02/01/2022 - Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, I have always shared a number of book recommendations on the Build Your Library blog that dealt with civil rights and famous African Americans. This year I have decided to transfer that tradition to History Book By Book and have the Featured Weekly Book Suggestions contain highlighted Black History Month topics, starting on January 31.
Week One Recommendation - Ophie's Ghosts - (January 31 - February 6, 2022)
Ophie's Ghosts (by: Justina Ireland, MG, UMG)
Emily's Review: Wow, this story. I absolutely loved this book. It's powerful and hard-hitting, while also being a heartfelt story about a girl handling grief. The cover was what drew me in initially, and the fact that the author was one I had been wanting to give a second chance (I read Dread Nation a few years ago and didn't love it, but liked the writing style). This story was everything I could want in a middle-grade book - there's a supernatural element, a mystery, a girl finding her place in the world, a historical setting, and the writing was just phenomenal.
Ophie and her mother have just moved to Pittsburgh after her father's death, and they struggle to make a life for themselves. Ophie has a secret - she can see ghosts. Over the course of this story, she learns why she has this talent as well as what to do with it.
But this story is so much more than just a girl and the ghosts who seek her out. This is a story about racism and injustice - the ugly history that is so often swept under the rug in America. The characters in this story are all so vivid and well-written. The supernatural element is well-crafted as well. The author built a fascinating world within our world. I loved watching Ophie come into her own in this story. She is a wonderful heroine.
I recommend this book for ages 10+. There are some upsetting and frightful moments that might be too much for a younger reader.
Week Two Recommendation - (February 7-13, 2022)
To be announced
Week Three Recommendation - (February 14-20, 2022)
To be announced
Week Four Recommendation - (February 21-27, 2022)
To be announced
Week Five Recommendation - (February 28 - March 6, 2022)
To be announced
Complete African American History Booklist
For all of our book suggestions pertaining to African American History, check out our booklist containing titles ranging from Pre-1699 American topics through present day.
Previous BHM Picks from the Build Your Library Archives
- 2021 Black History Month Book Recommendations
- 2020 Black History Month Book Recommendations
- 2019 Black History Month Book Recommendations
- 2018 Black History Month Book Recommendations
- 2017 Black History Month Book Recommendations
- Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
About the Author
Emily Cook is the curator of History Book By Book, and the creator of the secular homeschool curriculum Build Your Library, a literature-based K-12 program infused with the teachings of Charlotte Mason. She writes full-year lesson plans as well as shorter topical unit studies. Emily has been homeschooling her four children in Southern NH for 18 years. She is passionate about reading aloud to children of all ages and loves to share her love of literature with others. She and her family also make incredibly dorky videos about homeschooling, books, and more on Youtube at ARRRGH! Schooling. You can follow her on BYL / HBBB Facebook, BYL Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also check out her author page on Amazon.