Illustrated Black History

Readers, I owe you a big time apology. I haven't posted an adequate amount of content in ages or any content in months. Blame it on the stroke and the amount of work it took to rebuild strength, stamina, balance, and fine motor skills to the point where I could actually return to graduate school less than 4 months after the event. Then when the semester started the work was exponentially harder and more time consuming. But during March Break I've caught up and even gotten a little bit ahead to the point I can add creating and posting content to my schedule. And I'm putting back the features I've been told you like the most: on a personal note and shout out. I know it will take a lot of time and work to rebuild my numbers. But it isn't just a blog; it's a mission—spreading awareness of diverse and inclusive books at a time when so many people are doing all they can to restrict access to them. If you agree with the importance of this mission I hope you will continue to read this blog and tell your friends about it.
George McCalman's Illustrated Black History: Honoring The Iconic and The Unseen (Black author, Black history) is the liveliest and most surprising volume I've ever seen in the historic who's who genre. It does include both the famous and the less well known. There's immense diversity surrounding historic times, gender and sexuality, lineages, fields of endeavor, and just about anything else you can think of. The portraits of the honorees are also quite diverse, created lovingly by the author in a wide range of art styles.
It's also the best volume I've seen in this genre. It doesn't become formulaic. And the subjects' accomplishments do not overshadow their humanity. Through the splendid pairing up of narrative and illustration they really come to life. I came up with a list of folx I plan to learn more about. I wouldn't be surprised if you found at least a few who intrigue you.
Although Illustrated Black History is categorized as adult it doesn't seem too hard a read for older high school students. I think a wonderful assignment would be to have each member of a class choose a particularly interesting character to research, perhaps doing the actual research in small groups, write a report, perhaps including a portrait, and have one class in which to share and critique. It's a great acquisition for high school and college libraries.
On a personal note, I've really enjoyed my not all work March Break. I've gone on a road trip with Eugene. I had lunch with a classmate who will be getting her Masters degree :) and returning to California :(. I made a Goodwill run. Best of all, Eugene had a chance to spend a precious afternoon with our kids. And of course I had some extra time for cat assisted reading.
A great big shout out goes out to Sam, the grad to be, my kids and their significant others, and precious Tobago cat.