Books with author Andrea Pinkney

Help boil the greens, flip the fish, and slice the pie for a mouth-watering family meal in I Smell Honey, then join the fun as a baby boy discovers the unique features that make his face so special in Pretty Brown Face. In Shake Shake Shake and Watch Me Dance, explore the joys of rhythm and movement. These spirited board books celebrate the loving closeness of an African American family.

Otis, Willie, and Hibernia are three children with a lot in common: they've all lost a loved one, they each have secret dreams, and they won't stop fighting for what they want. And they're also a lot like their hero, famed boxer Joe Louis. Throughout this moving novel, their lives gradually converge to form friendship, family, and love. Their trials and triumphs echo those of Joe Louis, as he fights to become the heavyweight boxing champion.Andrea Pinkney masterfully weaves in factual information about Joe Louis and actual radio commentary from his fights, enriching the narrative of this uniquely rendered and beautifully written novel.

Both 11-year-old Summer and her older brother Roscoe have a “silent thunder” roaring through their souls. Summer yearns to learn letters, so she can read. Roscoe wants to join the Union forces and fight in the Civil War. But they are slaves in Virginia, and their wishes are forbidden. Their friend Thea says that silent thunder is something slaves have to keep private, but Summer and Roscoe can’t resist their feelings. Before 1862 comes to a close, they both find unexpected allies who help them act on their desires. Now they must make difficult, painful decisions that will forever change their lives. Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney tells this moving tale from the perspective of both Summer and Roscoe. With the poignant narration of Andrea J. Johnson and Peter Jay Fernandez, the glory of the human spirit shines through—even in the face of the most degrading circumstances.

In Shake Shake Shake, a baby boy discovers a popular African percussion instrument, the shekere. First he rolls it. Then he taps it. And quickly he learns he can make wonderful rhythmic music. A young girl entertains her baby brother in Watch Me Dance. She stomps her feet. She claps her hands. At first baby brother just watches, but soon he’s dancing, too! Help boil the greens, flip the fish, and slice the pie for a mouth-watering family meal in I Smell Honey. Youngsters will delight in pointing out tasty foods and learning about their senses in this delicious treat for little ones. Join the fun as a baby boy discovers the unique features that make his face so special in Pretty Brown Face. A Mylar mirror at the end of the book encourages babies to explore their own pretty faces.