19 Books Published by Orchard Books on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Click for more detail about Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts by Ruby Bridges Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts

by Ruby Bridges
Orchard Books (Jan 02, 2024)
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National civil rights activist and icon Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students from across America.

“I’ve heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!”—Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and to create change through education. She traveled across the US, listening to the inspiring voices of young children.

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today’s issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby’s intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident.


Dear Ruby,

My name is Olivia. Thank you for sharing your story. It made me want to be brave and stand up to make a change. You showed me to not give up when something is unfair. You can make it change, no matter what. I bet you were scared just like me. You said that if someone or something is putting you down, you get back up.

My heart heard that, and I am trying to be more like you.

Sincerely,
Olivia



My dearest Olivia,

I am so pleased you wrote to me, especially about standing up. I know all too well how scary it can be to stand up for yourself or even others. Just know it takes a courageous and brave person to stand up, even if you are afraid. It happens to us all!

I am proud of you,
Ruby Bridges


The students’ letters and Ruby’s responses are powerfully illustrated with dynamic and thought-provoking artwork by John Jay Cabuay.


Click for more detail about We Dream a World: Carrying the Light from My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King by Yolanda Renee King We Dream a World: Carrying the Light from My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King

by Yolanda Renee King
Orchard Books (Jan 02, 2024)
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The granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King delivers a stirring tribute to her grandparents that speaks to children everywhere about her hopes for a new future.

In this stirring tribute to Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., their granddaughter, Yolanda - a national civil rights figure in her own right - is ready to lead in this powerful picture book text! With inspiration from Langston Hughes and deep love for her grandparents, Yolanda King shows the world that young people are strong enough to carry on their elders’ legacy while creating a new path for themselves. Her words are meaningful and universal, painting an expressive tableau of the issues facing young people today - racial equality, bullying, gun violence, climate change, disease, community, empowerment, inclusion, and more. Yolanda’s words will comfort and inspire the next generation of dreamers.


Click for more detail about Justice Ketanji: The Story of Us Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick Justice Ketanji: The Story of Us Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

by Denise Lewis Patrick
Orchard Books (Aug 01, 2023)
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2024 Jane Addams Peace Association Children’s Book Award Finalist

2023 CA Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Medal

Discover the rise of Ketanji Brown Jackson, from a young girl growing up in Florida to the first Black woman to be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court.

Ketanji Brown Jackson knew from the very beginning that “You can do anything. You can be anything.” Driven by those powerful words and her parents’ love, Ketanji refused to let naysayers stop her from rising to the top, whether it was participating in her high school debate team, applying to her dream college, or excelling at Harvard. Her perseverance and her wits led her to become the first Black female U.S. District Judge and eventually the first Black female Supreme Court Justice. Ketanji’s remarkable journey proves how she is a Justice for all.

With Denise Lewis Patrick’s empowering prose and Kim Holt’s vibrant illustrations, this picture book delves into the life of a trail-blazing contemporary figure, whose work shows that with determination and support, we can do and be anything.


Click for more detail about We Are Here by Tami Charles We Are Here

by Tami Charles
Orchard Books (Jan 03, 2023)
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Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.

Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles's powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come!


Click for more detail about 
Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes

by Traci N. Todd
Orchard Books (Jan 03, 2023)
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An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in America!

Jackie Ormes made history. She was the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States. She was also a journalist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist, and she used her incredible talent and artistry to bring joy and hope to people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people were still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie found herself in a dilemma: How could her art stay true to her signature "Jackie joy" while remaining honest about the inequalities Black people had been fighting?

Rising stars Traci N. Todd, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Nina: A Story of Nina Simone, and Shannon Wright, co-creator of the bestselling graphic novel Twins, have crafted a gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to the indelible legacy of Jackie Ormes, whose life and work still influences illustrators and cartoonists today.


Click for more detail about Bessie the Motorcycle Queen by Charles R. Smith Jr. Bessie the Motorcycle Queen

by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Orchard Books (Sep 20, 2022)
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Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator Charlot Kristensen.

The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesaddle on her motorbike machine.

In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycle and headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Black woman at the time. Paying her way by winning motorcycle races, she criss-crossed the country through small towns, big cities, and wide open spaces.

But not everyone was happy to see Bessie’s brown face peeking out from underneath her helmet. And more than once, Bessie found herself making some quick exits on the back of her bike to escape Jim Crow. A trailblazer in the world of women’s racing and motorcycling, Bessie Stringfield was a figure who will inspire all children to pursue their dreams.

From the first line, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr.’s poetry evokes emotion, excitement, fear, and wonder in equal measures. Charlot Kristensen portrays Bessie and the American landscape with vivid imagery that is sure to capture the attention of young readers.

A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for future generations, for fans of The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson and My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña.


Click for more detail about I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges I Am Ruby Bridges

by Ruby Bridges
Orchard Books (Aug 02, 2022)
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In a beautiful and poetic reflection, Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of that momentous day in 1960 when Ruby was the first child to integrate the school system as a six-year-old little girl — a personal and intimate look through a child’s lens at a landmark moment in our Civil Rights history.

My work will be precious,
I will be a bridge between people…
I will bridge the “gap” between black & white…
… but hopefully all people!

I suppose some things in life are just meant to be.

When Ruby Bridges was just six-year-old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Told from the perspective of her six year old self and based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960, Ruby tells her story from her own point of view for the first time, in a poetic reflection on her experience that changed the face of history and the trajectory of the Civil Rights movement.

Embracing her name and discovering that even at six years old Ruby Bridges was able to pave the path for future generations, this is a story full of innocence and courage. The vibrant and warm illustrations from NAACP nominated illustrator Nikkolas Smith brings Ruby’s story to life. This inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children and is a perfect learning tool for schools and libraries to teach the story of Ruby Bridges as never before and will introduce this landmark story to young readers in a powerful new way. With poignancy, heart and from a child’s eye view, Bridges reflects on the way one brave little girl stood proud and tall to help build a bridge between all people.


Click for more detail about Stand Up!: 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change by Brittney Cooper Stand Up!: 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change

by Brittney Cooper
Orchard Books (Aug 02, 2022)
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From the New York Times, bestselling author of Eloquent Rage comes a powerful, groundbreaking picture book debut introducing young readers to ten revolutionary Black women — both historical and contemporary — who changed the world for the better, inspiring readers today to know their strength, to be brave, and to STAND UP!

“A breakthrough… this force of nature is becoming one of our fiercest voices in the new generation of African-American thinkers.” — Essence

Bestselling author Brittney Cooper is a leading Black feminist voice of our times. From her New York Times bestseller Eloquent Rage, selected by Emma Watson as an “Our Shared Shelf Book,” to her frequent guest appearances on MSNBC, to her regular features on Cosmopolitan.com and Salon.com, and her TED Talk with over 800K views, there’s no question Brittney Cooper is one of the most preeminent Black influencers of today. Now, this author, professor, activist, and cultural critic brings her immense talents to the children’s space with a seven-title publishing deal at Scholastic, spanning from picture books to middle grade, and launching with this momentous picture book debut: Stand Up!

Stand Up! tells the story of ten historic female figures who changed the world by standing up for what’s right, including legendary Civil Rights activists like Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks and spanning to contemporary role models like Bree Newsome, who removed the confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse grounds, and Mari Copeny, a youth activist who fought for clean water in Flint, Michigan. This inspirational biographical collection will live side by side with bestselling classics like Little Leaders and She Persisted yet offers a wholly original, powerful new voice and approach that make this story so singular, personal, and groundbreaking. Cooper’s enlightening text depicts both famous and unsung Black women who took a stand and made the world a better place for future generations. Each heroic figure is interconnected by a united quest for equity, and offers young readers a stirring, inspirational call to action, reminding them that they are mighty too, and can be forces for change when they stand up!


Click for more detail about We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier We Shall Overcome

by Bryan Collier
Orchard Books (Nov 02, 2021)
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A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song We Shall Overcome, masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier.

We Shall Overcome is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these inspirational, empowering, legendary lyrics are brought to life with the stirring, evocative, and breathtaking illustrations from multi-award-winning talent Bryan Collier. Powerfully imagined for the present moment, Collier’s illustrations meld the most emblematic moments of the twentieth-century Civil Rights movement with the present day, depicting the movements, protests, and demonstrations — big and small — as the fight for justice continues. With illustrations full of depth, tenderness, and expression, and offering historical context while remaining powerfully relevant to the present-day, this impactful picture book is a must-have for every home, classroom, and bookshelf.


Click for more detail about Bright Brown Baby by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney Bright Brown Baby

by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Orchard Books (Oct 05, 2021)
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A rhythmic, whimsically illustrated celebration of Black and brown babies and the joy, tender moments, and boundless love shared between children and their caregivers, from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney.

Brown baby, born bright.

Greet the world. Spread your light.

Sparkling eyes blink hello.

Bright brown baby, you will GO!

Cuddle up with your little one, read aloud, and REPEAT: This gorgeous picture book treasury is sure to become your favorite storytime anthem. Dive into these five beautiful poems that celebrate the tender, cozy, early days between parent and child, and the exuberant joy of watching a brand-new life take shape. Warm, winsome, and welcoming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney exude joy and love on every page. Bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney rolls off the tongue and begs to be read aloud, in these poems that include Count to Love, Hey, Baby Girl!, and Baby Boy, You are a Star.

A celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families, this beautiful picture book treasury is the perfect gift item, bookshelf staple, and long-lasting classic in the making. Just right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more, this book is sure to be treasured for years to come.

And if you’re looking for a board book edition for baby? Each poem will also be released as a separate board book edition, with Count to Love out now!


Click for more detail about Standing on Her Shoulders by Monica Clark-Robinson Standing on Her Shoulders

by Monica Clark-Robinson
Orchard Books (Feb 02, 2021)
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A stunning love letter to the important women who shape us — from our own mothers and grandmothers to the legends who paved the way for girls and women everywhere.

Standing on Her Shoulders is a celebration of the strong women who influence us — from our mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers to the women who fought for equality and acceptance in the United States.

Monica Clark-Robinson’s lyrical text encourages young girls to learn about the powerful and trailblazing women who laid the path for their own lives and empowers them to become role models themselves. Acclaimed illustrator Laura Freeman’s remarkable art showcases a loving intergenerational family and encourages girls to find female heroes in their own lives.

Standing on Her Shoulders will inspire girls of all ages to follow in the footsteps of these amazing women.


Click for more detail about All Because You Matter by Tami Charles All Because You Matter

by Tami Charles
Orchard Books (Oct 06, 2020)
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A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier.

Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.

Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that they matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughter, through the hardship of adolescent struggles and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter.

Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.

Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience that The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.


Click for more detail about The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds The Word Collector

by Peter H. Reynolds
Orchard Books (Jan 30, 2018)
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In this extraordinary new tale from the creator of "Dot" and "Happy Dreamer" comes a celebration of finding one’s own words and the impact they have when they are shared with the world. Full color.


Click for more detail about Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, Inspired by Historical Facts by Nikki Grimes Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, Inspired by Historical Facts

by Nikki Grimes
Orchard Books (Jan 06, 2015)
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Nikki Grimes offers a glimpse into the inspiring lives of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, with breathtaking illustrations by Michele Wood! What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create Chasing Freedom, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century’s most powerful, and inspiring, American women. With breathtaking illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood, Chasing Freedom richly imagines the experiences of Tubman and Anthony, set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Additional back matter invites curious young readers to further explore this period in history—and the larger-than-life figures who lived it.


Click for more detail about Eight Days: A Story Of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat Eight Days: A Story Of Haiti

by Edwidge Danticat
Orchard Books (Sep 01, 2010)
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From National Book Award nominee Edwidge Danticat comes a timely, brilliantly crafted story of hope and imagination—a powerful tribute to Haiti and children around the world!

Hope comes alive in this heartfelt and deeply resonating story.
While Junior is trapped for 8 days beneath his collapsed house after an earthquake, he uses his imagination for comfort. Drawing on beautiful, everyday-life memories, Junior paints a sparkling picture of Haiti for each of those days—flying kites with his best friend or racing his sister around St. Marc’s Square—helping him through the tragedy until he is finally rescued.
Love and hope dance across each page—granting us a way to talk about resilience as a family, a classroom, or a friend.


Click for more detail about Lily Brown’s Paintings by Angela Johnson Lily Brown’s Paintings

by Angela Johnson
Orchard Books (Jan 01, 2007)
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Author Angela Johnson and illustrator E. B. Lewis combine their award-winning talents to create a dazzling celebration of family and creativity.
When Lily Brown paints, her world starts to change …
trees wear hats and drink tea, people walk upside down, and apples sing all the way home from the store.
It’s Lily Brown’s world, and it’s wondrous.
A little paint and a lot of love bring imagination to life in this captivating picture book. Angela Johnson’s lyrical writing compliments E. B. Lewis’ delightful watercolors. This book marks a different approach for E. B. Lewis’ artwork as his images imitate the great artists, such as Van Gogh and Matisse.


Click for more detail about Joshua by the Sea by Angela Johnson Joshua by the Sea

by Angela Johnson
Orchard Books (Sep 01, 1994)
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Joshua goes to the shore with his family.


Click for more detail about Rain Feet by Angela Johnson Rain Feet

by Angela Johnson
Orchard Books (Sep 01, 1994)
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A very young boy in a yellow slicker enjoys playing in the rain.


Click for more detail about Do Like Kyla by Angela Johnson Do Like Kyla

by Angela Johnson
Orchard Books (Mar 01, 1990)
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A little girl imitates her big sister Kyla all day, until in the evening Kyla imitates her.