With Haitian communities under attack in Ohio and across the country, share these titles that feature Haitian American representation or are by Haitian American authors, including picture books by Tami Charles and YA novels by Ben Phillipe and Ibi Zoboi.

Picture Books

Back Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlène Elizabeth Casimir. illus. by Ken Daley. Candlewick. ISBN 9781536223200.
K-Gr 2–In a powerful testimony about ancestral roots and family, the author uses her personal experience to express how shared stories between a father and daughter enrich their connection to each other and their cultural homeland. The incorporation of language, such as lakay, which means back home, heralds the start of a story and adds authenticity. A glossary and notes for educators and caregivers, as well as children, are included. VERDICT An excellent selection that allows children and families to reflect on the richness of who they are and what “back home” means to them.

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles. illus. by Bryan Collier. Orchard Bks. Oct. 2020. ISBN 9781338574852.
K-Gr 3–A touching and uplifting story about a Black boy being told by his parents how he matters. Beautiful collages carry the messages of “you matter,” not to give up despite adversity, and that “beauty and strength is within you.” A powerful tale in a broken world, this will give children hope and parents comfort. VERDICT Like Kristina Evans’s What’s Special About Me, Mama?, this also depicts a mother speaking to a child of color about his worth; a very timely story and a wonderful addition to school and public libraries.

My Day with the Panye by Tami Charles. illus. by Sara Palacios. Candlewick. ISBN 9780763697495.
PreS-Gr 3–A mother is planning a special day for her daughter, Fallon, in the markets of Port-au-Prince. The poetic writing and Fallon’s assessment of her ability will touch children deeply. An author’s note tells of Charles’s affinity for and connection to Haiti, and the significance of the panye globally. VERDICT A few facts, a generous worldview, and a bonding of mother and daughter make this book ideal for story hours and lap-sharing.

 Freedom Soup by Tami Charles. illus. by Jacqueline Alcántara. Candlewick. ISBN 9780763689773.
K-Gr 2–It’s New Year’s Day, and Belle gets to help her grandmother, Ti Gran, make the Freedom Soup because the child “has a heart made for cooking.” As Ti Gran teaches Belle the recipe, she retells the history of the injustices of slavery in Haiti, how the people fought and died in the revolution so Haiti could be free, and how the soup that they are making is a celebration of that freedom. VERDICT From Ti Gran ceremoniously adorning Belle with a matching apron to the final view of city windows full of revelers, this book is a start-to-finish celebration of family, history, and culture. A delectable first purchase for libraries.

We Are Here by Tami Charles. illus. by Bryan Collier. Orchard. ISBN 9781338752045.
K-Gr 2–Charles and Collier have created a luminous companion to All Because You Matter. The collaborators trace the journey of Black excellence, from the beginning of time to present day, and joyously celebrate how Black people have been an indelible part of humanity’s history all over the globe. VERDICT This awe-inspiring and phenomenal work of art belongs on all shelves.

Liline & Pepper: A Morning With Grann by Samanka Dumond-Desir. illus. by Christina Oyebade. Paw Prints. ISBN 9781223187822; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781223187839.
PreS-K–It is the first day of kindergarten, and Liline, a young girl with brown skin, is reluctant to wake up. That changes when she smells the aroma of “kafe ak lét,” coffee and milk. Grann, Liline’s favorite person, is the kitchen. She pours the coffee, and as Liline eats breakfast, Grann tells her all about Haiti, her magical homeland where the coffee comes from. VERDICT A recommended first day of school story that is also an introduction to Haiti.

 Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe. illus. by Javaka Steptoe. ISBN 9780316213882.

Gr 1-5 –One extraordinary artist illuminates another in this textured, heartfelt picture book biography of the 1980s cultural phenom. Employing signature features of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work—vibrant colors, found objects, repeated motifs—Steptoe allows his own emotionally rich style to shine through the artistic and biographical references dotting the illustrations. An author’s note articulates feelings that radiate from every page of the book: Steptoe’s admiration for and attachment to Basquiat and his personal investment in depicting a complicated, loving relationship between a child and a mentally ill parent. VERDICT Pairing simple text with expressive, encompassing illustrations, this Caldecott Medal winner offers a new generation a fittingly powerful introduction to an artistic luminary.

The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi. illus. by Loveis Wise. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062915641.
PreS-Gr 3–A primer on the principles of Kwanzaa and an examination of the tenacious spirit of the formerly enslaved African people. Stolen African people from different cultures were forced to build uncommon bonds to survive the transatlantic slave trade. That they survived being separated from their land, culture, and personhood was nothing short of a miracle. Zoboi’s gorgeous prose illuminates all of the ways Black people attempted to reclaim their rights as American citizens. VERDICT Perfect for school and public libraries, this must-have offering that celebrates Black cultural identity should be included in all collections. 

Middle Grade

The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold. HarperCollins/Versify. ISBN 9780358272755. 
Gr 3-6–After moving from a close-knit community in Haiti to Brooklyn to live with her uncle and his family, Gabrielle is desperate to become a “real” American, and she succumbs to the overtures of a wily witch who offers to grant wishes in return for Gabrielle’s essence. Gabrielle uses the wishes and discovers that her cultural identity is disappearing. VERDICT A fantasy adventure combined with a loving portrayal of Haitian culture and immigrant experiences creates an action-packed story with a lot of heart.

She Persisted: Naomi Osaka by Kekla Magoon & Chelsea Clinton. illus. by Alexandra Boiger & Gillian Flint. Philomel. ISBN 9780593623534.
Gr 2-6–This inspiring early chapter book delves into the life and achievements of Naomi Osaka, a remarkable Japanese professional tennis player. Osaka was born in Japan in 1997 to a Japanese mother and a Haitian American father. When she was three, her family, including her older sister Mari, moved to New York. There, her father became fascinated by the rise of world-class tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. He took on the role of her coach, and Osaka practiced daily under his guidance. Osaka’s hard work and dedication paid off. Her challenges and triumphs are accessibly presented in this biography, VERDICT A solid addition to any school or public library collection.

YA

I Was Told There Would Be Romance by Marie Arnold. Little, Brown. Oct. 2024. ISBN 9780316568005.
Gr 7 Up–A rom-com for younger YA readers. Readers will be engaged in the unfolding of Fancy’s high jinks and invested in how she gets through them. The familiar fake-dating trope is done well here. VERDICT At around 200 pages, this standalone book doesn’t feel overwhelming and would be a good choice for reluctant readers and those who enjoy pop culture.

Basquiat: A Graphic Novel by Paolo Parisi. Laurence King. ISBN 9781786274151.
Gr 10 Up–Parisi offers a vibrant biography of iconic New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, briefly touching on his childhood and examining how he struggled, achieved fame, and made a lasting legacy in the art world. Using nonlinear storytelling and relying on the perspectives of family members, close friends, and the artist himself, Parisi begins with Basquiat’s untimely death, then springs forward to explore his work as part of the legendary graffiti art duo SAMO. This whirlwind art history lesson acknowledges the impact of other movements and famous artists with whom Basquiat came in contact while he was hosted in galleries across Europe and Manhattan as his fame grew. VERDICT A mesmerizing account of a creative phenomenon.

 Charming As a Verb by Ben Philippe. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062824141.
Gr 9 Up–Henri Haltiwanger is a go-getter. He’s created a dog-walking business disguised as a much larger corporation to lure rich New York clients into trusting him with their precious pooches. Henri hopes this hustle will help him achieve his, and his father’s, dream of getting into Columbia University. When Corrine Troy, Henri’s socially awkward neighbor and classmate, discovers his enterprise, she blackmails him into helping her improve her social standings so that she will look better on her application to Princeton. Henri deals with moral and ethical questions as he tries to decide how far he is willing to go to get into his dream college and what matters most to him. A budding romance between Henri and Corrine is the icing on a rich and decadent cake. VERDICT A racially diverse cast of characters with authentic voices and realistic struggles makes this a must-have for all YA collections.

Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud. Scholastic. ISBN 9781338681727.
Gr 6 Up–High school senior Simone Thibodeaux has always played by her parents’ rules—whether she wanted to or not. Simone joins with two friends with similarly strict parents and the trio composes a senior year bucket list to help them finally let loose. From cutting class to clubbing, these New Jersey teens bond over their families’ loving but tight holds. Simone’s main obsession—getting a prom date—eclipses her other plans as she attempts to avoid the (admittedly cute) setup her mom has arranged. This romp through New Jersey is a lighthearted peek into Haitian American life, as Simone deals with her protective mother and the rest of her family, all well-drawn, nuanced, multidimensional characters. VERDICT Fans of Jenny Han and Brandy Colbert will find much to cheer about in this entertaining and charming novel.

 Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062888846.
Gr 9 Up–Nigeria Jones, daughter of a Black nationalist and freedom fighter, has never known a life outside the Movement. She’s dutifully and willingly played the role her father groomed her to play, that of a warrior princess. She cares for her little brother Freedom, leads the Youth Group, helps build the Freedom School, adheres strictly to veganism, and mentors new residents of the Village House. Yet a year into her mom’s disappearance, she begins to waver. The more she learns about her mom and what her mom really wanted—for herself and for her daughter—the more Nigeria questions. VERDICT A beautifully constructed portrait of one young woman growing into her own that will move readers to deeply consider the very same questions Nigeria must answer for herself.