Alice Faye Duncan – författare

From his childhood in the Jim Crow South to his triumphant reign as the King of Blues,Blues Boytells the aspirational story of American music icon B.B. King. For readers ofTrombone Shorty,When Marian Sang, andDrum Dream Girl.Includes a timeline, authors note, and suggestions for reading and listening.

At twelve years old, Riley B. King borrowed fifteen dollars from his boss to buy a used guitar. Before long, he was playing his music for jubilant crowds all over the world. Blues Boy chronicles B. B. Kings inspiring journey from his childhood in the Jim Crow South to global stardom. It is a compelling biography about the widely known and celebrated American music figure as well as a beautifully illustrated picture book with themes of family, community, history, kindness, empathy, and justice.

Acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan makes B.B. Kings story both accessible and inspiring for young readers. The text is sometimes uplifting and sometimes heart-wrenching, but always carries emotional depth, much like the music it celebrates. Illustrator and visual artist Carl Joe Williams provides artwork that is rich and distinctive, bringing B.B. Kings story to life on every page.Blues Boy will find a place on the shelf with books like Trombone Shorty and Radiant Child. Includes backmatter.

Booklist starred review

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak''s stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln''s Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn''t always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn''t freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Through the story of Opal Lee''s determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free Educator''s Guide is a companion to Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan. This guide can be utilized in the classroom, in a home school setting, or by parents seeking additional resources. Ideal for age 4-8.