Imagine hundreds and hundreds of books just for you! For African American girls, this dream can come true with Black Books Galore! Authors Donna Rand and Toni Trent Parker, founders of the nation's leading organizer of African American children's book festivals, have created an invaluable resource and companion to Black Books Galore! Guide to Great African American Children's Books About Boys. The girls' version spotlights 360 books for girls from birth through eighth grade, featuring African American heroines such as the granddaughter in No Mirrors in My Nana's House and high-spirited Charlene (a.k.a. Charlie) in Maniac Monkeys on Magnolia Street.

Selections are arranged alphabetically by title and numbered sequentially for easy cross-referencing. Each entry includes title, subtitle, author, illustrator, publisher of hardcover and paperback editions, original publication date, and a brief, lively synopsis of the book. Significant awards are noted, as well as any sequels, prequels, companions, or series titles. Book descriptions often include text excerpts and pictures of book covers to impart the flavor of the books. Special features, such as "The Creator's Reflections," spotlight talented authors and illustrators like Patricia C. McKissack and Jerry Pinkney, as well as well-known African American personages and even young readers. --Emilie Coulter