#jamilah thompkins

[elleventures]

In honor of celebrating black history month, I thought it would be exciting to share one of my favorite children book written by brilliant black authors each week.

To start off the month, I would like to share the following book:

Your Name Is A Song • {Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow | 2020}

Your Name Is A Song is a 24-page picture book written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.

This book tells a story about a young girl who was frustrated with her teachers and peers because her name gets mispronounced and is often overlooked as different. As the little girl is feeling upset, her mother brightens her spirits by teaching her the beauty, history and the musicality of names from different cultures (African, Black-American, etc.) while walking home from the city.

Overall, my favorite thing about this book is reminding ourselves to celebrate our identities and where we came from; this story touches on other meaningful themes such as the importance of pronouncing and spelling names correctly (it creates a sense of belonging), celebrating culture and diversity, taking pride in identities, accepting other's differences, and self-love and worth. Another aspect that I liked about the story is how interactive it is; in the story, the author includes pronunciation of the different names mentioned in the books for the readers.

Lastly, the colorful artwork is beautifully illustrated by Luisa Uribe with the use of vibrant colors and cute images; this is illustrated with the use of pencil colors, making it look whimsical which peaks the interests of young children who are between 5 - 10 years old.

Comment down below if you have read this book! Let me know who your favorite author is!

[winningthesweepstakes]

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly. Random House Studio, 2023. 9781984848093 Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5 Format: Hardcover picture book What did you like about the book?  When Muhammad receives a salat rug for his seventh birthday from his father, he is determined to use it the right way, which means praying five times a day in a…

[justmeomaya]

First Day of Black History Month + World Read Aloud Day

February 1 is the first day of Black History Month and World Read Aloud Day. Two things that I love, Black History and Reading! A book that I am reading today to commmerate BOTH holidays is HOLD THEM CLOSE: A LOVE LETTER TO BLACK CHILDREN by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Patrick Dougher. It also has BONUS photography by Jamel Shabazz. My family was fortunate enough to win this…

[blackchildrensbooksandauthors]

Abdul's Story

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Tiffany Rose

Salaam Reads (2022)

[ecreads]

Title: Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

Editors: S. K. Ali, Aisha Saeed

Authors: Randa Abdel-Fattah, Huda Al-Marashi, Sara Alfageeh, S. K. Ali, Hanna Alkaf, Ashley Franklin, Asmaa Hussein, Hena Khan, Rukhsana Khan, Ayesha Mattu, Candice Montgomery, Aisha Saeed, N. H. Senzai, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, G. Willow Wilson

Published: May 5th, 2020 by Amulet Books

Genre & Format: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Verse & Poetry, Folklore/Folktale & Religion, Chapter Book, Graphic Novel

Key Themes: Community, Family, Food, Friendship, History, Holidays & Religious Celebrations, Multicultural, Multigenerational, Muslim Stories, Refugees

Reading Level: Third Grade, Grades 4-7

Language: English

ISBN: 9781419740831

Content Warnings:

Death

Islamophobia

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“A joyous short story collection by and about Muslims, edited by New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed and Morris finalist S. K. Ali

Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.

The full list of Once Upon an Eid contributors include: G. Willow Wilson (Alif the Unseen, Ms. Marvel), Hena Khan (Amina's Voice, Under My Hijab), N. H. Senzai (Shooting Kabul, Escape from Aleppo), Hanna Alkaf (The Weight of Our Sky), Rukhsana Khan (Big Red Lollipop), Randa Abdel-Fattah (Does My Head Look Big in This?), Ashley Franklin (Not Quite Snow White), Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Mommy's Khimar), Candice Montgomery (Home and Away, By Any Means Necessary), Huda Al-Marashi (First Comes Marriage), Ayesha Mattu, Asmaa Hussein, and Sara Alfageeh.”

Review: Hijabi Librarians

“For Muslims around the world, the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha), conjure images of joy and community and include celebrations which vary by region and consist of different traditions.

Common traditions for the observance of both Eids often include new clothing, congregational prayers, special foods, and most importantly, time with family and community. Through prose, verse, and imagery, including the vibrant cover art, and a comic selection, authored by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Sara Alfageeh, the stories in Once Upon an Eid capture all of those traditions and so much more.

Consisting of stories by 15 Muslim authors of diverse backgrounds, each selection explores an aspect of human experience with incredible complexity and sensitivity. Characters are relatable, and reflect a range of Islamic practice and identity. Stories are set in a variety of locations, with many taking place in non-Muslim majority countries and communities. Readers are given the opportunity to explore many Eids not just reflecting different cultural ties characters might have but the joys, sorrows, feelings of grief, and love that take place when set against a much beloved and significant holiday.

In Jamilah Thompkins-Bigleow’s “Perfect,” readers meet twelve-year-old Hawa on her way to celebrate Eid with her father’s side of the family in the Bronx. Though she would rather be celebrating with her friends, she is forced to confront a complicated relationship with her cousin, and the comparisons between them, that are tied to expression of identity and authenticity, body image and style, and family structure. In Hanna Alkaf’s “Taste,” set in Malaysia, the protagonist Alia feels alienated because of her mother’s absence and her sense of guilt surrounding that absence. In N.H. Senzai’s “Searching For Blue”, Syrian refugees make a home for themselves and carve a place for celebration in Greece. Thompkins-Bigelow’s poem “Eid Pictures” connects the joy and imagery of Eid in the African American community, the history of how that community was built in the United States, and the first Eid of stolen ancestors longing for their homelands, community, and faith.

The subtleties of each story offer readers familiar with particular communities the opportunity to see themselves, some for the first time in print. Readers unfamiliar with the diversity within the Muslim community are given an intimate look into different communities, challenging the false idea that Muslims are monolithic. On a deeper level, this book gives Muslim readers the opportunity to look at, consider, be in conversation with, and understand complex feelings and how we can improve understanding of each other on a fundamental human level with empathy and compassion. Stories are inclusive of different family structures, socioeconomic backgrounds, relationships between Shia and Sunni Muslims, and recent converts to Islam.

The core of the narratives are examining these familial relationships, expression of cultural, racial, religious identities, self-exploration and self-acceptance and are incredibly intersectional. While Once Upon an Eid centers Eid narratives, its stories are important to share in a library or classroom collection year round and hold universal appeal.”

Additional Resources:

Purchase

Additional Review: Kirkus Reviews

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Your Name Is a Song | Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow | Publisher: Innovation Press (2020)

[forthosebefore]

Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Black Authors Celebrating Black Joy

In 1990, Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop published a seminal essay entitled ‘Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors’ which brought about an examination of trends in children’s literature, especially with regard to featuring diverse characters. 31 years later, the Children’s and YA publishing world has made some progress, but there is still much more work to be done with actively promoting diversity in this field.

Fiction and Graphic Novel Recommendations

Parker Looks Up | Curry, Parker & Jessica   Recommended for ages 3-6 When Parker Curry visited the National Portrait Gallery, she became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama, thinking she was a queen.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut | Barnes, Derrick & James, Gordon C.   Recommended for ages 3-7 Garnering Caldecott, Newbery, and Coretta Scott King honors, this book celebrates the magnificent feeling that comes from leaving a barber shop with a new ‘do.

Sulwe | Nyong'o, Lupita & Harrison, Vashti   Recommended for ages 3-7 When Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, a shooting star's tale of the sisters Night and Day helps her understand there is beauty and worth in every shade.

I Am Every Good Thing | Barnes, Derrick & James, Gordon C.   Recommended for ages 3-8 The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through.

Magnificent Homespun Brown | Doyon, Samara Cole & Juanita, Kaylani  Recommended for ages 3-8 Told by a succession of exuberant young narrators, this is a story as well as a song, a poem, and a celebration about feeling at home in one's own beloved skin.

Hands Up! | McDaniel, Breanna J. & Evans, Shane W.   Recommended for ages 3-8 A young girl lifts her hands up in a series of everyday moments before finally raising her hands in resistance at a protest march.

Your Name is a Song | Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah   Recommended for age 3-8 After the frustrating experience of having her name continually mispronounced, a child learns to celebrate the beauty, history, and magic behind names of diverse origins.

Bedtime Bonnet | Redd, Nancy & Myers, Nneka  Recommended for ages 3-9 As family members braid, brush, twirl, roll, and tighten their hair before bedtime, putting on kerchiefs, wave caps, and other protective items, the little sister cannot find her bonnet.

Rocket Says Look Up | Bryon, Nathan & Adeola, Dapo  Recommended for ages 4-7 Aspiring astronaut Rocket draws her community together to see a rare appearance of the Phoenix Meteor Showers, hoping especially that her big brother, Jamal, will look up from his phone.

All Because You Matter | Charles, Tami & Collier, Bryan   Recommended for ages 4-8 A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will.

A Place Inside of Me | Elliott, Zetta & Denmon, Noa   Recommended for ages 4-8 In this powerful, affirming poem by an award-winning author, a Black child explores his shifting emotions throughout the year: fear grows into anger, then pride and peace.

See the full list here.

[cheshirelibrary]

20 Must-Read Picture Books From 2020 

[via Book Riot]

There are so many amazing 2020 picture books to read! So when you are thinking of what to request at the library or buy for holiday gifts this year, consider picking a contemporary picture book to go along with your beloved classics. Here are 20 favorites from this year:

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky

Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski and Heidi Woodward

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes and Elizabeth Zunon Sheffield

The Big Sibling Getaway by Korrie Leer

Butts Are Everywhere by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison and Brianne Farley

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James

Invent-a-Pet by Vicky Fang and Tidawan Thaipinnarong

Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Love

Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Lift by Minh Lê and Dan Santat

Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal

This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso

To the Moon and Back for You by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant and E.G. Keller

The Ugly Doodles by Valeria Wicker

Way Past Worried by Hallee Adelman and Sandra de la Prada

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe

Wreck This Picture Book by Keri Smith

[thebookishaustin]

2020 Picture Book Update

Images from my Goodreads page

I’m still over here working on reading two picture books per day in between all the other reading I want (need?) to do. :) Reading these picture books always warms my heart and they are a special spark for each and every day. I highly suggest you try to read a few a week if you want to experience all this goodness. Who says picture books are just for kids? :) 

Here are a few of my favorites from the past few weeks: 

Dewdrop by Katie O’Neill: Dewdrop is the most adorable axolotl I have ever seen. They are also the most supportive friend you’ll ever witness! This book is full of so much love and compassion that I think it should be a staple for all kids.

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! by Cori Doerrfeld: Have the kids in your life ever had a big change where they had to leave friends or friends left them? This book helps children understand that people come and go but the experiences we have with them are forever in our memories. 

Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara (Author) & Micah Player (Illustrator): In this day and age, it is never too early to discuss politics with children. This book highlights why it’s important for kids to learn about voting as well as promoting political awareness in your community. If the decisions of adults affect children, why can’t they speak up as well? 

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Author) & Luisa Uribe (Illustrator): This book is going to lift up every child, no matter their name, to know that THEY are unique and THEIR name is beautiful - no matter its origin or pronunciation. The girl in this book is upset that her name is constantly mispronounced, so her mother teaches her the beauty and musicality in names from all types of cultural backgrounds. 

What books do you think I should read? I would greatly enjoy hearing from you so please don’t hesitate to message me here on Tumblr, on my Instagram, or on Goodreads! Be safe and healthy out there readers. <3

[littlefreelibrarynocostl]

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

I am a nonstop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader. The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

******

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names

******

Me & MaMa by Cozbi A Cabrera Mama’s love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. This celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones! On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is. With lyrical prose and a tender touch, Mama and Me is an ode to the strength of the bond between a mother and a daughter as they spend a rainy day together.

******

To send books to the NoCo Book Box Supporters Club, please use one of our Wishlists:

Left-Bank Books, STL

EyeSeeMe Children’s Bookstore, STL

Bookshop.org

Amazon

Feel free to order used books whenever possible! Off The Shelf STL and BetterWorldBooks are two of my favorite Amazon MarketPlace sellers for used books.

[literaticat]

I am agented (happily) and so are four of my critique buddies. Our agents are saying very different things about the state of kid-lit acquisitions during this unprecedented period. Some say the business is basically "shuttered," even as deals continue for manuscripts already in the pipeline from before the gavel came down mid March, while one agent says it's basically business as usual. What says Literaticat? P.S. we're all eager to get back to precedented times.

I posted a new podcast episode and in the intro I do a little “state of the industry” address: https://www.jenniferlaughran.com/literaticast/43-shaking-up-the-supposed-to-bes-with-author-jamilah-thompkins-bigelow

But basically: 

* definitely not “shuttered”  -- that was kind of the case in the VERY HEIGHT of the pandemic in NYC, say, April/May -- basically there were several weeks where the news was SO horrible and SO many people were sick, it felt ghoulish to even try to send or do anything -- then the protests in late May/early June also kind of slowed the world down. But books have been selling this entire time. Publishers have to buy books in order to survive.

* Definitely not “business as usual” -- people have been furloughed or laid off, everyone is still working from home, people are homeschooling small children and navigating that whole reality -- things are HAPPENING, but there’s a lot of slowness, disjointed-ness, etc. Also, due to the economy, offers are WEIRDER than they used to be. Lower advances, extended payouts, lots of unusual new kinds of things in contracts for agents to navigate. 

* At this point in the summer is when often lots of folks go on vacation and this year many people are NOT going on vacation... AND IT SHOWS. Actually this past month has been one of the busiest July’s EVER (not in terms of money, per se, just in terms of THINGS GOING ON). There’s a LOT GOING ON. The “summer is completely dead” myth should be killed forever at this point.

Here's how many books I sold last year vs this year -- mind you, this is highly unscientific, but it’s just to show you that there are fluctuations EVERY year. Also, this doesn’t take into account how much the books were sold FOR or what KIND of a deal, but anyway:

2019: March: 4 - April: 7 - May: 7 - June: 5 - July: 3 ; total March-July 2019: 26

2020: March: 7 - April: 2 - May: 2 - June: 6 - July: 7; total March-July 2020: 24

So yeah I dunno, basically. You crunch the numbers. Anyone who is STILL saying “shuttered” is living in a different world to me.

[elleventures]

To celebrate black history month, I will be sharing one of my favorite children book written by brilliant black authors each week.

Last week, we looked at Your Name Is A Song by Jamilah Thompkins, which focuses on celebrating our identity and the importance of our names.

This week, we will be discussing about You Matter by Christian Robinson.

You Matter • {Christian Robinson | 2020}

You Matter is a 40-page picture book written and illustrated by Christian Robinson; it was awarded the Best Book of the Year by Barnes and Noble for young children between ages 2 - 6 years old.

In the book, the story starts off with a young black girl examining nature under a microscope. As the story progresses, the author takes the audience through a journey through different parts of the world — shifting from a tiny pest to a giant dinosaur that was separate from its group — indicating and reinforcing that all beings, big or small, regardless of age and race, or how different we are, we are all significant. The story also touches on the concept of connectivity, where we are all connected to each other.

Overall, the book is very impactful because it is very inclusive, reinforcing the message that we are all important regardless of how other feels about us, how we feel about ourselves or how different we are; this is also emphasized through its illustrations such as a child in a wheelchair, or a bug being a pest. That said, this book touches other important themes, such as everyone is connected.

Lastly, the picture book is beautifully illustrated by the author himself with the use of fun bright vibrant colors, which is achieved with the use of pencil crayons, paper, and many more; also, the illustrations are very diverse which creates a sense of engagement with the story since young children are diversely represented in the book.

[wallacetheprekteacher]

Your Name is A Song- A book review

Your Name is A Song is a picture book written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. The book begins with a double page spread of a group of children playing with a ball, and a little girl (the main character) standing off to the side. This first page is very telling and is a wonderful opportunity for a teacher to ask their students what they think happened. The little girl tells her mother that “No one can say my name”. She then says that her name gets stuck in her teacher’s mouth. The mother and daughter go throughout the city and the mother proceeds to tell her daughter to tell her teacher that her name is a song. Then they go through a series of beautiful name taping and singing to help the reader to pronounce them. The girls attitude and mood affects the pictures throughout the book. When she is excited and happy, the buildings in the background are light, and the wind and birds fly upwards, but when she is sad, the buildings are dark and the wind and birds fly downwards. About halfway through the book, the girl and her mother have changed clothes. This provides teachers an opportunity to ask their students if they think this means it is the same day or a different day. The reader finally learns the girls name at the end of the story.

This book provides a wonder opportunity for teachers to prompt their students to look at the pictures and see if they can tell what the characters are feeling, and doing. It is also a wonderful book for teachers to read to their class if they have students that have harder to pronounce names, as it encourages the students and the teachers to make sure they are properly saying the name.

Thank you for reading!

[edivupage]

20 Books That Teach Kids How Important Names Are

Here are 20 books that teach kids about the importance of names.

1. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

2. Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

3. You Stole My Name by Dennis McGregor

4. Hello, My Name is Ruby by Philip C. Stead

5. My Name is Elizabeth! by Annika Dunklee, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

6. My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

7. My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Barbara Kiwak

8. Andy, That’s My Name by Tomie DePaola

9. Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

10. A, My Name is Alice by Jane Baye

11. How Nivi Got Her Names by Laura Deal, illustrated by Charlene Chua

12. My Name is María Isabel by Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by K. Dyble Thompson

13. My Name is Sangoel by Karen Williams and Khadra Mohammed, illustrated by Catherine Stock

14. Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth, illustrated by Jessica Blank

15. A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester

16. The Day of Ahmed’s Secret by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland, illustrated by Ted Lewin

17. Yoko Writes Her Name by Rosemary Wells

18. Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbet

19. My Name is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry

20. My Name is Wakawakaloch! by Chana Stiefel

The post 20 Books That Teach Kids How Important Names Are appeared first on The Edvocate.

20 Books That Teach Kids How Important Names Are published first on https://sapsnkra.tumblr.com

[alissambc]

Millions of Books: Your Name is a Song (51/200)

Your Name is a Song // Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow // Illustrated by Luisa Uribe // The Innovation Press // 2020

Summary: A little girl is teased because of her name, but her mom teaches her that names are songs to be sung proudly, and the girl passes this knowledge on to her class.

Uses: Your Name is a Song is the perfect read-aloud to model respect and appreciation at the beginning of the year when new names are being learned.

Notes: This book celebrates not only the unique sounds of names from all over the world, but also their origins, including the history of some African-American names. All names, including ones like Bob, include pronunciation guides, so that no names are othered. Rainbow bursts and cursive writing in the air represent the beauty to be found in the musicality of names. Backmatter includes a glossary of name origins and meanings.