Shades of Black

by Sandra L. Pinkney, Myles C. Pinkney (Photographer)

Overview

The best-selling picture book is now available as a board book.

I am Black / I am Unique / I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream / and the milky smooth brown in a chocolate bar...
Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children. Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage. A joyous celebration of the rich diversity among African-Americans.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780439802512
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	12/12/2005
Sales rank:	33,310
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 5.00(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	1 - 3 Years

Editorial Reviews

The beauty of African-American chidren is celebrated in this joyous picture book.
School Library Journal

Indeed, there are many shades of black, and they are beautifuly exemplified in this photo album that depicts the varied palette that makes up black skin.
Booklist

This bold, beautifully photographed book should be a first choice for most libraries and will be especially popular during Black History Month.
Kirkus

From the Publisher

Originally published as a picture book, this book won the Pinkney's many accolades and awards for their affirmative message. Now offered as a board book, this book will let even younger children enjoy looking at the delightful photographs of African-American kids. What many may find startling is that the kids shown in the book range from dark ebony to almost white and every shade in between. Hair color and texture and eye color are all the things that make us different and also alike. The photographs are engaging and the message is clear—it really does not matter what color you are, you are still beautiful. I really loved some of the descriptions and comparisons: "I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream," comes from a light-skinned African-American boy and his sister enjoying a vanilla ice cream cone. The text and picture on the opposite page feature a dark-skinned boy eating chocolate and the text describes him as "the milky smooth brown in a chocolate bar." Using food as colors to compare against skin tones is really clever; Sandra Pinkney also compares hair to wool and grass and eyes to a variety of stones. A wonderful book for any home, school or public library. 2006 (orig. 2000), Cartwheel/Scholastic, Ages 1 to 6.
—Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature