Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates by author Chris Barton and iillustrator Steffi Walthall

Age Range: 6 – 10 years

Grade Level: 1- 5

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Publication Date: January 11, 2022

When Alton Yates was a youngster in Florida, his neighbor, Mr. Jeffcoat talked to him about his days serving his country in World War I. When Alton got to junior high school, Air Force Captain Daniel James visited Alton’s school and discussed being an American warrior. Alton was impressed with the fact that the Air Force was the first armed forces to be integrated. He enlisted and met Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Stapp who was involved in research. This captivated Alton. Alton became one of the subjects who rode in machines to find out their impact on humans. After 4 years in the Air Force Alton’s family needed him at home. When Alton returned to Florida, he found that overt racism still existed. Jim Crow thrived. Alton got involved with the NAACP Youth Council and participated in lunch counter sit-ins. This picture book biography is another fascinating perspective to add to a libraries collection. It is beautifully illustrated with large illustrations which are wonderful to view when in a group. Range of emotions are easily understood. Included at the end of this book are a timeline, author and illustrator notes and selected sources.

Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory by author Julie Abery and illustrator Chris Sasaki

Reading Age: 5 -8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Publication Date: May 4, 2021

In the 1930’s in Hawaii, some parents worked on a sugar plantation. Their children busied themselves by swimming in a ditch. Sometimes police would chase them away from the ditch. A science teacher named Soichi Sakamoto decided to take responsibility for the children while they swam. He coached them in swimming. Eventually a swimming pool was built where young swimmers trained for the Olympics. Bill Smith won gold metals in the 1948 Olympics. This picture book is succinctly told in rhyme. Illustrations are attractive. An author’s note is included.

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Out Into the Big Wide Lake by author Paul Harbridge and illustrator Josee Bisaillon

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date: May 18, 2021

From the start readers and listeners will notice that Kate is trying to remember the differences between alphabet letters. Shortly therafter we learn of Kate‘s mother’s reluctance to allow Kate to spend the summer alone with her grandparents. Kate has Down syndrome. Her grandmother convinces Kate’s mother to let her go. Kate’s grandfather delivers groceries by boat. Immediately Kate is introduced to her grandparent’s occupation as she accompanies the delivery trips. Her grandmother teaches Kate to steer the boat. When grandfather gets sick, Kate takes the reins and makes grandfather’s deliveries. My Book Eyes likes seeing the perception of Kate change to someone who can take on more responsibilities than society may have thought she could. Varied illustrations add information to this story . This is an Ezra Jack Keats Best New Writer Award winner for 2021.

You’re the Hugs to My Kisses by author Barbara Herndon and illustrator Diane Ewen

Grade Level: 1 – 2

Publisher: Zonderkidz

Publication Date: January 4, 2022

Endearing bonds between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, adults, friends, siblings, owner and pet are depicted in a variety of scenarios. Illustrations are uplifting with fun sprinkled in. Diverse people are shown throughout this rhyming picture book.

Strong Mama by author Robin Arzon and illustrator Addy Rivera Sonda

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 11, 2022

The storyteller is an athletic expectant mother. She shares her love of exercise, running, meditation, dancing and eating right with her growing baby. Her family welcomes the new baby and another person’s life adventures begin. This book is inspiring for all moms. Illustrations are filled with healthy lifestyle and good feelings.