Shane W. Evans

Brief, staccato text and dark-hued, mixed-media illustrations convey the drama of enslaved people escaping on the Underground Railroad. There is limited light and grave danger until the family reaches freedom in this seemingly simple yet rich and sophisticated book.

Two children aroused by their parents join the March on Washington in 1963. Short sentences and semi-abstract illustrations convey the children's evolving feelings as they join scores of others in what adults recognize as an historic march for civil rights.

Self-taught artist Clementine Hunter used paint and canvas to record life in the rural south. Her work was first hung on a clothesline, much later in galleries. This attractive picture book biography concludes with an author's note and actual images by Hunter.

Reenie and her mother often fish along a river nicknamed Jim Crow, where they often see Peter and his father fishing, too. Since Reenie is black and Peter is white, they never speak — until Reenie reaches out to bridge a divide even wider than the river. A hopeful ending concludes this expressively illustrated recollection of the author's childhood.

Li'l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won't celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu. But maybe he can help Granna Rabbit have a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway. Is Li'l Rabbit too little to help? Or does he just need a little help from his family and friends? The story of Li'l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa — coming together to help others. Donna L. Washington's story, with art from Shane W.

Finally, Amira is twelve. Old enough to wear a toob, old enough for new responsibilities. And maybe old enough to go to school in Nyala — Amira's one true dream. But life in her peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when the Janjaweed arrive. The terrifying attackers ravage the town and unleash unspeakable horrors. After she loses nearly everything, Amira needs to dig deep within herself to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp.