Books by Jim Haskins

An illustrated history of how "Amazing Grace" became one of the most popular hymns of all time tells how its author, John Newton, was a British slave trader who became a minister and spent his latter years speaking out against slavery.

Describes Bill Cosby's meteoric rise to the top of the entertainment world.

Since the early days of American aviation, racist attitudes have forced African Americans to go to extreme lengths to earn their wings. This engrossing account shares their historic history from the first days of flight to the space program. Photos.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY COMES TO LIFE

A collection of inspiring biographical profiles that bring notable African Americans of colonial times to life for young readers

The courageous stories of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and many more

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY COMES TO LIFE

A collection of inspiring biographical profiles that bring notable African Americans from the Harlem Renaissance to life for young readers

Four-time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Jim Haskins brings readers face-to-face with the African Americans who fought in the war between the states. Excerpts from letters and government documents introduce the names and places that set the stage for the war's unfolding. Vintage photographs offer a vivid look at the brave soldiers who risked their lives in the fight for human equality.

An eye-opening account of America's greatest explorer--from his boyhood, to his voyages to America, to his imprisonment and exoneration.

A portrait of Colin Powell reveals his history-making military career and cites the difficulties and challenges he faced in becoming the first African American to achieve his prestigious position. Original.

Uses the Swahili words for the numbers from one to ten to introduce the land, history and culture of Africa.

Presents the numbers one to ten in French, using each number to introduce concepts about Canada and its culture.

Uses the numbers one through ten in German to introduce aspects of the history and culture of Germany.

A counting book that explores the many facets of Ireland, including its geography, history, culture, and sports.

Uses the numbers one through ten in Italian to introduce aspects of the history and culture of Italy.

Presents the numbers one to ten in Japanese, using each number to introduce concepts about Japan and its culture.

Presents the numbers one through ten in Russian, using each number to introduce concepts about the Soviet Union and Russian culture.

The Coretta Scott King award-winning author of, among others, "The Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Was Shot," looks at the Civil War in a fascinating magazine-style chronicle with over 100 powerful photographs. A handsomely designed, well-researched book which includes people often neglected in historical accounts of the war: African-Americans, women, and children.

Taking the advice of his grandmother, W.W. Law worked to become somebody who would make a difference and, through his activism with the NAACP, dedication to non-violent protests, and registering blacks to vote, successfully led a boycott in Savannah that resulted in the first city in the south to end racial discrimination. Reprint.

A biography of a talented vocalist who has performed a variety of styles of music.

Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Jim Haskins tells the story of the Underground Railroad. New in paperback, this colorful history weaves together personal stories, historical material, and letters of "conductors" and "stationmasters" who helped slaves to freedom. "Fascinating . . . excellent".--Booklist, boxed review.

Describes Black history sites.

Ghostly dancers waltz in a deserted mansion. A mysterious "thing" leads an orphan child to a jar of coins. A floating woman pleads, "Find my child". An empty rocking chair rocks slowly back and forth all through the night. This collection of traditional African-American ghost stories will send shivers up your spine.

Twelve short biographies tell triumphant stories of African-Americans whose courageous accomplishments in the fields of medicine, sports, the arts, and politics have opened doors for the black community.

In 1967, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense had established themselves as one of the foremost civil rights groups in the nation. Here, in this comprehensive, straightforward book, award-winning author Jim Haskins outlines the causes and conditions that set the stage for the Party's founding and their part in the multifaceted fabric of American politics and history. Photos. Young Adult.

Follows the career of entertainer Scatman Crothers from his birthplace in Terre Haute, Indiana, to his prohibition-era stage appearances, to his Hollywood stardom in key television and film roles.

A dynamic biography of the most important African-American filmmaker in Hollywood Spike Lee wanted to be a basketball player. But when he grew to only five foot six inches, he realized he would have to pursue other dreams. And he succeeded -- beyond his wildest expectations -- becoming the most important black filmmaker in Hollywood. Acclaimed author Jim Haskins paints an intriguing portrait of Spike Lee and his movies, from his middle-class boyhood in Brooklyn to his sassy and smart screen debut with She's Gotta Have It through the production of his most recent film, Get on the Bus.

A history of America's most famous statue, discussing how it was built and why it was given to the United States.