the necessity of Rosco to travel by the Underground Railroad when Northern Virginia was full of Union troops.In 1862, American Americans who escaped from their masters fled to the protection of the Union Army where they became Contraband of War. Some of the contrabands subsequently became Union soldiers. Why would a slave go to Pennsylvania when it was a short trip to Union lines?I question the branding of the the Parnell slaves.Parnell is not portrayed as inhuman and at the time of the Civil War, branding was considered an atrocity. Felons, escaped slaves, or army deserters might be branded, but it seems unlikely in the story as presented.I also wondered about the geography of the book.From the map, bodies for a medical college at Winchester would have to be transported a long distance during wartime. It is upsetting that the book could receive good reviews from a number of prominent reviewers when it is so inaccurate. I am concerned that a story like this does more harm for children than good.In Virginia, we have Standards of Learning tests where children must know accurate history.They will not learn it from Silent Thunder. ... Read more

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Reviews (2)

Beautiful and has fun actions
This book is about a girl showing her little brother how to dance. The text is a poem, with a fun, dance-like rhythm. For example,

"I stomp my feet. I clap my hands. Arms up, arms down, I spin around."

A child can imitate the actions, and expand on them with their own creativity. The colors are vibrant and the artwork is beautiful. I like the family context also, because it is modeling an older sibling teaching a younger one.

A good baby workout book that's cute and entertaining
My daughter loves this book. She tries to do the dance moves as I read each page. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although Kwanzaa commemorates an ancient African harvest ritual, it is a relatively new holiday in North America. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa comfortably explains the origins, language, and daily themes of this warm and festive seven-day holiday. Author Andrea Davis Pinkney's tone is that of a friendly, well-informed teacher, which is fine considering the purpose of the book. Ideas for daily Kwanzaa rituals abound. For example, on the fourth day, in honor of ujamaa (cooperative family economics), families can use the coins that they've saved over the year to buy a gift for the family "like a clock that chimes or a hallway mirror." Illustrator Brian Pinkney takes on the more colorful role of storyteller with his scratchboard drawings of a family in the midst of daily Kwanzaa activities and celebrations. Each domestic scene is framed in an earth-toned border of traditional African patterns--bridging the two continents page by page. The thoughtful details and human interactions in each drawing speak to the core meaning of the holiday, that of honoring one's family, community, and heritage. (Ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa is a change from the original Cristams story. This Kwanzaa loving picture book is by Andrea Davis Pinkney.And the stunning pictures are by Brian Pinkney.This book is about you guessed it Kwanzaa. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa tells you everything from the traditions of Kwanzaa to the candles.The colorful illustratins help show what each of the candles specifically stands for and what is done on the days as they are one by one lit on the Kinara.Seven Candles for Kwanzaa gives any one who os not to sure what goes on during the Kwanzaa holiday a very in depth description of what goes on.
I would think twice before spending your hard earned money on this book.In my opinion Seven Candles for Kwanzaa was about 5 pages too long.I would make sure you are really into Kwanzaa before you get this book.And if you are this is the book for you.No mater what you celebrate, it is good to be familiar what other cultures do. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I found this book in a discount store
(...)The book is amazing. Secrets, violence, love all wound into one book great for teens and adults alike. What disappointed me most about this book, was that when I read it 2 years ago, I found that it was not in print any more! I am glad it is back again. No one should miss out on any book.

Completely wonderful
I found this book in a discount bin and can't for the life of me figure out why. This is one of the most timely and relevant books for urban children that I can think of. This book deals with issues of teen violence, death and family.

Would you hide a gun because a family member asked you to? Is it disloyal to your family not to hide it? What if you knew that your cousin had a gun and thought it was his ticket out of the nowhere oppression of a dead end town? Would you tell? Would you tell when his best friend ends up dead because of the gun?

This story of an African-American girl trying to decide where the bonds of family loyalty lie is one of the best I've ever seen. Her father dumps her at her Auntie's house each summer, even though he acts for all the world as if he is ashamed of where he came from now that he is a rich lawyer in New York. Her cousin wants out of this town and a life of priviledge in New York, just like her father. But does he understand that it took college and hard work to get there or does he think the Raven handgun he has hidden in her dollhouse is his ticket the easy way? Should she tell her Aunt that it is there?

For all the darkness of this book, it has an affirming, loving ending. The bonds and love of family pull close around this little girl, her troubled cousin and her father. The lesson learned here is that family and love, if trusted, will prevail. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Horn Book Magazine, published by Horn Book, Inc. on September 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1916 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Awards That Stand on Solid Ground.
Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Publication: The Horn Book Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2001
Publisher: Horn Book, Inc.
Volume: 77Issue: 5Page: 535

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more