Ebony Joy Wilkins
Author & Educator
BIO
Ebony is an English professor, author of books for children, and Founder of Curriculum Cafe.
She has worked with students in preschool through university, and her work focuses on the intersection of race, African American children’s literature, and writing that highlights historically excluded voices.
She curates books for Ebony Kids, a monthly subscription for children’s books, and enjoys traveling, playing tennis, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
Picture Books
Mission Accomplished
Zora, the Story Keeper
If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad
Two children fly away in search of new stones to add to their collection. Along the way, the two find friends, discover new rock types, and rediscover a love of traveling.
Every day after school, Zora visits her Aunt Bea, who keeps all of the family stories and secrets. When Aunt Bea falls ill, the fate of the family’s stories is in jeopardy.
A comprehensive guide to the Underground Railroad. A great choice for Civil War units, and for teaching children about this important part of American history.
Middle Grade Books
Claudette Colvin Refuses to Move
Trailblazers: Beyoncé: Queen of the Spotlight
Malcolm X: Get to Know the Civil Rights Activist
Out of Bounds
When a white bus driver orders Claudette Colvin to give up her seat for a white passenger, she refuses to move. After Claudette is arrested, her brave actions help inspire Civil Rights leaders organize bus boycotts and perform similar acts to defy segregation laws.
Beyoncé Knowles became famous as the lead singer of the popular group Destiny’s Child. But on her own, she’s had even bigger hits. Find out how the girl who entered local singing competitions became one of history’s greatest trailblazers!
Malcolm X is known as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Explore how his words shaped the civil rights movement and the people who called him a leader.
NBA star Arron Afflalo shares his principles of success in this fast-paced story of friendship, basketball and making tough decisions. Childhood best friends are pulled in separate directions for the first time.
Middle Grade Books
DK Stories: Katherine Johnson
Perron Family Haunting
IIn this biography for kids ages 8-12, follow Katherine’s remarkable journey from growing up in West Virginia, to becoming a teacher, to breaking barriers at NASA and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
Mathical Honor Book
. This legendary ghost story eventually became the subject of the movie The Conjuring, and continued to haunt the Perron family for years to come.
Young Adult & Adult Books
Sellout
The Will to Dance
Someone to Hear Me
NaTasha has a wonderful life: she's popular, wealthy, and loved. So when she spends the summer with her spitfire grandmother, she's surprised to find that she doubts herself.
Gold Star Award Winner
. A fast-paced, true story of how an NFL football cheerleader secretly survived the daily abuses of unhealthy relationships to excel in the world of professional cheerleading.
Someone to Hear Me is a personal account of how Dorene Lewis survives daily abusive relationships and finds the strength to make drastic life-style changes to better her life and the lives of her children.
REVIEWS
Trailblazers: Beyoncé: Queen of the Spotlight
My daughter absolutely loves this book, was so excited when it arrived!! ~ Jo Taylor
Claudette Colvin Refuses to Move
Her bravery inspired Rosa Parks. This book should be read by teachers and students alike -- Rosa often overshadows Claudette, and one may not have happened without the other. ~ Mima
Sellout
An excellent debut novel that takes a deeper look into finding yourself and finding what your roots really mean. It's not your cliche PoC-Overcoming-Prejudice story and is an excellent addition to the YA books ~ John Jacobson, aka "R.J. Jacobs
If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad
"Wilkins highlights the heroic achievements of conductors of African descent . . . A fiery and inspiring look at a pivotal period in U.S. history." ~ Kirkus
CONTACT
Curriculum Cafe
Images: Dare Coulter
Profile pic: Monica Horton
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