Books with author Angela Shelf Medearis

“Daddy says our people built the pyramids. Our people were kings and queens . . . poets and mathematicians . . . artists who built beautiful statues . . . “Our People celebrates the legacy of African Americans through an intimate conversation between a contemporary father and daughter. As they explore together the history of their people, from Ancient Africa through slavery to present day, they share a special bond—with each other, with the past, and with the heroic individuals who are part of our heritage. An inspiring book about both history and possibility, Our People will inspire young readers to imagine their past and envision the realities of their futures.

It’s Christmas on Master Brown’s plantation and, like Christmas everywhere, that means it’s time for gift giving. There are no ordinary gifts on the plantation, though. Here, there is a special tradition: when two people see each other, the first to say “Christmas gift” receives a special present. Jim, a slave, seizes the opportunity to ask Master Brown for a gift—the gift of his freedom. There’s just one catch—first Jim has to come up with a riddle that the master cannot answer. Through spring, summer, and fall, Jim struggles to come up with the perfect riddle. By Christmas, he’s ready with the riddle that will win his right to be free forever. Based on a true story first told to writer William Faulkner, The Freedom Riddle makes an important statement about freedom and history that will resonate with readers of all ages. A perfect book for Black History month that will be enjoyed again at Christmas.