Derrick Barnes

Age range 3 to 6 Get ready for your first day at nursery school with this exuberant little girl! Queen of the Classroom by Derrick Barnes introduces us to MJ, who is more than ready for her first day of school. With her hair freshly braided and her 'first day at school' outfit, she is excited to share all the...

Age range 3 to 6 An upbeat story about a confident little boy who takes pride in his first day of nursery. Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be a part of a whole new kingdom of...

Derrick Barnes's smooth, fresh words and Gordon C. James's lush, vibrant illustrations capture the confidence, pride, and magic black and brown boys feel the moment they get a new haircut and admire their own beautiful reflections in the mirror. A Newbery Honor Book A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor...

On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-metre sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death...