Bryan Collier

Sometimes, memories are as quiet as watching your father sip a cup of coffee while reading the paper. Sometimes, they are as warm as your mother pressing the wrinkles out of your clothes. But when those quiet, comforting moments suddenly change, the world can feel very overwhelming for a young boy trying to understand his sadness. When his father is no longer there and his mother falls ill, the boy discovers something magical that helps him heal. He finds music. As the melodies fill the room, they turn into bright colors and beautiful light, bringing back the feeling of his parents love. The notes teach him how to relax, how to shine, and how to dream once again. This incredibly moving story explores how we handle tough emotions and find comfort in art. It is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, music can be the rainbow that brings light back into your life.

Make beauty. Make joy. Make believe, and pretend. This beautifully painted picture book brings you on an uplifting journey to celebrate the incredible potential of Black boys. When you open these pages, you will discover a powerful anthem that honors the rich legacy of the past while looking forward to a brilliant future. Lyrical words combined with breathtaking watercolor art introduce you to the grit, grace, and glory of growing up Black. Along the way, you will catch references to brilliant writers and poets whose voices have shaped history. It is a story designed to remind you that you matter, your dreams are important, and your future is entirely in your own hands. Whether you are reading alone or sharing this with family, the poetic words and vivid illustrations will make your spirit soar. This is a story about finding your joy, standing tall, and knowing that you have the power to create your own magic every single day.

I, too, sing America. With these famous opening words, a legendary poem comes to life in a whole new way. You will step onto the train with a Pullman porter from the early twentieth century, exploring his daily work and his quiet courage in a country that is still learning how to treat everyone fairly. Through deeply expressive paintings, you get to experience the true meaning behind the poetry. It shows how people can face unfair rules yet still laugh, eat well, and grow strong. The artwork highlights the dignity of workers who kept the trains running and reminds you that every single person plays a part in making the country what it is. As you read the historic words and study the award winning illustrations, you will understand a powerful message about unity and equality. This book is a breathtaking reminder that despite our differences, we all belong, and we all share the promise of tomorrow.

Your roots are deep, your history is rich, and your future shines incredibly bright. This lyrical and affirming story is a powerful ode to the Black and brown heritage, celebrating the momentous contributions of men and women from the beginning of time. Through soaring language and breathtaking artwork, readers are guided on a journey of assurance, tenderness, and triumph. It highlights the beauty and excellence within the community, assuring children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Every page bursts with love and pride, offering a vital reminder that greatness is already inside you. This inspirational companion piece celebrates young readers exactly as they are. It serves as a beautiful touchstone for families to share, strengthening children for their triumphant days ahead and inviting them to imagine a world where they continue to make history.

Today is a very special day. You are going to put on your favorite pink blouse and head out with your daddy to visit the home of a true American hero. The person you are visiting is Langston Hughes, one of the most famous figures from the Harlem Renaissance, and you are especially excited because you are a little poet yourself. As you walk through the doors of his old house, you will feel the rhythm of his words echoing in the rooms. The playful poetry guides you through the experience of seeing where a great writer lived, dreamed, and created art. It is like taking a field trip into history, guided by the love of a father and the boundless imagination of a child. This rhythmic story is a perfect way to discover the magic of poetry and the importance of remembering those who came before us. It will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start writing your own beautiful verses.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most gifted speakers and influential leaders of all time. Using his own profound words, this visually stunning biography tells the story of a man who championed racial equality and taught others to fight with peace instead of fists. From his childhood experiences with segregation to his historic role in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin's powerful message of love and justice shines through on every page. Combining simple, direct storytelling with extraordinary collage art, this award-winning book offers a striking and accessible introduction to Dr. King's life, his dream, and the enduring legacy of his big words.

Imagine loving art so much that you draw with a stick in the mud when you have nothing else. Growing up in the 1940s, Ernie Barnes never left home without his sketchbook. He loved watching his neighborhood and capturing the truth and beauty of the people around him. But in the segregated South, he had no idea how to make a living as a painter. Because he grew tall and athletic, Ernie followed a different path and became a professional football player. While he was out on the field, his heart still longed to paint. You will follow his incredible true story as he balances his sports career with his deep need to create art, waiting for the day his true dream can become a reality. This fascinating biography shows you how one boy chased his passion to become one of the most important artists of his generation. It proves that you can be strong and athletic while also being deeply creative and sensitive.

From a young age, John Lennon dreamed of fame, fortune, and making his mark on the world. As a member of the Beatles, he achieved a level of legendary success that changed music forever. But amidst the screaming fans and global stardom, John realized he was searching for a deeper meaning in his life. His inner quest for happiness and peace not only shaped his personal journey but also brought a powerful new dimension to rock and roll. Through an engaging blend of narrative, iconic song lyrics, and vibrant collage art, discover the energy, vision, and creative genius of a musician whose message of love continues to inspire the world.

Who is that playing out there? When a small child nicknamed Trombone Shorty lifts a horn that is twice his size, the entire crowd pays attention. Growing up in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, where music is always floating in the air, a young boy dreams of playing in a band. Even though he does not have much money to buy an instrument, he has enough passion to make up for it. You will march along with him through the lively streets as he learns to make his own kind of music. From playing pretend instruments to stepping onto a stage with legendary musicians, his journey is full of rhythm, determination, and community spirit. The swirling, energetic illustrations make you feel like you can actually hear the jazz notes dancing off the page. This true story celebrates the rich culture of New Orleans and the unstoppable power of following your dreams. It shows that no matter how small you start, you can grow up to share your unique song with the whole world.

Every morning starts with a fun game. Your father goes knock knock on your bedroom door, and you pretend to be fast asleep until he is right next to your bed to say, I love you. But what do you do when one morning, the knock never comes? This gentle and inspiring story follows a young boy who wakes up to find his father is no longer there. At first, the boy feels lost and unsure of how to keep growing without his dad by his side. Then he discovers a letter filled with beautiful advice and love, giving him the guidance he needs to navigate the world. Through its warm and emotional journey, this book shows you how to find your own inner strength. It is a powerful reminder that even when someone you love cannot be with you every day, their love and hopes for you will always remain in your heart.

Alone we are strong, but together we are truly unstoppable. This astounding picture book delivers a powerful declaration of unity, love, and community, reminding readers that we are all part of something much greater than ourselves. In the profound final installment of this beloved trilogy, young readers are invited to recognize the brilliance they hold as individuals, and the immense power they unlock when their voices join as one. Rhythmic, courageous text pairs perfectly with breathtaking artwork to explore how every person is connected across the world. It is a beautiful message of optimism and a community touchstone for families and classrooms. By celebrating our shared humanity, this story shows children that the best way to build a brighter, kinder future is to create it hand in hand.

One thousand feet of dark water on the Ohio River was all that separated the slave state of Kentucky from the free shores of Ripley, Ohio. For those seeking freedom before the Civil War, the journey was perilous. Enter John Parker: a formerly enslaved man who purchased his own freedom and became a successful businessman. Unwilling to leave others behind, John risked his life time and time again to secretly lead families across the river to safety. Based on the incredible true story of a hero on the Underground Railroad, this gripping tale reveals the careful planning, unshakeable faith, and raw courage it took to lead people out of bondage.

Have you ever wondered what it means to be named after a hero? A young boy named Clemente is about to learn exactly why he shares his name with one of the greatest baseball players in history. Born in Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente was not just a superstar on the field, he was a deeply caring person who spent his life helping others. As you read this joyful story, you will hear the crack of the bat and feel the excitement of the stadium. You will discover how Roberto became the very first Latin American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. But you will also learn about his huge heart, and how he always wanted to give back to communities in need across Latin America. With energetic artwork and a rhythmic beat to the words, this biography brings a sports legend to life. It will inspire you to swing for the fences in everything you do, and to always look out for the people around you.

Uptown is chicken and waffles. Uptown is jazz. Most importantly, Uptown is home. Get ready for a spectacular guided tour through the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, seen entirely through the eyes of a young boy who loves where he lives. You will ride the Metro North train, stroll past the chocolate colored brownstones, and do some weekend shopping on 125th Street. Along the way, you will stop by the barbershop where the older folks share their memories, and you will feel the intense energy of a summer basketball game. Every single page is filled with the unique sounds, flavors, and colors that make this community like nowhere else in the world. This beautiful journey captures the rich history and modern pulse of a famous New York City neighborhood. It will make you appreciate the special details of your own hometown, and show you how beautiful a community can be when you really pay attention to its rhythm.

You always have mattered, and you always will matter. This profound and beautiful picture book reads as a soaring anthem of love from parents to their children. Through rhythmic, poetic language, a young boy is reminded of his deep, inherent worth. As he navigates the world, he is wrapped in the reassuring message that his life holds incredible meaning. The story gently addresses the realities of the world while wrapping the child in a protective blanket of history, heritage, and unshakable family pride. Paired with stunning, rich illustrations, this love letter to Black and brown children provides a much-needed mirror of excellence. It is the perfect read-aloud to remind every child that they are brilliant, they are loved, and they matter beyond measure.

Have you ever really looked at the shapes hiding all around you? Join a young girl as she takes a walk through her bustling city neighborhood, keeping her eyes wide open to discover ordinary things that look completely extraordinary. If you look closely, you will see shimmering skyscrapers standing tall like giant rectangles, and colorful kites fluttering in the wind like perfect diamonds. High above, the twinkling stars create tiny dots of light in the night sky. With a pigeon soaring overhead, every corner of the city turns into a fun and exciting game of hide and seek. This lively story takes you on an explosion of sights and sounds, encouraging you to notice the amazing geometry in your own world. It is a brilliant way to explore the energetic pulse of city living while learning how to spot the wonderful shapes that build our environment.

Meet a woman whose words became a song for the entire world. Maya Angelou was many things a singer a dancer an activist and a groundbreaking poet but above all she was a survivor who found her voice. In this moving picture book told through lyrical poetry you will travel through Maya's life from her childhood to the moment she made history at a presidential inauguration. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how quiet you feel your voice has the power to lift others up. With striking collage art that brings her journey to life this portrait shows how one woman's courage and creativity earned her a place in history and even on the United States quarter.

Step back in time to meet a quiet, courageous woman whose single action helped change the entire course of American history. You will follow the inspiring true story of Rosa Parks, a hardworking seamstress in Alabama who bravely refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Through beautiful storytelling, you will understand the deep strength and determination it took for her to stand up for what was right during the Civil Rights movement. This powerful biography shows you that you do not need to be loud to be incredibly strong. It is an unforgettable journey that will teach you how one person's peaceful demand for respect can ignite a spark that changes the world forever.

Growing up in Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall is the loudest talker, the funniest joke teller, and the absolute best arguer in the neighborhood. He was practically born to be a lawyer. You will follow his electric journey from being the star of his high school debate team to becoming a brilliant law student who refuses to accept the unfair treatment of Black Americans. As a top lawyer for the NAACP, Thurgood turns his sharp mind into a powerful weapon against discriminatory laws. Earning the nickname Mr. Civil Rights, he takes his fight all the way to the Supreme Court, winning cases that change history and desegregating schools across the nation. This high-energy story captures the intensity and brilliance of the man who shattered barriers to become the first Black United States Supreme Court Justice.

Imagine wanting to read so badly that you dream of making friends with words and unlocking the secrets hiding inside of books. Born into slavery, young Booker T. Washington was not allowed to go to school, but he never gave up his intense desire to learn. After gaining his freedom, Booker set out on an incredible journey. He traveled five hundred miles, mostly walking on foot, just to reach a school called the Hampton Institute. When he finally arrived, his shoes were worn, and he had only fifty cents in his pocket, but his mind was ready to soak up everything. You will be amazed by his determination to take his very first steps toward earning a college degree. This true story shows you the real meaning of courage and hard work. It will inspire you to value your education and remind you that no matter where you start in life, a powerful dream can carry you exactly where you want to go.

Step into the clay dusty workshop of Dave, a man who lived nearly two hundred years ago. While Dave was a slave in South Carolina, he was also a remarkable artist and a brave poet. This beautiful story shows you how Dave would take a simple mound of earth and transform it into magnificent jars and jugs, some large enough to hold a whole harvest. Before he sent his pottery to the kiln, Dave did something incredible: he carved his own poems and signed his name into the wet clay. At a time when he was not supposed to know how to read or write, Dave used his jars to speak to the world. You will see how his steady hands and creative spirit helped him find a sense of freedom, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and words that we still admire today.

Long before he became the President of the United States, Barack Obama was a young boy experiencing life in places like Hawaii and Jakarta. Growing up in a diverse family, he quickly learned the importance of understanding different cultures and listening to people's unique stories. This stunningly illustrated biography traces his remarkable path from a curious student to a dedicated community organizer fighting for social change. You will see how he carried the torch of past civil rights leaders, working tirelessly to ensure that the promises of equality and justice applied to everyone. With lyrical words and beautiful collage artwork, this inspiring book highlights the hard work and deep empathy that shaped his leadership. Discover the incredible true story of a man who believed in the power of hope and proved that anyone can rise up to make a massive difference in the world.