'Henry's Freedom Box' by Ellen Levine

Award-Winning African-American Books

Heart-wrenching but hopeful story of escape.

Age: 5+

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this book is based on a true story from the underground railroad and is as riveting as the strong, straightforward stare of the young boy on its cover. It may disturb younger readers, as it should, that children are sold away from their families, and parents should be prepared to talk about this and the other harsh realities of Henry's life. An author's note at the end tells of the real Henry Brown and his Freedom Box on which this story was based. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Scholastic Press)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Award-Winning Af... All of the excellent, award-winning books on this list celebrate African-American people and culture, and all are great picks for your kids. —Common Sense Media (Photo: iStock)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Jazz on a Satur... Kids will groove to this toe-tapping treasure.
Age: 4+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that kids will be drawn in by this exciting rhyming introduction to "America's classical music" and its pioneers. Notes and a CD are included to help readers get started on their journey into sound and rhythm. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Blue Sky Press)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Let it Shine' b... Color-burst pictures illuminate gospel songs.
Age: 4+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that the text of this 2008 Coretta Scott King Award winner is Christian spirituals. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Simon & Schuster)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Henry's Freedom... Heart-wrenching but hopeful story of escape.
Age: 5+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this book is based on a true story from the underground railroad and is as riveting as the strong, straightforward stare of the young boy on its cover. It may disturb younger readers, as it should, that children are sold away from their families, and parents should be prepared to talk about this and the other harsh realities of Henry's life. An author's note at the end tells of the real Henry Brown and his Freedom Box on which this story was based. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Scholastic Press)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'My People' by L... Photos bring sparkling tone to simple poem of celebration.
Age: 5+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that the photographs in this book illustrate a short poem written by Langston Hughes in the late 1920s. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Atheneum)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Negro Speak... Words and watercolors sing in a voice as deep as the river.
Age: 6+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this presentation of Langston Hughes' famous poem received the 2010 Coretta Scott King Honor for illustrations. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Jump at the Sun)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Heart and Soul'... Beautifully illustrated account of African-American history.
Age: 9+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this in-depth picture book brings up the important topics of slavery, Jim Crow laws, gender and racial inequality, and economic disadvantage throughout the history of America, with a keen focus on African-American history. Children will better understand the economic benefits as well as the harsh realities of slavery and see the evolution of America's relationship with its African-American citizens. This will touch off questions and discussion on many of the topics still relevant today for many segments of the population. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Balzer + Bray)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Elijah of Buxto... Humorous, powerful, masterful escaped-slave tale.
Age: 9+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that, while this isn't as graphic as some books about slavery, it has its share of horrors, including beating deaths (only the aftermath described), lynching, scars from beatings and brandings, and adults and children shackled, starved, and deprived of water. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Scholastic Inc.)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Sounder' by Wil... Sharecropper boy finds hope, dignity amid racism, hardship.
Age: 12+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Newbery-award winner is not a heartwarming dog story, as the title and cover may indicate. Rather, it is the story of a boy's struggle to find his father, his dog, and his own identity in a racist world that is harsh, lonely, and violent at times. Written in the late '60s, some of the characterizations seem stereotypical, but the language is simple and strong, almost poetic, and the story is good. Several editions of the book have been reprinted, and it was made into a well-received 1972 movie starring Cicely Tyson and an updated 2003 Disney movie starring Paul Winfield. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Harper & Row)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'November Blues'... Gritty, honest look at teen pregnancy.
Age: 13+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this is a realistic portrayal of a teen pregnancy and parenthood, and readers will get a good look at the difficulties November now faces in her life. As books about teen pregnancy go, this one is pretty mild: no sex scenes, and no glossing over the difficulties. There are references to having unprotected sex, a clinical description of conception, prenatal doctor exams, a childbirth scene, discussion of abortion, and a pregnant 12-year-old. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Atheneum)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Claudette Colvi... Dramatic story of forgotten teen civil rights hero.
Age: 13+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that amidst this award-nominated, inspirational history lesson there are mentions of upsetting violence: stories of women being raped by men in the segregated South; several teens are arrested; a girl becomes pregnant by a much older, married man; and a teen is wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to die. There are also several bombings of homes and churches. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Color Purpl... Edgy tale of poor, abused woman's journey to independence.
Age: 13+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "The Color Purple" is a moving, inspirational novel told in letters that includes an abundance of mature content: explicit sex, rape, incest, sexism and violence toward women, and a lesbian relationship. The book vividly portrays the harsh life of rural, poor African Americans, especially women, in the pre-civil rights South, and has been criticized for its negative depiction of African-American men. It ranked No. 17 on the American Library Association's list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books 2000-2009 due to its sex, violence, and strong language. The novel was adapted for Steven Spielberg's successful 1985 film version and a 2005 Broadway musical. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Atheneum)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Beloved' by Ton... Haunting Pulitzer Prize winner about slavery's impact.
Age: 15+
What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is on many high school required reading lists because it's a classic that will leave a lasting imprint on readers. It's true that "Beloved" is the 26th book on the American Library Association's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books for 2000-2009 and has been challenged for its violence, sexuality, and more: It features a gritty infanticide, racial language, horrific sexual assaults, and even references to sex with animals. But teens are mature enough to handle the challenges this book presents. At this age they can decide for themselves what they think about disturbing personal and historical events. "Beloved" is a beautiful, powerful book that will help all readers learn about the horrors of slavery, and leave them thinking about what it means to be a strong, heroic, or moral person. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Vintage Books)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Experience Movie... Click here to see African-American movies that bring to life the experiences of the past, from the Civil War to Civil Rights.