February 2019

I had been introduced to Hedy Lamarr’s incredible story on Mike Rowe’s wonderful The Way I Heard It podcast, and combined with Benedict’s gifted story-telling skill, I devoured this book in one evening. More satisfying than a steak dinner.

A meditating Silicon Valley entrepreneur teams up with a young, insightful, and traditionally educated Tibetan Rinpoche in this guide to using mindfulness techniques to get to know your own mind and experience how a slight shift in your perspective can create a radical shift in your life.

Enjoyed the tips in this book so much that I sought out one of the authors, Scott Stratten, and I plan on meeting him in a week at an event. Very gifted speaker, and his twisted humor translates well on the pages of this guide on how to better serve customers. Want to go viral? Do something worth talking about…in a positive way, that is!

In a hard-hitting novel about fitting in – or not – Anthony “Ant” Jones gets transported from his East Cleveland hood to an almost all-white prep school and has to figure out where he belongs...before he loses himself entirely.

The inspirational true story of the first African American to play college basketball in the deeply segregated Southeastern Conference.

A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity.

Inspired by Betty's real life – but expanded upon and fictionalized through collaboration with novelist Renée Watson – Ilyasah Shabazz illuminates four poignant years in her mother’s childhood with this book, painting an inspiring portrait of a girl overcoming the challenges of self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate with young readers today.

Award-winning young adult author Schmidt offers this wonderful children’s picture book about Sojourner Truth, with captivating illustrations by Daniel Minter.

A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger's home. Where are they heading? They are heading for freedom by way of the Underground Railroad in this gripping picture book.

Winner of the Coretta Scott King illustrator award, this lovely book blends the poetic wisdom of Langston Hughes (one of my favorite poets) with visionary illustrations from Bryan Collier in this inspirational picture book that carries the promise of equality.