Showing results by narrator "Cicely Lewis" in All Categories

Major League Baseball (MLB) is a diverse sport played by athletes from around the world. But in the late 1800s and the first half of the 1900s, MLB was mostly segregated. Black players and coaches were not welcome. The Negro Leagues gave these players and coaches other options to play pro baseball. Meet unsung Negro Leagues stars such as Moses Fleetwood Walker and Toni Stone, and learn about the activists and heroes who helped integrate America's Pastime.

When much of the US was segregated, Black athletes were not allowed to play alongside white athletes. Black athletes started their own sports leagues, including the Black Fives. Learn about basketball's beginnings and the stars of the Black Fives Era, including Charles "Tarzan" Cooper and Ora Washington. Then discover how the National Basketball Association became integrated, what led to the creation of the Women's National Basketball Association, and how the Black Fives had a lasting impact.

The National Football League (NFL) changed forever in 1946. That year the Forgotten Four—Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motley, and Bill Willis—joined the league. Learn about the history of Black football players, the integration of the league, and the first Black coaches, referees, and team owners in the NFL. Then discover how Black football players continue to make a difference on and off the field.

Black women are a force in the gymnastics world. But it wasn't until 1992 that Betty Okino and Dominique Dawes became the first Black women to compete in the Olympics for Team USA. Learn about the Black gymnasts and coaches of the past and present who have made historic firsts, including Simone Biles, Sloane Blakely, and Corrinne Tarver. Then discover how Black women in gymnastics are making a difference on and off the mat.

It's almost time for the big music recital! Imani wants to play the piano beautifully, but she keeps hitting the wrong notes. How will she be ready for her performance?

It's Science Fair time! Imani wants to win, but she needs to find an idea that can beat the crowd-favorite volcano. Can Imani think outside of the box to take home the blue ribbon?

It's bad enough that Imani had a slow start to her research project. But when disaster strikes the night before it's due, she's really in trouble. Will Imani be able to pick up the pieces in time to give her report?

When Imani gets to know her new classmate, she decides to do something nice for them. She's just not sure what. Can Imani figure out a way to make a difference for her new classmate?

Imani's step team wants to enter the Glow Talent Show. But first they need money for the entry fee. How far will Imani go to help the Mighty Steppers earn their way?

Imani and her friends want to dress as superheroes for their school's Fall Festival. But she can't find a superhero that looks like her. Will she be able to find a costume in time?

Read Woke™ Books are created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. Inspired by a belief that knowledge is power, Read Woke™ Books seek to amplify the voices of people of the global majority (people who are of African, Arab, Asian, and Latin American descent and identify as not white), provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, share perspectives of people who have been underrepresented or oppressed, challenge social norms and disrupt the status quo, and encourage readers to take action in their community.