Celebrating Black History Month with Carole Boston Weatherford!

I tried to pick just one book to talk about for February but when I look at all the great books Carole Boston Weatherford has written, how do I choose only one? So instead of highlighting a book this month, I'm celebrating the brilliance of this amazing writer. Carole Boston Weatherford writes everything masterfully, fiction and nonfiction, books for the littlest ones and books for teens and adults. She's also the winner of the 2025 Children's Literature Legacy Award from the American Library Association. I met her this past summer in Virginia at Hollins University when my husband, Matt Faulkner, was teaching illustration and Carole was an honored guest instructor.

I took copious notes during Carole's lecture and snagged a photo after. Carole said she was available for individual appointments during her weeklong stay if anyone wanted to talk about writing and publishing. I waited until all the students had time to sign up and saw that there were still slots open. I felt nervous taking up the time of one of my writing heroes but I knew I'd never get this chance again. So I signed up to meet with Carole one afternoon.

Carole was pure warmth and generosity. We talked about writing longer pieces as opposed to shorter ones, turning poetry into picture books, researching for nonfiction books, and collaborating with illustrators. Her years as an educator showed because she taught me so much during our session. Here are some of my favorite books of hers. I hope you pick up her books this month and I hope you continue to enjoy them all year 'round.