Books published by publisher Beckham Publications Group

Jazz Ellington says to his best friend Marquis, "I got bank!" And he does.. At ten years old, he has over $2,000 in the bank, and his savings keep growing. His granddad taught him to save his allowance and set up a bank account to make sure he did. I Got Bank! increases financial awareness while sharing the lives of two African-American boys growing up in the city.One lesson from our nation's economic crisis is that too many people lack the basic knowledge necessary to make sound financial decisions. Financial literacy for youngster is vital, and as valuable in the school system as reading and math. I Got Bank reinforces the view that we must be vigilant about making sure that our young people understand the value of money

Jazz Ellington says to his best friend Marquis, "I got bank!" And he does. At ten years old, he has over $2,000 in the bank, and his savings keep growing. His granddad taught him to save his allowance and set up a bank account to make sure he did. I Got Bank! increases financial awareness while sharing the lives of two African American boys growing up in the city.

Andre Beard made connecting trains easy. The Jenny Coupler used big hooks that were greasy. Craig Thompson does it again with this bright and rhyme-filled book overflowing with black inventors like Elijah McCoy, “The Real McCoy”, Augustus Jackson who revitalized ice cream, Madame CJ Walker who changed black hair care...and many more. Craig Thompson, autjhor of The ABCs of Black History moves the reader along with carefully chosen “kid-speak” that educates and stimulates. Set next to the bright and vivacious illustrations by Roger James, these poetic descriptions make book comes alive.

Africa is where the first people were born. It has many resources, from diamonds to corn. The book is a bright-colored, quick rhyming journey through the lives of history makers: billionaire businessman Reginald Lewis, Harlem Renaissance novelist Zora Neale Hurston, entertainment powerhouse Oprah Winfrey, and others leap from the pages. Skip along with places, events, and inventions significant to the black experience. Craig Thompson tells their stories in kid-speak, with carefully chosen words that summarize their contributions. And the backdrop for his words is the toasty hues and primary colors of illustrator Roger James. This unique guide is finally in paperback.

Andre Beard made connecting trains easy with the Jenny coupler's big greasy hooks. Craig Thompson does it again with this bright, rhyme-filled book overflowing with black inventors such as, Elijah McCoy (the real McCoy), Augustus Jackson who revitalized ice cream, Madame C.J. Walker who changed black hair care, and many more. Craig Thompson moves the reader along with carefully chosen kid-speak that educates and stimulates. Put alongside the bright and vivacious illustrations by Roger James, this book comes alive.

Not many people know about the secret part of Santa’s team. In a colorful, charming moment-by moment description, author Cynthia Dreeman Meyers shows us what really goes on the night before Christmas.Watch Mama Mouse and Daddy Mouse show their kids—Max and his little sister Molly—how to prepare for the man. “Max, come away from the door please and help your sister stir the candy-cane mix,” Mama Mouse begins. Soon come the sugarplums, the candy canes, and finally the note that says, “For Santa.”

Just in time for Black History Month and every other month, too! Baltimore-based, black attorney Craig Thompson presents us with The ABCs of Black History. The ABCs celebrates 26 notable greats, past and present, like Booker T. Washington, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, and Oprah Winfrey. A short and catchy rhyme accompanies each color-rich illustration of the historic figure. The ABCs recognizes lesser-known individuals who made their mark in our society, like Garret Morgan, inventor of the traffic light, and Lee Elder, the first black golfer invited to play in the Masters Tournament. Thompson wrote the book as a result of his fruitless search for children’s books after the birth of his daughter. He wanted cultural relevance, bright colors, and catchy rhymes. “I wanted something that would be ideal for children of all ages,” says Thompson. “But I also wanted to motivate them to know their history. So I combine vivid portraits with easy-to-remember lyrics from A to Z to motivate them to know their history.” The book isn’t just for black parents and their children. In fact, Thompson hopes that The ABCs will “introduce children of all races to important people, places, and events in black history, while providing parents with the rich-color contrasts, illustrations, and rhyming patterns that they need for the proper development of their children.”

Find out what really goes on the night before Christmas in this delightful turnaround on the claim, "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Watch Mama Mouse and Papa Mouse show their kids, Max and Molly, how to prepare for the MAN. "Help your sister stir the candy cane mix," Mama Mouse begins. Soon come the sugarplums, the candy canes, and finally the note that says "For Santa." Add to the fun by searching for the mischievous spider capering through every illustration. Can you find his name too?

The quilt of humanity is in a tattered state, says Deborah Howard, a New York City organization development and diversity consultant. We suffer too much as a result of racism, oppression, and the various ways that power and privilege affect us. Drawing on her own cultural background, she employs the Jewish concept of tikkun olam-healing and repairing the world-to present a provocatively insightful way out of our dilemma. That ideal can be applied both to the overall tattered quilt of humanity and to the individual torn, twisted, and distorted woven cloths that make up this quilt. Mending the quilt of humanity is a lengthy and complicated process. It requires reparation and healing on different levels and in many ways, all of which are necessary for complete equity and justice. Weaving her own story of injustice and oppression into the larger pattern, Deborah Howard gives us an inspiring model to follow. We learn how to weave our own stories into those of the larger society. Finally, she writes about the importance of understanding the essential thread of forgiveness-for ourselves and for others for perpetuating society's inequities.

On November 5th, 2008, journalists Bruce Kluger and David Tabatsky had a simple idea: to recapture the exhilarating spirit of the 2008 election from the perspective of our nation's children. They emailed a handful of friends. Those friends forwarded the email to their friends and relatives. In the end, the same infectious enthusiasm that fueled the Obama campaign itself produced the 200 letters and drawings collected here. From every region of the country, from ages four to 18, these kids talk about their hopes, fears, and dreams, and their unchecked excitement about the historic election that took place during their young lives.Kluger and Tabatsky also collaborated with the young contributors to create the vibrant visuals that accompany their remarkable letters.

One dog, one turtle, one rabbit and one frog become invisible right out there in the middle of the baseball field during the most important game of the season. Joe is the boy who wants to help his great, aging idol, Soupbone McDexter. Christopher provides the means with a chemistry set. An ingenious story, fast paced and witty, certain to provide light and happy reading for young readers.

On November 5th, 2008, journalists Bruce Kluger and David Tabatsky had a simple idea: to recapture the exhilarating spirit of the 2008 election from the perspective of our nation's children. They emailed a handful of friends. Those friends forwarded the email to their friends and relatives. In the end, the same infectious enthusiasm that fueled the Obama campaign itself produced the 200 letters and drawings collected here. From every region of the country, from ages four to 18, these kids talk about their hopes, fears, and dreams, and their unchecked excitement about the historic election that took place during their young lives. Kluger and Tabatsky also collaborated with the young contributors to create the vibrant visuals that accompany their remarkable letters.