Stephanie Sananikone Book Recommendations & Book Mentions

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: Basketball Dreams by Chris Paul and Courtney Lovett. I liked how Chris Paul really highlighted the way he looked up to his grandfather Papa Chilly for inspiration. We all stand on the shoulders of giants. Check it out! https://t.co/NHBEnJZ7b0

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: All Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball by Audrey Vernick and Cannaday Chapman. Most of us know about Jackie Robinson but what about Larry Doby? What was it like to be the second African American in the major leagues? Check it out! https://t.co/0YV7SLQueG

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet. Horace loved to draw and did so through WWI, relearning to paint after losing the use of his arm. A story of doing what you love and overcoming obstacles. Check it out! https://t.co/EkjGbimsYl

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd and Shannon Wright. I learned about Jackie Ormes recently: the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated who used her talent to bring hope and joy to others. Check it out! https://t.co/gYaKQIpWWg

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander. I love Kwame’s writing-his style, the easy way I’m hooked by his storytelling. This one is especially powerful. As he says in the acknowledgments: “Black history began way before 1619.” Please check it out! https://t.co/YWhEj4HPmx

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera. A sweet, younger grade read filled with poignant mother daughter moments. A multiple award winner. Check it out! https://t.co/SHvSZs4YEg

Stephanie Sananikone

Two for today: Ballet stories, both true. Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn and Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina Young Readers Edition by Misty Copeland. Representation matters; both women fought for their places. Check them out! https://t.co/lKfY01J9PO

Stephanie Sananikone

My apologies for missing yesterday, so two for today: More than Peach by Bellen Woodard and I’m Growing Great by Mechal Renee Roe. Both books are empowering! I especially appreciate how Bellen raised awareness at her school by changing language about skin tone. Check them out! https://t.co/KoD22qYFEr

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s pick: All Because You Matter by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier. Such an important message and illustrated so beautifully. You matter. check it out! https://t.co/b3xzfo7pDO

Stephanie Sananikone

Today’s book: Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Laura Freeman. An inspiring look at the designer of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Check it out! https://t.co/JtbJcijGwD