Staff Picks: What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton

Reviewed by Alejandria G.

It’s impossible not to feel inspired while reading this gorgeous, well-written nonfiction picture book about the life of Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

From a young age, Barbara Jordan had a remarkable voice. Her voice demanded attention and projected confidence beyond her years. As the author ponders, “What do you do with a voice like that?”. And so began the journey of Barbara Jordan from child to college student. From lawyer to Congresswoman. Jordan spent her career speaking up for those who had less power and protected the rights of those who were discriminated against. Chris Barton’s wonderful words remind us to honor Jordan’s legacy by making our own voices heard.

Ekua Holmes honors Barbara’s life with gorgeous mixed media illustrations. Bold colors and patterns fill the pages and add dimension to the story. Read more about Staff Picks: What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton

Posted by Alejandria G. on March 14, 2019

What do you do with a voice like that?: the story of extraordinary congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Do you have Martin Luther King Jr. Day off of school? Spend this January 15th at the Main Library for a day ON as we celebrate the birthday of the American Civil Rights icon. Read more about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Posted by Lizzie F. on January 2, 2018

Government & Politics

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

March: Book 3 by John Lewis

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Winner of the 2017 Michael L. Printz Award, the 2017 Coretta Scott King Author Award, the 2017 Sibert Medal, and several other awards, March: Book 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell is a monumental feat of storytelling that is a must-read. March: Book 3 is the final installment in a graphic novel trilogy that chronicles the Civil Rights Movement in the American South from the perspective of John Lewis. This book follows the Civil Rights Movement from the Selma to Montgomery march to the passage of the Civil Rights Act, chronicling the trials and tribulations the protestors faced during this time. Chock full of text, explanations, and history, March: Book 3 illustrates the human need for freedom and equality. At once deeply personal, as we see much from Lewis’s perspective, and highly detached as the broader frictions in the movement are revealed and the enormous struggle the movement overcame are presented. Read more about March: Book 3 by John Lewis

Posted by Sam O. on February 28, 2017

Hairspray (1988)

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You may have seen the musical. You have most likely seen the movie starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, and Nikki Blonsky, but have you see the movie that started it all? The original 1988 comedy Hairspray, directed and written by John Waters, featured Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad and Divine as Edna Turnblad. This movie has a grittier, earthier feel than either the musical or the 2007 movie. This is not too surprising as Hairspray was the first film by John Waters to receive less than an “R” rating. Prior to this film John Waters had been justly known in Hollywood as “The King of Bad Taste.” Hairspray was the first John Water’s films to even attempt to appeal to the general public. Read more about Hairspray (1988)

Posted by Keith C. on April 26, 2016

Hairspray [Motion picture, 1988]

Information, Answers & Reviews

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom

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"I would like for young people to know that each day of your life is a journey into history and that you are making that history. And you have the ability to change something each day of your life. Believe it or not, people, it can't happen without you."

- Lynda Blackmon Lowery, interview on National Public Radio Read more about Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom