Black is dazzling and distinctive, like toasted wheat berry bread; snowberries in the fall; rich, red cranberries; and the bronzed last leaves of summer. In this lyrical and luminous poetry collection, Coretta Scott King honorees Joyce Carol Thomas and Floyd Cooper celebrate these many shades of Black beautifully. Included in Brightly's list of recommended diverse poetry picture books for kids. "Highly recommended for home and school libraries," commented Brightly's Charnaie Gordon. "Each melodic poem eloquently conveys the beauty of different skin tones and complexions. There are also themes of family, traditions, feelings, self-love, and acceptance echoed throughout this book." "Evocative, colorful poetry. An essential picture book."-Kirkus (starred review) We are color struck The way an artist strikes His canvas with his brush of many hues Look closely at these mirrors these palettes of skin Each color is rich in its own right

HEALER By Joyce Carol Thomas Abyssinia Jackson heals in her outdoor garden where she counsels young women, Jasmine and Ginger. The dancing Ginger was adopted (and spoiled) by the recently married Zenobia. Jasmine, a broken doll of a young woman, waits to be mended in the garden. And the recovering alcoholic Laura Hawkins, upset by her best friend Zenobias happy wedding, backslides into drunkenness. In a drunken drama at the Dew Drop Inn, Laura defends Gods presence on the penny and His name in the Pledge of Allegiance. The scene of Jasmines tirade in the Ponca City cemetery takes ugliness to a new dimension as we glimpse the source of her sadness. In the graveyard, Sheneeka, a young white woman led by an extraordinary spirit, unexpectedly comes to Jasmines aid. Seamstress Jasmine, Dancer Ginger, and Drummer Sheneeka find answers they did not know they needed as Abyssinia prays for their safe journey through life. .