Faith Ringgold

Ages 6-12+
In honor of black history month, pick up a book by Faith Ringgold with your young readers. Her books address the serious issues of slavery, racism, the underground railroad, as well as heroes such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. She retains a sensitivity toward young readers who may be just digesting this information for the first time, yet doesn't shy away from the sad truths. She has an over-arching theme of hope and dreams in her literature and artwork. Her stories help readers to understand the struggles of those in the past, as well as how they can overcome their own struggles, or at least appreciate how small their struggles may really be.
Ringgold's art is extremely unique. She is a quilter and many of her illustrations are done in this media. She is well known for her story quilts, which are quilts that she sews, paints, and writes on. I find her words inspiring and her art uplifting. I'm so glad she decided to share her art and her voice with the world of children's literature.

My Favorites By Faith Ringgold:
Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky
My Dream of Martin Luther King
The Invisible Princess
If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks
Tar Beach
Dinner at Aunt Connie's House

Check Out Her Website:
www.faithringgold.com