Conversations with Remarkable Native Americans by
Entertaining and enlightening interviews with some of today's most important Native Americans.
Distinguished African American Scientists of the 20th Century by 
The Encyclopedia of African-American Writing by
A timely survey of an important sector of American letters, The Encyclopedia of African-American Writing covers the role and influence of African American cultural leaders, from all walks of life, from the 18th century to the present. Readers will explore what inspired various African-American writers to create poems, plays, short stories, novels, essays, opinion pieces and numerous other works, and how those writings contributed to culture in America today.
Icons of African American Literature by
The 24 entries in this book provide extensive coverage of some of the most notable figures in African American literature, such as Alice Walker, Richard Wright, and Zora Neale Hurston. Icons of African American Literature: The Black Literary World examines 24 of the most popular and culturally significant topics within African American literature's long and immensely fascinating history. Each piece provide substantial, in-depth information--much more than a typical encyclopedia entry--while remaining accessible and appealing to general and younger readers. Arranged alphabetically, the entries cover such writers as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and August Wilson; major works, such as Invisible Man, Native Son, and Their Eyes Were Watching God; and a range of cultural topics, including the black arts movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and the jazz aesthetic. Written by expert contributors, the essays discuss the enduring significance of these topics in American history and popular culture. Each entry also provides sidebars that highlight interesting information and suggestions for further reading. 24 alphabetically arranged entries offer substantial yet accessible information Entries cover authors and cultural topics Sidebars provide snapshots of interesting and significant subject matter
Latina and Latino Voices in Literature by
This revised edition of an award-winning resource celebrates the lives and works of 35 Latina and Latino authors who write for today's young readers. Expanded to include 12 additional authors, updated information on the original 23 authors profiled, and 135 new titles, this comprehensive reference tool helps teachers, librarians, and parents stay current on one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary literature. Both established and emerging voices are profiled. Personal quotes and photographs introduce each biographical essay, presenting information gathered through interviews, personal communications, and research. A complete list of all books and works written by the author is included along with publication information. Annotations are provided for most of the titles, along with information on major themes, awards won, and recommended age levels. Evaluating Books for Bias provides helpful guidelines for examining and selecting books from a pluralistic perspective. Appendices offer further helpful information about the field, including special awards honoring books by Latinas and Latinos, a calendar of holidays and special days celebrated by the Latino community, and listings of related resources and organizations. The author has also compiled ideas for classroom activities and ways for librarians to extend the literary experience. A title index and extensive topic index--including themes, curricular areas, and genres--help in planning story sessions and study units. This is a multipurpose resource for anyone who wants to help young readers connect with contemporary literature in a meaningful way.
Latino Leaders Speak by
"People do not define you," Soledad O'Brien's Cuban mother repeatedly told her children. "You define yourself." And so this mixed-race, first-generation Latina American would go on to succeed in her field, ultimately becoming an anchor for CNN. O'Brien's remarks, like the others included in this volume, reflect on what it means to be Latino in the United States. For her, "It's succeeding, fulfilling the dream and then turning around and grabbing everybody else and making it happen for them too."The importance of education is a common refrain in the lives of the leaders represented here. Many reference one particular teacher or mentor who made a difference. The late Reverend Father Virgilio Elizondo, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, said his fifth-grade teacher changed his life. She taught him to love school and learning. Others remember the sacrifices made by parents so that their children could have more opportunities for a better life. In all, these writings are both a testament to perseverance and a guide to life, for readers of all backgrounds. Originally presented at the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series in Washington, DC, and other major cities, the personal stories included in this book are all by successful Latinos involved in a variety of occupations, from politics and sports to education and activism. Contributors include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; former general manager of the New York Mets, Omar Minaya; and Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, the Chancellor of the University of Texas System. Their words will inspire readers of all ages to follow their dreams and help those less fortunate.
Real Role Models : Successful African Americans Beyond Pop Culture by
All young people need good role models, and black youth especially need positive and real examples beyond the famous and wealthy people they see on SportsCenter highlights and MTV Cribs. While success as a celebrity athlete or entertainer may seem like an achievable dream, the reality is that young African Americans have a much greater chance of succeeding in the professions through education and hard work?and a mentor to show them the path. Real Role Models introduces high school and college-age African Americans to twenty-three black professionals who have achieved a high level of success in their chosen fields and who tell their stories to inspire young people to pursue a professional career and do the work necessary to achieve their dreams. Some of the individuals profiled by Joah Spearman and Louis Harrison, Jr., include Leonard Pitts, Pulitzer Prize?winning columnist for the Miami Herald; Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; Danyel Smith, editor-in-chief of Vibe; and Dr. Tim George, Chief of Pediatric Neuroscience at Dell Children?s Medical Center of Central Texas. They and other interviewees describe their backgrounds, career paths, and desire to give back by helping others reach their goals. Representing a wide range of occupations, these real role models prove to African American youths that a whole world of successful, rewarding careers awaits them.The Real Role ModelsRufus Cormier, JD, Partner at the Baker Botts Law Firm, Houston, TexasMelody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Washington, D.C.Eric Motley, PhD, Managing Director of the Aspen Institute?s Henry Crown Fellowship Program, Aspen, ColoradoJames McIntyre, Spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C.Tracie Hall, Assistant Dean and Librarian at Dominican University, River Forest, IllinoisKimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, Surgeon General of the State of Michigan, Lansing, MichiganTimothy George, MD, Chief of Pediatric Neuroscience at Dell Children?s Medical Center, Austin, TexasVictoria Holloway Barbosa, MD, Ethnic Dermatologist and Former Executive for L?Oreal, Chicago, IllinoisBill Douglas, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, Washington, D.C.Leonard Pitts, Jr., Columnist for the Miami Herald, Miami, FloridaDanyel Smith, Editor of Vibe Magazine, New York, New YorkEd Stewart, Managing Director of External Communications for Delta Airlines, Atlanta, GeorgiaLynn Tyson, Vice President of Investor Relations for Dell, Austin, TexasWillie Miles, Jr., Founder and CEO of Miles Wealth Management, Houston, TexasHorace Allen, Founder and CEO of TeamPact, Atlanta, GeorgiaDeavra Daughtry, President and CEO of Excellent Care Management, Houston, TexasJe?Caryous Johnson, Founder and CEO of I?m Ready Productions, Houston, TexasSteve Jones, Cofounder of a graphic design company, Oakland, CaliforniaIsiah Warner, PhD, Chemistry Professor at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LouisianaGloria Ladson-Billings, PhD, Professor of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WisconsinBernard Muir, Athletic Director at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Craig Littlepage, Athletic Director at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VirginiaBeverly Kearney, Women?s Track Coach at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
Telling Histories Black Women Historians in the Ivory Tower by 
