Most Popular Books by Angela Shelf Medearis

Skin Deep and Other Teenage Reflections presents a powerful-but-playful portrait of urban teens, especially teens of color, that is at once rife with contemporary issues and the timeless woes of high school. From troubled families, racism in the streets, and depression in the mirror, to cafeteria mystery meat, ill-fitting gym suits, and boy-girl obsession, to the joys of graduation, sports triumphs and personal achievement, Medearis writes with wry humor and a direct honesty that young readers immediately identify with. Excellent for use with younger teen creative writing classes and to engage readers in discussion of issues they will recognize from their own lives.

When the children''s librarian gives Lucy a book that helps her quiet her noisy brothers, Lucy learns the power of a story. Includes activities and tips for helping a child become a better reader.

Originally published: New York: Lodestar Books, an affiliate of Dutton Children''s Books, 1994.

A springtime outing leads to trouble when Tess Tiger gets lost in the woods!

While attending a Seminole Indian celebration, a black family watches and joins in several exciting dances.

A couples youngest son is forced to leave his west African village because he chooses music over the more practical occupations of his brothers, but years later he returns to show the wisdom of his choice.

Poppa finds a pair of lovely pants, only six inches too long, but Grandma Tiny, Big Momma, and Aunt Viney are all too tired to hem them before church.

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001 2001 ALA Notable Book for Children 2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List 2003 Louisiana Young Readers'' Choice Award Master List Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001 2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book 2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award "A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa."—Publishers Weekly, starred review In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.

This year Sharie''s mother wants their family to celebrate Kwanzaa. And she has to work on a project with Caitlin, who insists on studying her family''s Greek Christmas. Hannah, Sharie''s best friend, invites her over for Hanukkah.

The Kitchen Diva''s Diabetic Cookbook is an inspirational collection of more than 150 simple, flavorful, budget-friendly recipes that address the dietary needs of prediabetics, juvenile diabetics, type 1 and type 2 diabetics, women with gestational diabetes, people with diabetic-related complications, and anyone seeking to embrace a healthier diet and lifestyle.

Ranging from Moroccan Zucchini Pancakes to Congo Moambe, a taste-tempting array of recipes for meatless dishes is based on African, Afro-Caribbean, Native American, Creole, Slavery and Southern, and Modern culinary traditions and is accompanied by tips on how to create an ethnic vegetarian kitchen, culinary techniques, personal reminiscences, and culinary lore. Original. 35,000 first printing.

A collection of recipes from the diverse traditions of African-American culture offers more than two hundred fifty dishes, including cuisine from Africa, the Caribbean, and the American South.

Sharie, who considers herself a misfit compared to her pretty sister Sandra, wants to get out of her piano recital and ride a roller coaster.

A West African tale where one of the yams a farmer is gathering starts to talk to him.

Parent and child discuss their African-American heritage and the contributions made to civilization by their people.

A biography of the journalist, newspaper owner, and suffragette who campaigned for civil rights and founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

A biography of the legendary trumpeter, singer, and bandleader.

A kid-friendly guide to the history and customs of Kwanzaa. This informative and fun guide to the holiday of Kwanzaa by Black author Angela Shelf Medearis provides information about parties, recipes for African-inspired dishes, instructions for craft projects, and brief biographies of individuals who are connected to the holiday and its history.

Annie loves music and wants to learn to play an instrument, but learns that her talents are in drawing and writing.

A delicious blend of food, culture, and African-American history to make your Kwanzaa celebration warm, welcoming, and meaningful. Medearis leads us through the season, focusing on rituals and history, traditions and lore, and dishes that connect today''s African-Americans to the culinary traditions of Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the American South. Includes: a "Cooking for Company" section for preparing simple, delicious meals for holiday guests and community suppers; tips on hosting and preparing a Kwanzaa Karamu Feast; inspirational text to read aloud during family or community gatherings; easy gifts to make in the kitchen; and 100 festive recipes.

Friends enjoy playing in the snow--slipping and sliding, making snowmen and snow angels, building a fort, and more. Includes related activities.

A snowball fight leads to a new dance and starts a new town tradition.

A centipede describes the many different sneakers he needs for his many feet.

A story of students'' visit to an art museum.

In this Western folk song, an educated fellow mistaken for a greenhorn proves his cowboy ability by riding a wild horse. Includes a discussion of Afro-American and Hispanic cowboys in the nineteenth century.

When someone begins painting graffiti on walls throughout the town, Cameron Thompson, a detective''s son, teams up with his best friend, Tarann, to figure out if a new kid, a school artist, or a scary guy is the culprit. Original.

Karen, a new girl in school, comes up with the idea to plant a friendship garden for the class project, and it is not long before the entire neighborhood gets involved.

Traces the history and accomplishments of African Americans as explorers, inventors, writers, soldiers, artists, scientists, and more, from the days of slavery to the present.

Explores the dance traditions of African Americans, from their origins in the expressive dances that the slaves brought from Africa through the development of jazz and tap to modern dance and ballet.

First published: [New York]: Lodestar Books, 1994.

INQUIZITIVE SCIENCE EARLY LEVEL: SOUNDS ALL AROUND - A series of information books that integrate literacy and science. INQUIZITIVE with a focus upon science has been developed to help young children gain an understanding of: the different ways information can be read and communicated, the specialised language and language structures used in non-fiction texts, the way non-fiction is organised to highlight information and the selective way non-fiction is read according to the reader''s purpose. Suitable for 4-8 year olds.

The children learn 100 spelling words, plant 100 seeds, bake 100 cookies, and "do everything the 100 way" to celebrate this special day.

Pouring rain doesn''t stop these frisky children who splash in puddles, float boats, and make mud pies.