Black History and The Vote

The 15th amendment was ratified 150 years ago today, but it was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that black women shared a voice with black men at the voting booth. At the time of the Act’s passing there were only six African-American representatives in the House, while there was only one Senator. Today, representation has improved in the House, but there are still only three black Senators.

This Black History Month officially recognizes challenges faced and the barriers that remain between black voices and representation. Less overt than previous iterations of oppression, voter suppression in the form of gerrymandering, draconian voter ID laws, and the dissemination of misinformation subvert the potential resolution of issues faced by the black community.

The library has prepared some resources for students to further explore Black History and the Vote. Be sure to stop by and check out a book or two! In honor of this month’s observance and celebration, our eBook Spotlight recognizes “African American Women and the Vote, 1837-1965.” You can find that title and a wide selection of others on Ivy Tech Library’s catalog, Ivycat!

New Children’s Books

“Stunning…brilliantly colored…striking… Just the right amount of tension, delicious vocabulary…and alliterative phrases make this a first purchase for group and one-on-one sharing. Count on requests for many readings.” (School Library Journal)

One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read: PIC REA

“Lin’s spirited text is tailor-made for reading aloud, and the homey treatment of a grand phenomenon again delights.” (BCCB)

A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin: PIC LIN / Winter

“The combination of Twain’s (often sarcastic) humor and lessons of life, a touch of allegory, and Stead’s own storytelling skills result in an awesome piece of fantasy.” (School Library Journal)

The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain:
PIC TWA

“Photos of Moto, both as a fluffy-faced baby and an active, handsome adult, are the clear scene-stealers, but plenty of interesting facts on servals are included. More than one reader will consider following in Eszterhas’ footsteps.” (Booklist)

Moto and Me: My Year As a Wildcat’s Foster Mom by Suzi Eszterhas: QL737.C23 E7943 2017

“A surprising meditation on the artistic process. Lee sticks the landing in style.” (NPR Best Books of the Year)

Lines by Suzy Lee: PIC LEE

“Stillness, tenderness, and hope are the essence of this quiet gem.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Little Mole’s Wish by Sang-Keun Kim: PIC KIM / Winter

Bertha, Richard, and Eugen pushed a strange machine out of the shop and into the alley. They were sneaking away with Papa’s invention!

Bertha Takes a Drive: How the Benz Automobile Changed the World by Jan Adkins: GV1025.G3 A113 2017