IBPA Book Awards

When Helen LaFrance picked up a paintbrush, her thoughts took flight, soaring like a bird across a world remembered, back to a place that used to be.

She Remembered It All: The Art of Memory Painter Helen LaFrance, a childrens book, explores the life and art of Helen LaFrance, a Kentucky memory painter and outsider artist who captured a lively, vibrant view of rural life in a changing world. Her nearly century-long creative journey began at age five when her mother taught her to draw and later to paint with pigments made from berry juice, laundry bluing, and plant leaves. LaFrance developed a unique style of creative expression and worked outside the conventional art world. Her work has been compared to other well-known outsider artists like Grandma Moses, Horace Pippin, and Clementine Hunter.

What a great tribute to Kentuckys own Black Grandma Moses! Helen LaFrance is my favorite painter. Ive spent hours looking at her art, amazed at the renditions of the people and the places she rememberedthe detail, the loving way she brought the old-time days to life. She was a genius talent from right here in Kentucky which makes me very proud. Jayne Moore Waldrop is a sort of genius too for bringing Helen LaFrances life to us in living color with this childrens book!

Crystal Wilkinson, Kentucky Poet Laureate 20212022 and author of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts

Anti-racism work cannot be reduced to a single checklist of “dos” and “don’ts.”

As society shifts its perspective on true allyship—moving from being “not racist” to “anti-racist”—White allies are being called upon to actively work toward changing the status quo. However, the vast majority of resources on this topic emphasize educating allies about anti-racism without teaching them how to actually do anti-racism work. This leaves well-meaning allies feeling stuck, frustrated, and afraid of getting it wrong.

Beyond Fragility fills this undeniable gap by providing you with a concrete, step-by-step approach to effective anti-racism allyship. Filled with case examples, guided reflections, and skill-building exercises, this book provides you with the skills to:

• Understand and avoid common mishaps in anti-racist work, such as misunderstanding what racism is, not knowing how to recognize racism, or not having a clear anti-racist identity
• Cope with intense emotions like guilt, fear, hopelessness, and anger that may arise when discussing racism and privilege
• Navigate complex interpersonal interactions, whether it’s validating the experiences of BIPOC peers, recovering from a racist misstep, or speaking out against racist comments

Anti-racist allyship is not an innate essence—nor is it something you were born knowing how to do. But with the tools in this book, you can learn new skills that allow you to engage in impactful and sustainable allyship in every space you occupy.

• Nominee for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature-Graphic Novel
• Named The Years Best Graphic Novel by BookLife
• Winner of the 2024 Best Indie Book Award® in the Graphic Novel category
• Winner of the International Impact Book Award
• Finalist for the American Fiction Award
• Selected as an Editors Pick from Publishers Weeklys BookLife

Powerful superhero debut pitting Black Defender against corruption and kidnapping. BookLife

Washington succeeds in revising the classic superhero formula to highlight inequities in the justice system. Kirkus Reviews

A compelling story that entertains and educates. Billy Blanks, Action Film Star

An action-packed adventure from Amazon bestselling author Dr. David Washington, Black Defender is a graphic novel that demands attention.

When a successful entrepreneur and special forces veteran is reminded of the harsh reality that justice is not available for everyone, he sets out to take matters into his own hands. Along the way, he learns that he needs to become a hero to save his city, and that heroes seek justice not vengeance.

In the process of seeking justice, he encounters several villains, a corrupt police system, and social issues that stand in the way of him finding justice, but he will not be deterred; because he is Black Defender. This action-packed graphic novel includes a foreword written by martial arts legend and action film star, Billy Blanks.