Floyd Cooper

Jacksons mama is getting married, and he has been given a very important job. He is going to be the ring bearer. But Jackson is feeling incredibly nervous about the big day. What if he trips while walking down the aisle? What if he walks too slowly, or worse, what if he drops the rings? To make things even more complicated, his new stepsister Sophie is supposed to be the flower girl, and Jackson is not quite sure she is taking her responsibilities seriously. As the wedding gets closer, Jackson has to learn how to handle his worries and embrace the big changes happening in his life. This heartwarming story celebrates love, weddings, and the special joy of bringing two families together. It is the perfect read for anyone who has ever felt a little bit anxious about trying something new or stepping into the spotlight.

Nelson Mandela is a name that commands respect and admiration all over the globe, but he was once just a young boy growing up in the South African countryside. The son of a village tribal chief, Nelson was full of curiosity and sometimes even a little bit of trouble. As he grew older, he began to see the deep unfairness in his country and realized he had to take a stand. Nelson transformed from a schoolboy into a brave rebel, and eventually into a deeply devoted leader. Even when he faced incredible hardships, his life remained a powerful story of courage, persistence, and hope. He never stopped believing in a fairer future for his people. This stunning biography introduces young readers to the multifaceted life of a true hero, following his incredible journey all the way to his historic election as the very first Black president of South Africa.

Willie is a young boy growing up in Chicago in nineteen forty two, and he has one massive dream. He wants to play professional baseball in the Major Leagues. Willie knows absolutely everything about the game, but when he listens to the old men in his neighborhood tell tall baseball tales, he is confused. He has never heard of legendary players like Josh Gibson or Cool Papa Bell. An older man named Ezra explains that those players are in the Negro Leagues. Ezra tells Willie that being a Major Leaguer is not just about talent, but unfortunately, about the color of your skin. Willies heart is completely crushed. He wonders if his dream is impossible. But then, Ezra hands Willie two tickets to a special exhibition game pitting the Major Leaguers against the Negro Leaguers. Sitting in the stands, Willie is about to see firsthand how pure talent, hope, and determination can challenge the rules and change everything.

When Langston Hughes was a young boy, he was a massive dreamer. He would sit and imagine the lives of great heroes like Booker T Washington, who looked just like him. Whenever he heard the loud clackety clack of train wheels rolling down the tracks, Langston would dream about all the distant, exciting places the train had traveled from. But more than anything else in the world, young Langston dreamed of having a warm and happy home. One day, he decided to take all those big dreams and turn them into beautiful words on paper. As he began to write stories and poems, Langston made an incredible discovery. He realized that his true home was not just a building, but rather the rhythm and power of his own poetry. This inspiring biography brings to life the childhood of one of Americas most beloved writers, showing how a young boy with an active imagination grew up to share his voice with the entire world.

Little Mazie is feeling frustrated because she wants the freedom to stay up way past her bedtime. She does not understand why she cannot do whatever she wants. Seeing her frustration, Mazies father sits her down to teach her what true freedom actually means. He tells her the powerful story of her ancestors and the struggles they faced during the time of slavery. He explains how they fought, hoped, and prayed for liberty. Then, he shares the incredible triumph of the day they finally learned they were no longer enslaved. As Mazie listens to this history, she begins to understand the deep significance of Juneteenth. She realizes that her ancestors sacrifices paved the way for the life she lives today. Now, Mazie is not just ready to stay up late, she is ready to proudly celebrate a great day in American history and honor the true meaning of freedom.

Max loves spending time with his grandfather. When it is finally time to say goodbye after a wonderful visit, Max feels a little sad. To cheer him up, his grandpa makes a special promise. He tells Max that the bright, glowing moon shining above his house is the exact same moon that will follow Max all the way back home. As Max rides in the backseat of the swervy curvy car, he looks out the window and smiles. Just as Grandpa said, the moon is tagging along for the ride. But suddenly, the sky darkens and thick clouds hide the moon from sight. Max begins to worry. Did the moon decide to stay behind? Did Grandpa make a promise that was not true? This gentle and comforting story explores the magical connection between a grandchild and their grandparent, proving that the people who love us are always with us, even when we cannot see them.

Michael Jordan was once just a regular kid growing up in North Carolina, trying his best to keep up with his older brother Larry. Michael loved sports, but Larry was always taller, faster, and a little bit luckier on the court. It felt like Michael would always be stuck in his brothers shadow. Instead of giving up, Michael practiced harder every single day. He spent hours perfecting his shots and learning how to fly across the basketball court. His determination turned a friendly backyard rivalry into the foundation of a legendary career. Then came the unforgettable summer day when little brother Michael finally took Larry and his entire family by surprise. Young athletes and fans of basketball will be inspired by this true story of hard work, friendly competition, and never giving up on a big dream.

Izumi is not like the other young women in the emperors court. While her friends spend their time admiring delicate butterflies and wearing beautiful silk gowns, Izumi is busy exploring the natural world. She finds worms, toads, and her absolute favorite creatures caterpillars to be much more fascinating. Izumi does not care about fitting in or following the strict rules of twelfth century Japanese society. She would rather observe how a caterpillar moves and grows. Her unique interests cause quite a stir among her family and the noble court, who do not understand her independent spirit. As pressure mounts for her to act like a proper lady, Izumi must decide whether to change who she is or stay true to her own curious heart. This vivid retelling of an ancient Japanese story celebrates the courage it takes to be yourself, even when everyone else expects you to be someone different.

Your grandpa might be good at a lot of things, but Josephs grandpa can do almost anything. He can play beautiful music on the piano, throw a perfect curveball, and tie a complicated knot in just three seconds. But there is one thing he was not allowed to do. Back in the nineteen fifties and sixties, Josephs grandpa worked at the Wonder Bread factory, but the bosses would not let him or any other African American workers bake the bread. They said white people would not want to buy bread touched by Black hands. Joseph is shocked to hear this unfair history, but his grandpa also shares a story of hope. He tells Joseph how people eventually joined their hands together to fight against this discrimination. This powerful story shows how everyday heroes stood up for what was right so that future generations could do anything at all in this whole wide world.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in the American South, forced to work in terrible conditions without the right to control his own life. But Frederick had a fierce determination to be free. He secretly taught himself to read and write, unlocking a world of knowledge that changed his life forever. Frederick realized that education was the key to freedom. After making a daring escape to the North, he did not just settle into his new life. He raised his voice to fight for the freedom of all enslaved people. Frederick grew up to become a famous writer, a powerful speaker, and a leading force in the abolitionist movement. His brave actions and inspiring words proved that once you learn to read, you will be forever free. This powerful biography takes you on an incredible journey through the life of one of Americas most important historical figures, showing how courage and a love of learning can change the world.

Today is a very special day in Charleston, South Carolina, and young Eli knows it is important because he is allowed to miss school. He dresses in his absolute best clothes while his mother gathers fresh mayflowers and his father proudly straightens his hat. The year is eighteen sixty five, the Civil War has just ended, and the city is buzzing with a powerful energy. Eli and his family step out of their home to join a massive crowd filling the streets. They march alongside teachers, soldiers, and a sea of neighbors of all backgrounds. Together, they carry bouquets and wreaths, singing songs of freedom as they walk to honor the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting against slavery. Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this moving story brings to life the little known history of the very first Memorial Day, reminding us of the true meaning behind this important holiday.

Tamika knows Grandpa’s face better than almost anyone. It can be warm, funny, proud, and full of love. Then one day she sees him rehearsing for a play, wearing a face that looks hard and angry. Suddenly Tamika worries: could Grandpa ever look at her that way? Could his love change? Grandpa’s Face is a tender picture book about a child’s fear and the steady comfort of family love. Eloise Greenfield gently captures how confusing grown-up emotions can seem, while Floyd Cooper’s illustrations bring warmth and depth to Tamika’s world. This is a reassuring story for readers who are learning that people can show many feelings and still keep love at the center.

During the American Revolution, the British army thought they had a helpful guide named James. The British general, Charles Cornwallis, believed James was an escaped enslaved person who was willing to share American secrets. But James was actually playing a brilliant and dangerous game. He was a double agent secretly working as a spy for George Washingtons army. James bravely gathered vital information from the British camp and passed it along to the Americans, helping them secure a massive victory at the Battle of Yorktown. However, when the war ended and America celebrated its newfound independence, James was not given his freedom. He was forced to return to slavery in Virginia. Having already risked his life to help his country win its liberty, James realized he now had to fight a new battle to win his own. This thrilling true story uncovers the heroic actions of a brilliant spy who changed history.

Rodney is the kind of kid who simply cannot sit still. Even when he is sitting at his desk inside his classroom, his mind is wandering outdoors. Outside is where Rodney always wants to be. He knows there is a small, triangle shaped park between his school and his house, but it just has yellow grass and two boring benches where grown ups sit around all day. Plus, his momma specifically told him to stay far away from that place. Rodney dreams of experiencing a real park. When his class finally goes on a field trip to a massive, beautiful outdoor space, Rodney is absolutely thrilled. He suddenly has plenty of room to run, climb massive trees, shout at the top of his lungs, and just be his true self. This exciting day out in nature is a transformative experience that will change how Rodney sees the world forever.

In the late eighteen eighties, exciting news spread all across America. There was free land available in the Oklahoma territory. This amazing opportunity was open to absolutely everyone, including men, women, and African Americans who had recently been freed from slavery. To claim a piece of this new land, all a person needed was hope, courage, and the sheer determination to make the long journey out west. Thousands of brave pioneers packed up their lives and raced toward the frontier, eager to carve out a brand new future in the rich Oklahoma soil. They dreamed of a place where their imaginations could roam without fences and where their hard work could finally belong to them. This lyrical story is a powerful tribute to the unstoppable pioneer spirit. It celebrates the strength and unity of the African American settlers who dared to travel into the unknown to build a better life for their families.

It is a freezing winter day in Montgomery, Alabama, and a young boy is riding the city bus with his mother. They are sitting way in the very back, exactly where the unfair laws of the time force them to sit. To pass the time, the boy rolls his favorite marble back and forth down the aisle. Suddenly, a massive commotion breaks out at the front of the bus. A brave woman named Rosa Parks is refusing to give up her seat. You will watch this powerful piece of American history unfold strictly through the innocent eyes of a child sitting in the back rows. See the arrival of the police and feel the quiet, rising strength of the boy's mother as she realizes the world is about to change. This incredibly moving story honors a monumental act of courage during the Civil Rights Movement. Experience a historical moment that this young boy, and the rest of the country, will never forget.

There is nobody in the entire neighborhood quite like Danitra Brown. Dressed in her favorite bright purple clothes, she is simply the most wonderful, fearless girl in town. For Zuri Jackson, having Danitra as a best friend makes every single day an exciting adventure. Together, the two girls conquer their city streets, sharing deep secrets, jumping rope, and standing up to local bullies. Through a beautiful collection of lively poems, you are invited to join them on their daily journeys. You will experience the sting of scraped knees, the comfort of a loyal pal, and the pure joy of childhood games. Whether they are laughing on the front stoop or facing down fears, their bond proves that everything is easier when you have a true friend by your side. Meet these two unforgettable characters and celebrate the simple, powerful magic of an unbreakable friendship.

Discover a beautiful collection of lyrical poems that celebrate family, home, and the rich experience of African American identity. Each poem offers a unique reflection on what it means to grow up surrounded by love, history, and a deep sense of belonging. The words flow like a warm conversation, touching on delicate themes of self discovery and the connections that bind generations together. You will read about everyday moments that hold powerful meaning, accompanied by striking images that bring the feelings of the poetry to life. Whether it is a quiet moment reflecting on a cup of broomwheat tea or a joyful celebration of personal heritage, these verses encourage readers to find pride in who they are. This collection provides a wonderful opportunity to explore poetry that is deeply meaningful, wonderfully engaging, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Little David Earl never needs a calendar to know what day of the week it is. He just looks at the snappy and clean apron his mother, Ma Dear, is wearing. A blue apron means it is Monday and time for washing, while a sunshine yellow apron means it is Tuesday for ironing. Every day brings a new color and a new chore, right up until Sunday, when the aprons are put away and the two of them can enjoy a special day of rest together. This warm and loving story offers a beautiful glimpse into the daily routine of a hardworking mother and her devoted son.

Imagine looking at a bright, spinning carousel and being told you are not allowed to ride it. When Sharon Langley was a little girl in the early nineteen sixties, many amusement parks were segregated. This meant African American families were not permitted to go inside and enjoy the rides. But the people in Sharons community decided it was time for a change. Both Black and white neighbors joined together in peaceful protests to demand that the local Gwynn Oak Amusement Park open its doors to everyone. In the summer of nineteen sixty three, their hard work paid off. The park finally desegregated, and young Sharon became the very first African American child to ride the carousel. This special event happened on the exact same day that Dr Martin Luther King Junior gave his famous speech in Washington. This true story shows how ordinary people working together can make history and create a fairer world.

Imagine the excitement of a family road trip in a brand new car. For Ruth, traveling from Chicago to her grandmother's house in Alabama in the early 1950s is a thrilling adventure. But the open road holds unexpected challenges. As her family drives through different towns, Ruth discovers that Black travelers are not always treated with kindness. Many gas stations and hotels refuse to serve them because of unfair Jim Crow laws. Just when the journey feels too difficult, a friendly gas station attendant shares a special guidebook called The Green Book. This incredible pamphlet lists businesses and resting places that safely welcome Black families. Guided by the book and the kindness of strangers along the way, Ruth and her parents find their way safely across the country. Based on the true history of The Negro Motorist Green Book, this powerful story shines a light on an important part of American history while celebrating family love, resilience, and the joy of arriving at a welcoming destination.