A season for stories of the past and present: choices for the young range from a civil rights lesson to a fish tale.

Don't Know Much About Rosa Parks by Kenneth C. Davis Illustrated by Sergio Martinez HarperCollins Publishers, January 2005 $4.99, ISBN 0-064-42126-0 Ages 8-12

In a helpful question-and-answer format, the author describes the life and accomplishments of Rosa Parks. Clearly written and easy for children to understand, this is a great little civil rights primer.

Hot Jazz Special

Words and Pictures by Jonny Hannah Candlewick Press, March 2005 $16.99, ISBN 0-763-62308-3 Ages 6-10

Hannah's book on jazz lifts youthful spirits with snappy prose and exuberant pictures that epitomize this wonderful genre: "Welcome to a world of hipsters, flipsters and finger-poppin' daddies. Where Bird blows. The Duke keeps time, and Lady Day sweetly sings. Where to jump is to jive, and to bop is to be. Boys and girls, cats and squares, this is jazz!" Hot Jazz Special is a lively introduction to the music and to artists like Jelly Roll Morton, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.

Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl by Tonya Bolden Harry N. Abrams, February 2005 $17.95, ISBN 0-810-95045-6 Ages 5 and up

Based on an unpublished memoir, Maritcha tells the story of young girl, who was born in 1948, and moved from New York City to Providence, Rhode Island, to become the first black person to graduate from the high school there. The well-researched text is combined with old photographs of the girl's family and drawings that capture both family life and the racial climate of the era.

Building a New Land: African Americans in Colonial America by James Haskins and Kathleen Benson Illustrated by James Ransome HarperCollins Publishers, January 2005 $7.99, ISBN 0-060-58554-4 Ages 7-12

Colonial African American life is explored with fine illustrations that warmly represent the actions of the people. The text clearly imparts a history lesson, as the chapters are complete with names of important people and dates of events.

The Sun's Daughter

by Pat Sherman, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, Clarion Books, March 2005 $16, ISBN 0-618-32430-5 Ages 5-9

Based on an Iroquois legend, Sherman spins the story of Mother Sun and her daughters, Maize, Pumpkin and Red Bean. The daughters walked among the fields, creating such lush crops that the people did not have to work the land. One day Maize wanders off and is held captive. A dreaded chill settles when Mother Sun refuses to return until her child is found. Children will enjoy this beautifully illustrated and captivating story.

A Negro League Scrapbook by Carole Boston Weatherford Foreword by Buck O'Neil Boyds Mills Press, March 2005 $19.96, ISBN 1-590-78091-4 Ages 7 and up

Rich with photos and memorabilia, this special homage is crafted so that young children will know the important place of the Negro Leagues in the history and evolution of the great game.

I Bet She Called Me Sugar Plum by Joanne V. Gabbin Illustrated by Margot Bergman Foreword by Lucille Clifton Franklin Street Gallery Productions September 2004 $14.95, ISBN 0-976-07160-6 Ages 4-7

As a young child begs her mother for bedtime stories about her grandmother, a loving family patchwork is built and strong ties are formed. Only when the child asks about her birth mother do we realize that she has been adopted: "Mama, please tell me one more thing before I go to sleep. What did my first mommy call me when she stroked my cheek? ... Oh! I know, I know Mama, I bet she called me Sugar Plum!"

With Bergman's rich collages, this book allows readers to see the mutually beneficial aspects of adoption when love is front and center.

The ABCs of Black History: A Children's Guide

by Craig Thompson, illustrations by Roger James, Beckham Publications Group, January 2005 $14.95, ISBN 0-931-76172-7 Ages 5 and up

This uniquely crafted book teaches youngsters not only the alphabet but also the names of important black, historical figures. The author offers the information in a catchy rhyme about such people as Thurgood Marshall, Wilma Rudolf and Stevie Wonder, and he also includes background about inventions and rights--"U" for Umbrella, "V" for voting--and where they fit in black history. The full-page illustrations are lively characterizations.

A Season for Mangoes

by Regina Hanson, illustrated by Eric Velasquez, Clarion Books March 2005, $15, ISBN 0-618-15972-x Ages 5-8

Set in Jamaica, A Season for Mangoes describes the "sit up" a practice of celebrating, through stories, a loved one who has recently passed. Young Sareen has just lost her beloved grandmother, but will she have the courage to share her stories in front of so many people.

Hanson's book shows great sensitivity and reminds children of the importance of celebrating the lives of our loved ones, even when they are no longer with us.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story

by Kelly Bennett Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones Candlewick Press, January 2005 $15.99, ISBN 0-763-62384-9 Ages 4-8

A little boy who yearns for a fuzzy pet is not too thrilled to get a goldfish for his birthday. It takes a little time, but Norman the tiny goldfish soon earns his love. Jones's colorful illustrations add a nice perk.