Blue-ribbon choices: a librarian-recommended, kid-approved summer reading list.

Black Issues Book Review asked the Coretta Scott King Book Award Committee of the American Library Association for its summer reading recommendations for children. The Coretta Scott King Awards honor African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults (see BIBR, March-April 2004). Here are the titles the panel chose for us, arranged by grade level:

Preschoolers

Blues Journey by Walter Dean Myers Illustrations by Christopher Myers Holiday House, March 2003, $18.95 ISBN 0-823-41613-5

The African American experience is chronicled through the meter, beat and verse of these soulful blues poems. The strong, blue and sepia illustrations compliment the text and give a feeling of I what is meant by the blues.

Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley Illustrations by E.B. Lewis Megan Tingley, February 2002, $15.95 ISBN 0-316-52284-8

A father and son story showing the anxiety, fright and joy of a first haircut. The bold, beautiful illustrations depict the full range of emotions presented in the story.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Illustration by E.B. Lewis Putnam Pub. Group, January 2001, $16.99 ISBN 0-399-23116-1

This is a poignant story about two girls, who sit on opposite sides of a fence yet somehow become friends. The illustrations are dramatically drawn to show the racial tension of the time.

Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo Illustrations by Bryan Collier Henry Holt & Co., February 2002 $15.95, ISBN 0-806-06744-2

Through the eyes of a joyful little girl accompanied by her father, the reader experiences the world of Langston Hughes and Harlem in the 1920s. The brilliantly crafted watercolor and mix-media collage add to the tribute to both jazz and Hughes's era.

Fishing Day by Andrea Davis Pinkney Illustrations by Shane W. Evans Jump at the Sun/Hyperion November 2003, $16.49 ISBN 0-786-82614-2

Reenie and her mama fish for fun, but her white neighbors fish for food and fail to catch many fish. One day, Reenie overcomes her fear and teaches Peter how to be a better fisherman.

Grades 1-4

Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl by Virginia Hamilton, pictures by James Ransome, Blue Sky Press/Scholastic October 2003, $16.95, ISBN 0-590-47376-X

A retelling of the familiar trickster tale. Beautiful illustrations enhance the drama and bring the characters to life.

Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack Illustrations by Jerry Pinkney Atheneum, September 2001, $16.00 ISBN 0-689-81885-8

Tricia Ann persuades her grandmother to let her venture across town to visit the library. Her trip turns into an adventure as she encounters the Jim Crow laws and experiences prejudice firsthand. Realistic watercolors portray a keen sense of place--Nashville in the 1950s.

Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen, illustrations by Kadir Nelson, Harcourt Books, September 2003 $16.00, ISBN 0-152-16472-3

Thunder Rose is a tall-tale heroine cast in the tradition of John Henry and Paul Bunyan. She is a sassy, smart and stronger-than-a-bull Texas girl in this humorous tale that is both fanciful and formidable. Nelson expertly uses oil, water color and pencil to depict the explosive antics of Thunder Rose.

The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales Told by Virginia Hamilton Pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon Knopf (October1985), reissue January 1993 $13.00, ISBN 0-679-84336-1

Twenty-four folktales handsomely illustrated.

The Way a Door Closes by Anita Hope Smith, pictures by Shane W. Evans, Henry Holt & Company, May 2003 $18.95, ISBN 0-805-06477-X

Thirty-four gentle poems slowly unfold the details of 13-year-old C.J's happy life, until daddy leaves abruptly and everything changes. C.J's anger and confusion, which eventually leads to a happy conclusion.

Grades 5-8

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, Yearling Books, (reprint) January 2002, $5.99 ISBN 0-440-41328-1

A motherless child is determined to find his father. The setting is the 1930s, when money is scarce and homeless children are common. Fearless and determined, Bud leaves his foster home to search for his father. This is an upbeat adventure story sure to make you laugh, cry and think.

The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper Atheneum, June 2003, $16.95 ISBN 0-689-84232-5

Jericho wants desperately to be a Warrior of Distinction. The invitation to join the group seems like a dream come true until the initiation begins and Jericho starts having second thoughts. This unusual coming-of-age story has great appeal for boys as well as girls.

The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural by Patricia C. McKissack pictures by Brian Pinkney, BT. Bound, $5.50 ISBN 0-613-33690-9

Ghost stories about the Dark Thirty, the half hour before sunset, when ghosts seem all too believable. Black-and-white scratchboard art enhance the prose.

Hush by Jacqueline Woodson Putnam Pub. Group, January 2002, $15.99 ISBN 0-399-23114-5

Just when her family had achieved a place of importance in the community, Toswiah Green and her family are forced to start over in another town under a shroud of secrecy.

Money Hungry by Sharon G. Flake Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, May 2001, $15.99 ISBN 0-786-80548-X

Raspberry Hill will do anything legal to get her hands on a dollar because she is afraid of being homeless.

Grades 9-12

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes Dial Books for Young Readers January 2002, $16.99 ISBN 0-803-72569-8

Eighteen urban youths share their innermost feelings in their class's open mike poetry presentation. A glimpse into the heart and psyche of contemporary youths struggling to discover their own identities and destinies.

Chill Wind by Janet McDonald Frances Foster Books October 2002, $16.00 ISBN 0-374-39958-1

The story of Aisha with a capital "A"--for attitude! Ah unwed teen mother of two, she is forced to face the termination of welfare benefits. This fast-paced novel captures the ambivalence, anger and pain of growing up in an urban setting, needing love and seeking support.

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson Simon & Schuster, June 2003, $15.95 ISBN 0-689-84922-2

Bobby is a 16-year-old artist and single parent raising his daughter alone. In short alternating chapters between "Now" and "Then," Bobby struggles to balance the rigors of fatherhood in the absence of the child's mother.

The Red Rose Box by Brenda Woods Putnam Publishing Group, May 2002, $16.99 ISBN 0-399-23702-X

A simple coming-of-age tale of two young girls growing up between two worlds: the Jim Crow cotton fields of Sulphur, Louisiana, and desegregated neighborhoods of Los Angeles in the '50s.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers HarperCollins, May 2001, $6.99 ISBN 0-064-40731-4

Steve, 16, is on trial for murder, and his guilt or innocence is irrelevant. What is so painfully evident is that Steve is merely a pawn trapped in "the system," which forces him to review his life. This is a great book for reluctant readers.

Prepared by Fran Ware, Caretta Scott King Committee Chair, and Chrystal Carr Jeter, Coretta Scott King Jury Chair.