Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Buying a book can have a huge impact on the book's success, but supporting your favorite authors doesn't always mean spending money. Did you know that many authors are tasked with promoting their own books? It's true. Not every author is afforded marketing budgets to make sure the world sees their works of art. Community support matters! Why Your Support Matters When you support your favorite authors, you're showing them and the publishing industry just how much their books are needed. You're showing that their work is in demand, which can be helpful the next time the author seeks a publishing deal. Ten Ways to Support Your Favorite Authors Show your favorite authors some love and help to give their books a boost with these simple tips ...and be sure to download and share the printable below to inspire others to do the same. Share a picture of their book online: Show your support by snapping a photo of their book and sharing it on your social media to let the world know about this captivating read. Follow them on social media: Stay connected with their author journey. Follow them on social media to receive updates on new releases, events, and insights into their creative process. Like, share, and comment on their posts: Engage with their content by liking, sharing, and leaving thoughtful comments. Your interaction helps boost their visibility and encourages more readers to discover their work. Borrow their book from your local library: Accessible to everyone, borrowing their book from the local library not only supports them but also introduces their story to a wider audience. Subscribe to their newsletter: Stay in the loop by subscribing to their newsletter. Receive exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and be the first to know about their upcoming projects. Nominate their book for an award: Recognize their exceptional storytelling by nominating their book for awards. Your endorsement can bring their work to the attention of literary enthusiasts and industry professionals. Share their newsletter with others: Spread the word by sharing their newsletter with fellow book lovers. Your recommendation can extend their reach and connect them with more readers. Tell your friends about their book: Personal recommendations are invaluable. Let your friends know about their book, sharing your excitement for the characters and adventures within its pages. Suggest their book for your book club: Elevate your book club discussions by suggesting their book as the next captivating read. Your recommendation can lead to enriching conversations and a broader audience for their work. Shout them out on your social media pages: Celebrate their literary achievements by giving them a shoutout on your social media platforms. Your endorsement can inspire others to explore their stories and support their journey. Download and share these graphics to inspire others to support authors too. Looking for more great reads? Visit these fabulous book lists: How Preorders Can Make a Huge Impact for Your Favorite Authors Library Love: Children's Books That Celebrate Libraries Social Media for Authors: Do This Before Getting Started on Social Media 7 Tips for Avoiding Social Media Burnout for Authors Join our community of BOOK LOVERS to get book news delivered to your inbox.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Here's a list of fun and educational websites for children to visit and explore. Keep them engaged with a variety of great activities online. Starfall http://starfall.com PBS Reading Games https://pbskids.org/games/reading Highlights Kids https://www.highlightskids.com Oxford Owl https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk ABC ya! http://abcya.com Story Nory http://www.storynory.com Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org Story Online https://www.storylineonline.net Read Write Think http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources Scholastic Learn at Home https://www.scholastic.com/learnathome

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links What: Black History 365 Reading Challenge When: February 1-28 (or anytime) How: Free download Why: Celebrate and Learn Black History Each February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in history during Black History Month. We're celebrating with a Reading Challenge perfect for learning Black History all year long! Black History Month Background In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn't included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week. The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since. (via National Geographic Kids) Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black people and spread awareness to events that have been forgotten or erased from history books. In previous years, we've participated in a Reading Blackout, committing to only reading and sharing books by Black authors and illustrators. This year, we'll be highlighting picture book biographies as a way to celebrate Black achievements in history. We've also created an easy and fun challenge for everyone to enjoy. We worked with several educators to create a simple, but impactful list of prompts for each of the 28 days of Black History Month. Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history. – Carter G. Woodson The Black History Reading Challenge is a fun way to celebrate Black History in February or any time of year. It features a wide variety of people and events and opportunities to read books by Black authors and illustrators. PARTICIPATING IS EASY Download the free printables Read a book and color the printable each day (Optional) Post your participation throughout the week and tag us for a chance to be featured on our social media pages Each day during Black History Month, read a book that follows the theme of the day and color in one book until the whole printable is complete. If you want to skip around (for example read day 10 on day 3) feel free to do what works. Just be sure to mark it off the list so you'll know you've completed the task. YOU MIGHT BE FEATURED ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES TOO! 1. SHARE A PICTURE of your family participating in the challenge (reading the book, singing lyrics, watching a video about one of the themes etc.) Share as much or as little of your child's face as you and your child feel comfortable. You may also simply share the book you're reading. 2. YOU MUST TAG US @helpingkidsrise for us to be able to find the post. You may post on Instagram or Facebook or both. 3. WE'LL SHARE POSTS AS WE COME ACROSS THEM. BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS TOO! For a limited time, we've included this VALUABLE interactive children's book recommendation guide with every download. But hurry, this FREE offer won't last long. MORE RESOURCES If you need book recommendations throughout the challenge, we've created several created lists in our online Bookshop store to assist you. No need to purchase all of the books though, simply keep these lists handy for your next visit to your local library as reminder of which books to pick up. Here are a few of my book lists that might be helpful in choosing books: 28 Amazing Picture Book Biographies By Black Authors More Picture Book Biography Recommendations Children's Books By African American Authors/Illustrators Children’s Books About Race, Racism, and Antiracism Muslim Themed Book Recommendations Women's History Picture Books for Kids Graphic Novels for Kids Diverse Board Books Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram.

Grandma's Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Spend the day with Mimi and her granddaughter in this charming picture book about the magic found in Mimi's favorite accessory, perfect for readers who love How to Babysit a Grandma! When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats... and her purse. You never know what she'll have in there--fancy jewelry, tokens from around the world, or something special just for her granddaughter. It might look like a normal bag from the outside, but Mimi and her granddaughter know that it's pure magic! In this adorable, energetic ode to visits from grandma, beloved picture book creator Vanessa Brantley Newton shows how an ordinary day can become extraordinary. The Vanessa Brantley-Newton dedicated Grandma's Purse to the Gullah Geechee people in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Read along with Vanessa Brantley-Newton on KidLit TV Looking for more book recommendations? Join us on Instagram by clicking here #childrensbooks #grandma #Gullah #GullahGeecheeHeritageCorridor #Geechee #southcarolina

Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links Reading is one of the best ways to explore the world around us. When we expose children to books about various people, cultures, and histories, we give them a better understanding of their community, the communities around them, and the world. Reading a variety of stories can encourage creativity, critical thinking, and growth, but it's important to share books that are appropriate for a child's age, reading, and maturity level. Most books have a suggested reading level or age, but these are just guidelines. Every child matures differently, processes information differently, and requires different kinds of support for growth. FIVE HELPFUL TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOK 1. Preview books before sharing them with the kids in your life to ensure they appropriate for your intended audience. Sometimes we share books that have been recommended to us by teachers, parents, and youth. While the books may be great for some, they may be too much for others. Previewing books creates an opportunity to decide whether a book is appropriate for your reader. As readers grow, discuss book topics/content with them to help them reflect on what they read. This will empower them to choose appropriate reading materials for themselves. 2. Let the child choose the book. Children are drawn to what excites them. Have the child choose the book. You can still preview the book to ensure the content is appropriate. 3. Include diverse books in your collection. Diverse books help to affirm, educate, and inspire children. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop wisely wrote that books can be Window, Mirrors, and Sliding glass doors “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created and recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books. 1990, p. ix” via NCTE 4. Choose books that will keep the child's interest Are they excited about airplanes, princesses, or coding? Find books that will keep their interests and they'll be more likely to read them. Also pay attention to the content, reading level, and genres the child has been drawn to in the past. Choose books similar to those. 5. Family reading and book clubs can encourage new interests Reading with someone can encourage children to read books on topics they haven't considered in the past. Create a family reading time or find a fun book club to join. This could open up new genres and content for your reader, while also helping to build strong bonds or create new friendships. RESOURCES - Here are a few resources for finding great books. 1. Lee & Low Books is the largest multicultural children's book publisher in the country. Lee & Low has a checklist for educators to help educators create a diverse book collection. Checklist: 8 Steps to Creating a Diverse Book Collection Lee & Low has a list of places to find diverse and inclusive books. Where to find diverse books 2. Here Wee Read is a website run by Charnaie Gordon. She finds and shares the very best diverse and non-diverse books that she reads aloud with her two children. Charnaie keeps an updated list of Ultimate Diverse Children's Books for each year. It's a must follow list! Charnaie also created a list of publishers who support and specialize in publishing diverse and inclusive books. Diversity in Publishing from A to Z: A List of Book Publishers Who Specialize in Diversity and Inclusion 3. We Need Diverse Books - advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. They have a list of resources for finding diverse books. Where can you find diverse books? FINAL THOUGHTS Reading book reviews, book summaries, and book lists are all great ways to find great books. Remember to preview the books and decide whether a book is appropriate for the intended reader. As readers grow, empower them to identify appropriate content for themselves. Reading, learning, and growing is journey that lasts a lifetime. Join our bookish community on Instagram

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This beautiful book caught our eye with its colorful illustrations and captivating title. We immediately researched it and added it to our preorders. We haven't read it completely yet since it releases January 2020, but experience tells us this is definitely one to look out for. Title: Black is a Rainbow Color Author: Angela Joy Illustrated by: Ekua Holmes Ages: 3-6 and up Purchase it: Here PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Red is a rainbow color. Green sits next to blue. Yellow, orange, violet, indigo, They are rainbow colors, too, but My color is black . . . And there’s no BLACK in rainbows. From the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall's back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and thrive. Stunningly illustrated by Caldecott Honoree and Coretta Scott King Award winner Ekua Holmes, Black Is a Rainbow Color is a sweeping celebration told through debut author Angela Joy’s rhythmically captivating and unforgettable words. THOUGHTS Thanks to Macmillan Publishers were able to get a peek at the book. The colors, poetry, and relevant back matter makes Black is a Rainbow Color a book we're pretty sure we'll love. Take a look at some of the images from the book: ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR Angela Joy was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota, she attended New York University and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia—where her heart will forever reside. Angela traveled abroad extensively as a background vocalist, also working in television and movie soundtracks. She currently lives in southern California with her husband and two children, writing from a small hallway desk where the walls are painted a royal shade of purple. Black Is A Rainbow Color is her first book. Ekua Holmes is a native of Roxbury, MA and a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is the recipient of the 2013 NAACP Image Award, a Brother Thomas Fellowship, and a 5-year appointment to the Boston Art Commission. Her picture book illustrations include the Caldecott Honor book Voice of Freedom and the Coretta Scott King Award winnersOut of Wonder and The Stuff of Stars. Holmes serves as Assistant Director of MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships, and manages sparc! the ArtMobile, the institution’s vehicle for community outreach.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links How often do you learn something new and wonder why you never learned it in school? It happens far too many times it seems. Did you know that enslaved people played an integral role in building The White House? Children's books are one of the best ways to help readers connect with stories and Brick by Brick does not disappoint. The lyrical language combined with stunning illustrations helps readers connect with a part of American history that is often overlooked. Title: Brick by Brick Author: Charles R Smith, Jr. Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper Publisher Recommended Grades: Pre-K and up Purchase it: Here Publisher's Description: The compelling true story behind the building of the White House, a powerful part of history rarely taught. From Coretta Scott King Award winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper. The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long before there were machines to do those same jobs. Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper's stunning illustrations bring to life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this iconic emblem of America, brick by brick. Includes an insightful author's note and a list of selected resources. FURTHER READING Slaves at the White House Did More Than Just Build It OTHER BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT The Black History of The White House The Invisibles: The Untold Stories of African American Slaves in the White House Black Men Built the Capitol: Discovering African American History In and Around Washington D.C. About the author and illustrator Charles R. Smith Jr. is an award-winning author, photographer, and poet with more than thirty books to his credit. His awards include a Coretta Scott King Award for his photographs accompanying the Langston Hughes poem "My People" and a Coretta Scott King Honor for his biography on Muhammad Ali, 12 Rounds to Glory. He is the author of Rimshots, Hoop Kings, Hoop Queens, Tall Tales, Short Takes, Diamond Life, and I Am America. Charles has shown the ability to apply his talents to a variety of subjects, including diversity with “I Am America” and "I Am the World", Greek mythology with “The Mighty 12”, how slaves built the White House with "Brick by Brick" and Negro League baseball with “Stars in the Shadows” to name a few. His poetry has also been used to paint unique biographical portraits of personal heroes such as the aforementioned Ali, boxer Jack Johnson and soon, guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Of the distinctive niche Charles fills with his books, he notes, "I want to show students, particularly boys, that there are many ways to pursue their interests, no matter what they may be." To hear excerpts from his books and learn more about Charles R. Smith Jr, visit his website at www.charlesrsmithjr.com. Floyd Cooper received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in The Blacker the Berry and a Coretta Scott King Honor for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea and I Have Heard of a Land. The late Mr. Floyd Cooper is recognized and celebrated every year on the Friday of Children’s Book Week with Floyd Cooper day. The inaugural Floyd Cooper day was May 6, 2022. Learn more here Fan of our book coverage? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links In 1994, the National Family Literacy Center (NFLC) worked with Congress to declare November 1 as National Family Literacy Day. While one celebratory day is great, why not celebrate the entire month? (And for us, the entire year). NFLC is inviting everyone to celebrate family literacy for the entire month of November and we're excited to participate. "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." Frederick Douglass Here are Seven Fun Ways to Celebrate Family Literacy: 1. Listen to audio books in the car. 2. Read just 15 mins each day. 3. Keep books visible around the house. 4. Make regular visits to your local library. 5. Start a book swap at your child's school. 6. Donate books to organizations that serve families. 7. Find books that have been made into movies. Read the book, then watch the movie during family movie night. "Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." ~Kofi Annan Visit the Helping Kids Rise Bookshop for ideas of great books to add to your home library.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links We're excited to reveal the cover of Tiara's Hat Parade, a beautiful children's book that celebrates an inspiring African American tradition. Title: Tiara's Hat Parade Author: Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by: Nicole Tadgell Publishes: April 2020 Ages: 4-8 years Order it: Here BOOK SUMMARY Tiara's momma has a gift for making hats. Ladies come from all over to visit her studio and try on her creations. She makes fancy hats for church, dazzling hats for special occasions, and majestic hats to make you stand tall and proud! But when Momma has to close down the business and set her dreams aside, Tiara can see how sad she is. Can Tiara help Momma understand how much her hats mean to the community and bring back the magic? This heartwarming story about mothers and daughters pays tribute to an inspiring African American tradition. Tiara's Hat Parade debuts April 2020. It's published by Albert Whitman & Company. OUR THOUGHTS We're excited about Tiara's Hat Parade. We love children's books that expose readers to history and tradition in a fun and engaging way. We look forward to sharing the special African American tradition of donning beautifully elaborate hats when stepping out on the town, attending a special occasion, or heading to the church house to praise the Lord. CHURCH HATS AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN TRADITION (Excerpt from History of Black Women Wearing Hats at Church) "A deeply rooted tradition in the African American community, wearing flamboyant hats to church has both spiritual and cultural significance. The centuries-old custom continues to flourish throughout the Southern U.S. and in strong black Northern communities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit and Harlem. The dress hats, which are beautifully fabricated and extravagantly decorated, have evolved into an art form and an important cultural symbol. Prior to the 20th century, most American Christian women commonly followed Corinthians 1:11 and covered their heads in worship. For early African Americans, God's house was not only a sanctuary of hope and salvation in a brutal world, but it was also one of the few places where they were allowed to hold important positions of leadership. Sunday was thus a day of worship and celebration. African American women traded in their drab aprons and knotted head wraps for brightly colored dresses and straw hats gaily decorated with fresh flowers, ribbons and feathers. These heaven-reaching hats were designed to "catch God's eye" in hopes He would hear their prayers. Elaborately adorned headdresses hold enormous significance in African rituals. American slaves continued the custom of weaving geometric designs, attaching feathers and adding beaded jewelry to straw and fiber hats before attending church. In addition to instilling pride and confidence, the hats remind the wearers to carry themselves like queens. Culturally, church hats became a strong symbol of the ability to triumph over hardships. Worn with the head held high, African American women strut with "hattitude" while sporting these crowns." (Read more at History of Black Women Wearing Hats at Church) Author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh. She is the award-winning author of several books for children including Ellen's Broom, a Coretta Scott King illustrator award book, Hope's Gift, and One More Dino on the Floor. She lives in North Carolina. Find Kelly: www.kellystarlinglyons.com www.facebook.com/kellystarlinglyons Blog: The Brown Bookshelf (ALA Great Website for Kids) Kelly's New Releases: Going Down Home With Daddy (April 2019) Jada Jones: Dancing Queen (June 2019) Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (August 2019) Coming Soon from Kelly: Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon (January 2020) Tiara's Hat Parade (April 2020) Illustrator Nicole Tadgell is the award winning illustrator of more than twenty books and has numerous educational pieces published. “I love working on children’s books,” Nicole says. “Sometimes I pretend I’m the kid in the book, and do the things they do in the story to really get a feel for each book.”  Nicole also visits schools, gives lectures and conducts workshops. Nicole's work has been honored by the Children's Africana Book Award, the Americas Award, the Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, and Growing Good Kids Award. When she's not drawing, Nicole enjoys practicing Tai Chi and watching Doctor Who. She lives in Massachusetts. Find Nicole at her website: https://nicoletadgell.blogspot.com

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links It's time to start kindergarten, and you know what, kid? You got this! It's your time to shine and be the King of Kindergarten! Title: The King of Kindergarten Author: Derrick Barnes Illustrated by: Vanessa Brantley Newton Grades: Pre-K and up Purchase it: Here About the book: Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day. Thoughts: Award winning author Derrick Barnes is back with another beautiful book featuring a little Black boy with a regal theme. His most recent book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, has been embraced by children everywhere and The King of Kindergarten is no different. The gorgeous illustrations by THEE Vanessa Brantley-Newton bring the book to life. You can feel the pride and confidence of this little King oozing from the pages. This book is perfect for any home, school, and classroom library and great for story time anytime of the year. MORE AFFIRMING CHILDREN'S BOOKS IN OUR BOOKSHOP: Fan of our book coverage? Tap below to see all the Helping Kids Rise Happenings! #childrensbooks #TheKingofKindergarten

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links During summer break, students lose some of what they've learned during the school year. It's called the #SummerSlide. An easy way to prevent summer slide is to make learning a regular part of your summer plans. These math websites for kids can make summer learning fun. Check them out and spread the word! 1. Math Playground - https://www.mathplayground.com/ 2. PBS Math Games - https://pbskids.org/games/math/ 3. Hooda Math - http://www.hoodamath.com/ 4. Oxford Owl - https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/welcome-back/for-home/reading-owl/maths 5. Multiplication.com - https://www.multiplication.com/ 6. Education.com - https://www.education.com/games/math/ 7. FunBrain - https://www.funbrain.com/math-zone 8. Starfall - http://starfall.com 9. Cool Math Games - https://www.coolmathgames.com/ 10. ABCya! - http://abcya.com Meet Raye Montague--the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy! After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links It takes just 15 minutes to increase reading ability. Whether you're looking for a site to supplement school work or just want a little reading fun, these sites can help. Please review the sites before introducing them to the children in your life to make sure the content is appropriate for the child. 1. ABCya! - http://abcya.com 2. Starfall - http://starfall.com 3. Storynory - http://www.storynory.com 4. Oxford Owl - http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk 5. Storyline Online - http://www.storylineonline.net 6. National Geographic Young Explorers http://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html 7. FunBrain - https://www.funbrain.com/books 8. International Children’s Digital Library - http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ 9. PBS Reading Games - https://pbskids.org/games/reading/ 10. ReadThinkWrite - http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/ ***Bonus: Your local library probably offers access to books online. Check them out! Looking for great books to add to your home library? Visit the HKR Online Bookstore Looking for more great books? Join our community of almost 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We make a small advertising fee from any purchases made through these links. (at no additional cost to you.)