Negro Baseball League historian and co-founder of the Negro Baseball League Museum in Kansas City, MO, Phil S. Dixon has released over seven books and numerous articles on the subject matter of Negro Leagues Baseball. I recently had an opportunity to meet Phil at the July 2023 Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference here in Detroit, MI. Phil’s recent release John Buck O’Neil: The Rookie, His Words, His Voice is a must have for baseball fans and black history readers. This interactive book has several QR codes which readers can scan and hear Buck O’Neil in his own voice and words. One of the first Negro Baseball League books I purchased was Phil’s The Negro Baseball Leagues: A Photographic History. Phil travels the United States extensively educating the public about the rich history of the Negro Baseball Leagues and can be seen around the country at colleges, libraries and a baseball stadium near you. As a historian, Phil is an active member of The Society of Baseball Researchers better known as SABR. Phil shares his love of baseball and history in The League, a recent documentary on The Negro Baseball League directed by Sam Pollard. Charles Collectibles and Books rates John Buck O’Neil: The Rookie, His Words, His Voice 5 out of 5 stars. Buy Now!
Author, educator and researcher Tonya Bolden brings audiences Changing The Equation. Changing the Equation is a salute to more than 50 Black women in STEM. Readers have an opportunity to learn about Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist who brought the world the grocery scanner and the ability to listen to compact discs (CD’s). Another great Black woman of STEM was Patricia E. Bath who received a US patent to remove cataracts via laser treatment. Tonya Bolden’s highlighting of these Black women trailblazers and their inventions–many of which we take for granted in our daily lives–showcases the vital role that Black women have played in the development of the modern world. This book is an inspiration for everyone interested in learning true history, especially Black women and girls. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Changing The Equation 5 out of 5 stars and a must read for everyone. Buy Now!
Congressman John Lewis’ final book before his transitioning to an ancestor is appropriately titled Carry On. It is a blueprint and a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Wanting to prepare the next generation of future leaders to stir up good trouble, Lewis (known for causing good trouble), provides real advice–via reflections on life and learned wisdom–to the next generations of future activists. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Carry On, John Lewis’ final book, 5 out of 5 stars. This book is ideal for young adults and graduates. Buy Now!
In his book of poems, Light For The World To See, author Kwame Alexander brings words on race and hope to African American tweens and teens, amidst the continued struggle for social justice. Acknowledging recent history of police violence against Black people and the economic, political, and social realities of contemporary life for Black folks in the US, Alexander expresses the anger and frustrations that so many Black Americans feel on a daily basis. He allows readers to feel the pain, confusion, and hurt that they may have while also uplifting them to continue fighting. Light For The World To See is great for young readers looking for an approachable, easy to read book that’ll help encourage them to continue the fight for social justice. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Light For The World To See 5 out of 5 stars and a *must read* for Black young adults. Buy Now!
As most students have no clue about financial literacy, author and professional banker Carmen Francis has taken it upon herself to prepare the next generation of middle school students for the world of money and finance. Counting My Pennies covers such topics as investing, savings, credit scores, needs vs. wants, and youth entrepreneurship. This groundbreaking book for African American students works to prepare young students for the future. This 2 nd edition of Counting My Pennies also includes worksheets to enable kids to grasp these financial concepts. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Counting My Pennies 5 out of 5 stars and a must for all middle school students and beyond. Buy Now!
Prime Time: The African American Woman’s Guide to Complete Midlife Health and Wellness by Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D. and Gayle k. Porter, Psy.D. This groundbreaking book on African American women's health has been a great resource for millions of Black women throughout the United States and around the world. Topics covered in this initial book for every African American woman beyond 40 include: depression, menopause, weight issues, stress and more. Despite this groundbreaking publication being over 10 years old, many of these issues continue to plague black women and especially during the Covid Pandemic. Many women had to rely on virtual meetings with their doctors and other medical, spiritual and emotional supporters. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Prime Time: The African American Woman’s Guide to Complete Midlife Health and Wellness 5 out of 5 stars and a must have in home libraries. Buy Now!
Authors Brenda Jones and Krishan Trotman collaborated on a book about the amazing and unapologetic United States Congresswoman Maxine Waters titled Queens of the Resistance. This trailblazer and pioneer is a civil rights icon from California that has been a fighter for injustice and human rights for African Americans and other people of color in her community for decades. As we celebrate March as Women’s History Month and Children’s Reading Month, take the time to share Maxine Waters’ remarkable story with another person. Who knows how her accomplishments in life could encourage the next generation of future civil and human rights activists. Charles Collectibles and Books rates Maxine Waters 4.5 out of 5 stars. Buy Now!