BY SARAH CLENDINENG
FM Public Library Director
FORT MADISON - Thanks to a donation from the Harper family, the library as a dedicated collection of materials about African-American history and issues. This is a growing collection, with new items added regularly to sit on the shelf alongside classics. Here a few highly recommended books from this collection, both new and classics:
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffen (B Griffen) John Howard Griffin’s account of his decision to use medication that darkened his skin to deep brown, and exchange his privileged life as a Southern white man for the disenfranchised world of an unemployed black man.
My Grandmother’s Hands bv Resmaa Menakem (305.896 MEN) Therapist Resmaa Menakem delves into the complex effects of racism and white privilege, exploring the mind-body connection and the physical and emotional effects of trauma.
The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake (JF FLA) Maleeka is taunted every day by the other kids in her class, frequently about the color of her skin. A new teacher whose face is blotched with a startling white patch, who loves “the skin she’s in” causes Maleeka to begin to question if she can ever do the same.
The Life I’m In by Sharon G. Flake (YA F FLA) This book takes a closer look at Charlese Jones, the bully who made Maleeka's life miserable in “The Skim I’m In” and offers insight to some of the causes and conditions that make a bully.
On Account of Race: the Supreme Court, White Supremacy, and the Ravaging of African American Voting Rights by Lawrence Goldstone (342.7308 GOL) Constitutional law historian, Lawrence Goldstone examines case-based evidence of the court's bias against voting rights. Beginning in 1876, he explores the court’s dismantling of the guarantees of both the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, writing decisions at odds with the Constitution, preferring, instead, to reinforce the racial stereotypes of the day.
Driving while black: African American travel and the road to civil rights by Gretchen Sullivan Sorin (323.1196 SOR) Historian Gretchen Sorin reveals how the car―the ultimate symbol of independence and possibility―has always held particular importance for African Americans, allowing black families to evade the many dangers presented by an entrenched racist society and to enjoy, in some measure, the freedom of the open road.
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: crazy stories about racism by Amber Ruffin (305.896 RUF) Amber Ruffin and her sister Lacey share stories of her life as a black woman living in Nebraska. Painfully relatable or shockingly eye-opening (depending on how often you have personally been followed by security at department stores), this book tackles modern-day racism with the perfect balance of levity and gravity.
Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words by Susan Reyburn (323.092 REY) Susan Reyburn provides a candid look into Parks’ personal life through previously unreleased letters, documents and photographs. The book features one hundred color and black-and-white photographs from the Parks collection, many appearing in print for the first time, along with ephemera from the long life of a private person in the public eye.
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri (391.508 DAB) This collection of essays by Emma Dabiri, BBC race correspondent, explore the ways in which black hair has been appropriated and stigmatized throughout history, with ruminations on body politics, race, pop culture, and Dabiri’s own journey to loving her hair.
The Compton Cowboys: The New Generation of Cowboys in America's Urban Heartland by WalterThompson-Hernandez (979.4004 THO) New York Times reporter, Walter Thompson-Hernandez, tells the compelling story of The Compton Cowboys, a group of African-American men and women who defy stereotypes and continue the proud, centuries-old tradition of black cowboys in the heart of one of America’s most notorious cities.
Blind Date with a Book List
Want to play? I’ve included a list of ten books below described with just a few words or phrases. Pick one that sounds interesting and then match it to the number at the very bottom of this article to pick your next book. You could cheat and skip to the end of the article for the list of book titles, but, what’s the fun in that? These are all books added to the collection in the last two months.
Upcoming Events at the Fort Madison Public Library –
Masks are required to be worn in the library and at all in-person library programs.
1st Thursday @ the Library –Make the 1st Thursday of the month library day! On February 4, no fines on overdue books returned that day, our book discussion group meets at 1:30, our monthly Take and Make craft (Pompom monster and corner bookmark) launches and, in February, we have an evening program beginning at 5:30. Art Journaling, beginning at 5:30 either in-person or via Zoom, contact Sarah, 372-5721, for information on how to attend online.
Pre-School/Toddler Story Hour –Wednesday morning at 10:30
Thursday Crafternoon –Thursday, 3:30-5:00, for ages 14-adult. On February 4, they will be having a one day class on paper quilling (not quilting, quilling, with two l’s, it’s a really cool craft). Beginning February 11, spend some extra time working on a more in-depth sculpture craft for a whole month.
Hang Teen – Tuesday, 3:30-5:00 (except for February 9), for ages 12-19.
Minecraft –4:00-5:30, ages 9-18 on Mondays. Space is limited by the number of computers we have and we are not taking registrations this year, please arrive promptly.
Wacky Wednesday – School is out early on February 10 and 24. On February 10 at noon, Lee County Extension has a Color Creations STEAM activity, bring your own pre-washed cotton item to tie-dye. We will have a craft day on February 24 from 2pm to 4pm.
All Booked Up! - The library's book discussion group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. On Thursday, February 4, we will be discussing "Siracusa” by Delia Ephron. On Thursday, March 4, we will be discussing "The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. Copies of the book are available at the library for check out. Join us for a lively discussion.
Wacky Wednesday – School is out early on February 10 and 24. On February 10 at noon, Lee County Extension has a Color Creations STEAM activity, bring your own pre-washed cotton item to tie-dye. We will have a craft day on February 24 from 2pm to 4pm.
All Booked Up! - The library's book discussion group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. On Thursday, February 4, we will be discussing "Siracusa” by Delia Ephron. On Thursday, March 4, we will be discussing "The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. Copies of the book are available at the library for check out. Join us for a lively discussion.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here