From the Newbery Honor–winning author of Genesis Begins Again comes a shimmering picture book that shines the light on Zora Neale Hurston, the extraordinary writer and storycatcher extraordinaire who changed the face of American literature. Zora was a girl who hankered for tales like bees for honey. Now, her mama always told her that if she wanted something, “to jump at de sun”, because even though you might not land quite that high, at least you’d get off the ground. So Zora jumped from place to place, from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem. And everywhere she jumped, she shined sunlight on the tales most people hadn’t been bothered to listen to until Zora. The tales no one had written down until Zora. Tales on a whole culture of literature overlooked…until Zora. Until Zora jumped.

Welcome to the wonderfully rich and diverse world of African American stories for children and families. This one-of-a-kind collection brings together eight picture books by some of the most esteemed children's authors and illustrators working today, including: Andrea Davis Pinkey, Bryan Collier, Floyd Cooper, Jacqueline Woodson, Susan Taylor Brown, Jane Resh Thomas, and more.

Never before has such a rich collection by some of the most beloved authors and illustrators of our time been bound together to make one volume of African American children's literature, with beautiful full-color paintings. The stories include: "These Hands," by Hope Lynne Price, ill. by Bryan Collier; "Can I Pray with My Eyes Open?," by Susan Taylor Brown, ill. by Garin Baker; "Say Hey! A Song of Willie Mays," by Peter Mandel, ill. by Don Tate; "A Big, Spooky House," by Donna Washington, ill. by Jacqueline Rogers; "Granddaddy's Street Songs," by Monalisa DeGross, ill. by Floyd Cooper; "Alvin Ailey," by Andrea Davis Pinkney, ill. by Brian Pinkney"; and "Celebration!," by Jane Resh Thomas, ill. by Raul Colon.

"Lowe has written what may well be the Hurston book for the years to come." -- Werner Sollors, Harvard University "Lowe's study . . . smartly begins with the assumption that one reason for the stunning popularity of Hurston's work is the verve with which it addresses serious subjects in a comic style." -- Cheryl A. Wall, editor of Changing Our Own Words: Essays on Criticism, Theory, and Writing by Black Women "Appreciative of Hurston's 'bodacious' humor, Lowe argues that she is 'a profoundly serious, experimental, subversive, and therefore unsettling artist.' . . . Strongly recommended." -- Choice "A trailblazing effort, a work that will enrich our understanding of Hurston's fiction." -- William R. Nash, The Southern Literary Journal "The most important booklength contribution to Hurston scholarship since Robert Hemenway published his biography in 1978." -- Will Brantley, Contemporary Literature

“Reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.” —The New York Times “One of the best books I have ever read…will live in the hearts of readers for the rest of their lives.” —Colby Sharp, founder of Nerdy Book Club “An emotional, painful, yet still hopeful adolescent journey…one that needed telling.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “I really loved this.” —Sharon M. Draper, author of the New York Times bestseller Out of My Mind This deeply sensitive and “compelling” (BCCB) debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself. There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list: -Because her family is always being put out of their house. -Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem too. -Because Genesis knows this is all her fault. -Because she wasn’t born looking like Mama. -Because she is too black. Genesis is determined to fix her family, and she’s willing to try anything to do so…even if it means harming herself in the process. But when Genesis starts to find a thing or two she actually likes about herself, she discovers that changing her own attitude is the first step in helping change others.

Happily ever after has never been so happy! These inspired retellings of classic children's fairy-tales are simply told and beautifully illustrated. This is a series of books that parents will treasure and children will love hearing again and again. Jump at the Sun Fairy-tale Classics include: - Cinderella - Goldilocks and The Three Bears - Jack and the Beanstalk - Little Red Riding Hood

In this hilarious modern spoof of a favorite holiday song, the trip to Grandfather's house is no peaceful sleigh ride!