As the holiday season approaches, consider gifting young readers with books that not only entertain but also educate them about North Carolina's rich history and culture. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources offers a selection of children's books that make perfect holiday gifts.
1. Within Our Power: The Story of the Edenton Ladies' Tea Party
Authored by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss, this book recounts the 1774 protest by fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina, against "taxation without representation." Their courageous stand is a compelling story of early American activism.
2. Save Our Sand Dunes
Written by Hannah Bunn West with Ann-Cabell Baum and illustrated by Larry McCarter and Anne Marshall Runyon, this book tells the true story of how, in the 1970s, the Baum family and their community rallied to preserve Jockey's Ridge from development, leading to its designation as a state park in 1975.
3. Bountiful Red Acres: Two Farms, Two Families, and a Year on the Land
Authored by Eileen Heyes and illustrated by Dare Coulter, this book follows a year in the lives of two neighboring families—one Black and one White—in the North Carolina Piedmont around 1900. It highlights their friendship and shared experiences in farming and community building.
4. Longneedle
Written and illustrated by Anne Marshall Runyon, "Longneedle" narrates the life story of a longleaf pine over three centuries, from 1696 to 1996, emphasizing the tree's resilience and the importance of conservation.
5. My N.C. from A to Z
Authored by Michelle Lanier and illustrated by Dare Coulter, this colorful board book introduces young children to North Carolina's African American heritage, promoting human equality and social justice. It's an excellent first book for babies and toddlers.
6. We Who Believe in Freedom: The Life and Times of Ella Baker
Written by Lea E. Williams, this biography is aimed at middle and high school readers. It explores the life of Ella Baker, a civil rights leader from Littleton, North Carolina, known for her role in founding the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at Shaw University.
7. The Life and Times of Thomas Wolfe
Authored by Jennifer Prince, this book introduces readers to Thomas Wolfe, an Asheville native and literary giant whose work continues to captivate audiences. It provides insights into his life and enduring legacy.
These thoughtfully crafted books offer engaging stories that connect young readers to North Carolina's history and culture, making them meaningful holiday gifts.