by Craig Thompson
Illustrated by Roger James
Price: $14.95
ISBN 0-931761-72-7

About the Book

This book was written primarily for children and the parents who read to their children. The author, Craig Thompson, desired a colorful book with rhyming words and black history facts to read to his infant daughter, Delaney. He scoured stores and checked online for something that met his needs-to no avail. The ABCs of Black History: a Children's Guide is the direct result of a father's love for both his child and his history. Beautifully illustrated by Roger James, The ABCs of Black History contains some of the most notable figures in black history-past and contemporary-as well as little known facts and people that are every bit as noteworthy. For example, Thompson noted the invention of the umbrella stand and the fact that young people have always been an important presence in societal change. The rhyme and reason of The ABCs of Black History is a celebration of a people while boosting the self-esteem and early development of children who simultaneously learn about their heritage and culture. This book is truly a celebration of achievement.

The ABCsof Black History in the News

• The ABCsof Black History: An Interview with Craig Thompson--Craig Thompson, popular radio host and attorney, authors book aimed at African American children
  
  
• The ABCsof Black History: A Children's Guide--The ABCs of Black History: a Children's Guide (Beckham) does a fine job of informing and introducing children of the African Diaspora to things not often mentioned in conventional textbooks or in schools
  
  

Press Kit for The ABCs of Black History

• Full-Length Press Release (MS Word format)
• Short Press Release (MS Word format)
• Press Release: Book Enters 3rd Printing (MS Word format)
• Sample Interview Questions (MS Word format)
• Sample Story (MS Word format)
• Book Endorsements (MS Word format)
• Sample Pages (MS Word format)

Book FAQ (Frequently-Asked Questions)

• Where did you get the idea from?
  The idea was developed after several weeks of reading to my infant daughter. After reading most of the "standard" children's books and reviewing dozens of others, I realized that there was a large gap. I couldn't find culturally relevant books that contained wonderful illustrations and fun rhyme patterns. So, I decided to close the gap! I feel that it is extremely important for parents and children to be exposed to information that both informs and inspires. I want The ABCs of Black History to introduce children of all races to important people, places and events in black history, while providing parents with the color contrasts, illustrations and rhyming patterns that they need for the proper development of their children.
  
  
• How did you choose the historical figures?
  I researched dozens of historical books and a large number of online sources for the historical figures. I took special time to research and include individuals and inventions that were less known. One of my B.A. degrees is in African-American Studies, so I was able to speak with historians I know and take advantage of my personal book collection.
  
  
• What do black parents look for in juvenile books?
  The idea was conceived in June 2004. The publisher Barry Beckham, the artist Roger James and I met on several occasions and finished our work by the end of October 2004!
  
  
• How long did it take you?
  While researching, I conducted several focus groups with Black parents to learn about their needs. For the most part, black parents look for the same things that most parents look for: contrasting colors, bright illustrations, fun rhyming patterns and interesting stories with captivating characters. However, many black parents also indicated that would like to see more juvenile books that are culturally relevant and able to instill a sense of pride and self-awareness at an early age.
  
  
• How soon should parents read to their children?
  In the womb! Research has shown that a baby's brain starts developing during the early stages of gestation. It is critical that we stimulate that development as early as possible. I also strongly believe that it is never too early to expose our children to culture and heritage. A healthy sense of self-awareness and family belonging can and should be developed as early as the infancy stage.