“Crown – Ode to the Fresh Cut” – A young boy’s visit to the barbershop is the focus of this picture book. Author Derrick Barnes is a graduate of Jackson State University.
P.D. Brown greets a young reader at the official launch party and book-signing party for “I am a Natural Cutie” on Nov. 26. (Courtesy photo)
by Phyllis Dixon, Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Giving a child a book provides a gift to be enjoyed now and helps develop an essential life skill – reading proficiency. The National Education Association has found that “reading proficiency is associated with higher test scores, and later, with higher-paying jobs, greater career growth, and higher rates of civic engagement (i.e. voting.)”
A book may not be as loud as the TV, or as animated as a video game, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Award winning author Jason Reynolds says he hated to read when he was growing up and his prime goal as an author is to create books that are not boring.
Dismal statistics abound about poor levels of reading proficiency in so-called urban schools. Among the causes is peer pressure. As our children leave elementary school, it becomes increasingly “uncool” to be smart. Encouraging independent reading can help reverse this trend.
With that in mind, use the holiday as another opportunity to encourage the young people in your life to read.
Here are a few engaging stories that promote positive self-images:
“Crown – Ode to the Fresh Cut” – A young boy’s visit to the barbershop is the focus of this picture book. Author Derrick Barnes is a graduate of Jackson State University.
“I Am a Natural Cutie” by P.D. Brown – A kindergartner teased about her natural hair, learns to love her afro puffs. Brown is not new to readers of The New Tri-State Defender. She won the 2013 Best in Black “Hustle” Award. She is a graduate of Whitehaven High School and the University of Memphis. This is her first book.
“Sophie Washington: The Snitch” by Tonya Duncan Ellis – Fifth-grader Sophie Washington must decide how to handle a bully. Ellis’ book geared towards readers ages 8 to 12.
“Trouble Next Door” by Karen English – This is the fourth installment in the Carver Chronicles series. Third-grader Calvin has to deal with a new neighbor and a wayward science project.
“House of Cars” – A popular 14-year-old basketball player has a secret that he doesn’t want his school friends to find out. His family is homeless. The realistic dialogue and situations will hook teen readers. This is book #1 of the Fairley High Series. The author is Memphis’ Shelia E. Lipsey, who has written adult best sellers and continues to inspire with stories of overcoming adversity.
“Ghost” by Jason Reynolds tells the story of Castle Cranshaw, a middle-grade sprinter, who has been running on and off the track all his life. His coach helps him harness his talent and overcome obstacles that threaten his potential.
“Life in Motion, An Unlikely Ballerina” by Misty Copeland – Biography of the first African-American principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre history.
Seasonal tips for book giving
* Kids outgrow books. Donate gently-used books to a shelter or crisis center. St. Andrew AME Church (867 South Parkway East) has a library.
* Give your child a library card, if they don’t have one.
* Purchase a gift certificate to a bookstore and let them pick the book.
* Subscribe to a magazine they’ll be interested in.
* These books are available at local bookstores or online.
* Remember – if you encourage reading, you are giving a gift that lasts a lifetime.
