Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present (See Yourself in Their Stories) Hardcover – February 1, 2018

This book is an incredible add to our families Black History Month collection. However, beyond just one month, this book has 52 incredible descriptions of leaders, so you can read it all year long--one story per week. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jamia Wilson, author of “Young, Gifted & Black,” for the Parenting for Liberation podcast. In our interview we dig into this incredible book that highlights 52 Black heroes across the diaspora. In the welcome letter the book is described as a love letter to our ancestors and the next generation of Black changemakers. We discuss the importance of representation in children’s literature, how this book is an homage to Nina Simone, and how it can be used all year long and in schools. Listen to the podcast on iTunes and soundcloud. I highly recommend this Black History month and all year long, read Young, Gifted & Black with your children to share a more expansive representation of Blackness with this beautiful book illustrated by Andrea Pippins.

Wow - this book is both a wonderful way to share heroic stories of bold, talented champions for representation and equality AND a powerful way to begin difficult conversations with young children.Reading these short biographical profiles has opened up conversations about slavery, gender equality, racist government structures, a wide range of awards and recognitions, and diverse concepts — from debate clubs to immigration (and that was just in the Shirley Chisholm bio).It’s also given me a chance to begin sharing some personal heroes - Zadie Smith, Nina Simone, Toni Morrison - with my five-year-old child. He wants to know more and more about each person, and I can tell that this is a book we will return to again and again.

This book is terrific. Playful and serious at the same time, with hugely appealing pictures and relatable, bite-sized biographies, it's great for young readers and their adults. I bought it for my 6-year-old niece and nephew, and we had a grand time reading together! Recommended during Black History Month or any time.

This is a beautiful, high-quality full color hardcover book. Every page is illustrated, and visually appealing. The information on each person is brief but includes top highlights on their life and achievement. The writing is probably at a 4th grade level and above. I bought this for young children though because I want them to grow up with these powerful stories and images.

My nephew loves it!! If this young man says "It's great!!!" I have no doubt that it is anything less. He says the book is in excellent shape. Thanks for giving JX reason to continue his love of reading. Let's get them started young so that this young love of books continues into adulthood that can be passed on to his younger generation. I might have to buy this for myself.aunt angie

This is a great book. I started reading it with my 4yr old daughter. The price was great!

Two of my children (7 and 5) thoroughly enjoy reading this book on a regular basis. It's very kid appealing/friendly with the colors and the drawings. The stories are short enough to keep their attention, and the information shared is memorable. My only complaint is that there are some people I would not personally consider "heroes" (though they're undeniably gifted). I'm not really sure on which basis they were able to make this list; perhaps the authors were trying to appeal to the young adult crowd. Oh well, it is what it is. Overall, it doesn't take away from the greatness of the book and the inspiration that is being bestowed upon black children.

Love this book. I read the original when I was a kid over 40 years ago and wanted it for my granddaughter. Wonderful book!

Great book of role models for my son to learn about. He enjoyed reading this book with me.

Very empowering book, great for kids!