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Books with author Charles R. Smith Jr.

  • Brick by Brick

    Charles R. Smith Jr., Floyd Cooper

    Hardcover (Amistad, Dec. 26, 2012)
    The compelling true story behind the building of the White House, a powerful part of history rarely taught. From Coretta Scott King Award winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper.The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long before there were machines to do those same jobs. Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper's stunning illustrations bring to life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this iconic emblem of America, brick by brick.Includes an insightful author's note and a list of selected resources.
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  • Chameleon

    Charles R. Smith Jr.

    Hardcover (Candlewick, Sept. 23, 2008)
    "Kids will grab this for the immediacy in the scenes, the brutal standoffs, the fast talk at the ball court, and the elemental conflicts of coming-of-age." — BooklistShooting the breeze with his boys. Tightening his D on the court. Doing a color check — making sure nobody's wearing blue or red, which some Crip or Piru carrying a cut-down golf club would see as disrespect. Then back to Auntie's, hoping she isn't passed out from whiskey at the end of the day. Now that Shawn is headed for high school, he wonders if he'd be better off at the school in Mama's neighborhood, where he'd be free of Compton's hassles. But then he wouldn't be with his fellas — cracking jokes, covering each other's backs — or the fine Marisol, who's been making star appearances in his dreams. Dad says he needs to make his own decision, but what does Shawn want, freedom or friendship? With teasing, spot-on dialogue and an eye to the realities of inner-city life, Chameleon takes on the shifting moods of a teenager coming of age.
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  • Hoop Kings

    Charles R Smith Jr.

    Library Binding (Perfection Learning, Sept. 1, 2007)
    "Will have enormous appeal for all ages. . . . Readers will experience a wild ride!" -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review) Tim Duncan cashes in double-digit points by banking it off the backboard. Kevin Garnett makes his new-and-improved moves in 3-D. As for Shaquille O'Neal, just see what it might take to fill his gargantuan shoes (shown actual size). With pumping, energetic, rap-inspired wordplay, Charles R. Smith profiles the distinctive playing styles of twelve of the best male players in basketball. An International Reading Association Children's Choice A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List Selection
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  • Hoop Queens

    Charles R. Smith Jr.

    Hardcover (Candlewick, July 28, 2003)
    Cheer on twelve professional women basketball players with a collection of vivid poems by Charles R. Smith Jr. set against vibrant photographs of the players in action.Seven-foot-two-inch Margo Dydek blocks shots like a "Fly Swatter." Ticha Penicheiro feeds the ball to her teammates like a "Chef . . . mixing / and tossing / and chopping / and whipping." And then there’s "Fire Starter" Chamique Holdsclaw, rapidly racking up points and "blazing a trail with moves that scorch."These are just three of the twelve women profiled by Charles R. Smith Jr. in a remarkable group of poems honoring the unique talents and determination of some of the best female players in professional basketball. With its arresting visual layout, action photographs on craft paper, and kinetic lyrics illustrating each player’s style, HOOP QUEENS will grab the attention of any kid who loves basketball - and score a slam-dunk with teachers of poetry. The book’s special cover treatment includes a cloth spine and cover stamping, giving a textured feel.
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  • Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali

    Charles R. Smith Jr., Bryan Collier

    Hardcover (Candlewick, Nov. 13, 2007)
    A dynamic author-illustrator team follows the threetime heavyweight champ through twelve rounds of a remarkable life."Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. . . . I’m the prettiest thing that ever lived!"From the moment a fired-up teenager from Kentucky won 1960 Olympic gold to the day in 1996 when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as "The Greatest" waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and against a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. Charles R. Smith Jr.’s rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs with relentless energy, while Bryan Collier’s bold collage artwork matches every move — capturing the "Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme" who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali.Back matter includes a time line.
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  • Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls, and Rhythms

    Jr. Charles R Smith

    Paperback (Puffin, March 15, 1600)
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  • Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls, and Rhythms

    Charles R. Smith

    Hardcover (Dutton Juvenile, Feb. 1, 1999)
    A debut photographic collection of the amateur, scholastic, and professional world of basketball includes poems, jokes, prose, and other entertaining writings as rhythmic and gritty as the sport itself.
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  • Perfect Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Boys Choir of Harlem

    Charles R. Smith

    Hardcover (Jump At The Sun, July 8, 2002)
    Inspired by the Boys Choir of Harlem, an energetic combination of poetry, musical concepts, and bold photographs of the choir members celebrates the power of music.
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  • Chameleon

    Charles R. Smith

    eBook (Candlewick Press, June 14, 2010)
    "Kids will grab this for the immediacy in the scenes, the brutal standoffs, the fast talk at the ball court, and the elemental conflicts of coming-of-age." - BooklistShooting the breeze with his boys. Tightening his D on the court. Doing a color check -- making sure nobody's wearing blue or red, which some Crip or Piru carrying a cut-down golf club would see as disrespect. Then back to Auntie's, hoping she isn't passed out from whiskey at the end of the day. Now that Shawn is headed for high school, he wonders if he'd be better off at the school in Mama's neighborhood, where he'd be free of Compton's hassles. But then he wouldn't be with his fellas -- cracking jokes, covering each other's backs -- or the fine Marisol, who's been making star appearances in his dreams. Dad says he needs to make his own decision, but what does Shawn want, freedom or friendship? With teasing, spot-on dialogue and an eye to the realities of inner-city life, Chameleon takes on the shifting moods of a teenager coming of age.
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  • I Am America

    Charles Smith Jr., Charles R. Smith Jr.

    Hardcover (Cartwheel, July 1, 2003)
    Poet and photographer Charles Smith, Jr. has created a poignant, stunning photographic picture book that celebrates the many faces that make up America."I am America/I am proud/I am diverse/soft-spoken/and loud."The powerful poem in this one-of-a-kind book is enhanced by the accompanying photographs that represent children of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The playful images and touching poetry work together to tell the story of America. Children and parents alike will be moved by each unforgettable face and each strikingly beautiful line of verse. Photographer Charles Smith, Jr. brings his unique artistic style to this patriotic and poignant portrayal of America's children.
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  • Pride and Joy

    Charles R. Smith

    Hardcover (Jump At The Sun, Feb. 25, 2002)
    Here is one of four new additions to the irresistible Motown Baby Love borad book series. Paired with scrumptious photos of babies who come in all colors, shapes, and sizes, the heartfelt lyrics of these timeless Motown songs take on a whole new meaning. You can never have enough baby love.
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  • Motown: You're All I Need to Get By - Book #7

    Charles R. Smith

    Hardcover (Jump At The Sun, Feb. 25, 2002)
    Here is one of four new additions to the irresistible Motown Baby Love board book series. Paired with scrumptious photos of babies who come in all colors, shapes and sizes, the heartfelt lyrics of these timeless Motown songs take on a whole new meaning. You can never have enough baby love.
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