Freedom Bird
In the antebellum South, two siblings shelter a large, mysterious, wounded bird and eventually follow it west toward freedom. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Black Joy, Positive Racial Identity and Storytelling
The act of sharing stories featuring Black characters results in positive racial identity and joy. When Black children see themselves in stories and experience storytelling tradition, they can see themselves as important and can experience a sense of belonging.
This list shares stories, tales, and a title with games and songs as well! With a focus on Black authors and artists, these titles give a chance to begin or to carry on storytelling traditions.
You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!
Patricia McKissack compiles a treasury of African American children’s culture: a collection of her favorite childhood games, songs, poetry, and stories that are directly linked to her African American heritage. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
The Lion & the Mouse
In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds by rescuing the King of the Jungle. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Hoopla or as video on Hoopla.
Nana Akua Goes To School
Zura is worried about how her classmates will react to her Ghanaian Nana’s tattoos on Grandparents Day, but Nana finds a way to show how special and meaningful they are.
Octopus Stew
What do you do when an octopus captures Grandma? Put on your superhero cape and rescue her! Two stories in one from award-winning Afro-Latino artist Eric Velasquez. The octopus Grandma is cooking has grown to titanic proportions. “¡Tenga cuidado!” Ramsey shouts. “Be careful!” But it’s too late. The octopus traps Grandma! Ramsey uses both art and intellect to free his beloved abuela.
A Pride of African Tales
A collection of African folktales originating in the storytelling tradition.
Thank You, Omu!
When the aroma of Omu’s homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby, as video on Hoopla or as video with read along on Hoopla.
Your Name Is a Song
Saddened by her classmates’ and teacher’s mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.