We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

Amazon Link

We Are the Ship beautifully relays the birth, life, and death of Negro League Baseball. Through the collective voice of the players, author Kadir Nelson tells the story of the trials and tribulations of the Negro Baseball League, up until the integration of blacks into Major League Baseball. Illustrations include oil paintings painted by the author.

Social History
-presents info of its impact on human history

-provides primary source documents

-historical and sociological in nature, telling how “negroes” have coped with challenges in history

-contains an afterword and bibliography




Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship. NY: Hyperion.


-Ms. J 

It's So Amazing by Robbie H. Harris and Michael Emberly

Amazon Link

For ages 3 and up, It's So Amazing does an incredible job of explaining the basics of the birds and the bees with illustrations, trivia facts, and matter-of-fact information that takes away any embarrassment a child might feel when discussing these topics with adults. The basic human body is explained, comparing the differences and similarities between males and females and how they reproduce. All sizes, shapes, and different types of families are included and well represented in this updated and well-done book.

Activity Book

-full of diagrams, drawings, and examples

-includes captions, sidebars, speech bubbles full of information

-has engaging and helpful cartoons

-is a “how-to” book for creating babies

Series/Reference Tool

-reader-friendly format

-contains the most current information

-may lack depth or be dry for children

-is a book in a series for various age levels and reading groups

Harris, R. (2014). It's so amazing (2nd ed.). Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

-Ms. J