New Book Alert! Never Givin' Up: The Life and Music of Al Jarreau (Hardcover) by Kurt Dietrich

The inspiring story of an iconic singer, Al Jarreau from Milwaukee

This is the first biography to chronicle the life and career of one of the most distinguished and beloved musical artists to come out of Wisconsin: Al Jarreau. From his earliest days singing in the 1940s until his death in 2017, Jarreau defied categorization. While his biggest hit, “We’re In This Love Together,” is pure pop, he smashed music industry stereotypes as the first artist to win Grammy Awards in three genres: jazz, pop, and R&B. 

Never Givin’ Up traces Jarreau’s singing career from humble beginnings in his hometown of Milwaukee to international fame. The narrative includes his formative student days at Ripon College and the University of Iowa, as well as the years spent honing his craft at nightspots in Milwaukee, San Francisco, and the Twin Cities. After he was signed by Warner Bros. Records in 1975 at the age of 35, Jarreau achieved stardom with his innovative vocal stylings and electric live performances.

This book includes more than 20 sidebars with bonus information about every Jarreau album and behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the records. Author Kurt Dietrich conducted interviews with dozens of Al's friends, fellow musicians, professional associates, and family members—most notably Al’s sister, Rose Marie Freeman, who was a major contributor to the project. Featuring 54 images spanning Jarreau’s life, from never-before-seen family snapshots to stills from his legendary stage performances, Never Givin’ Up celebrates a Milwaukee hometown hero and global sensation. 

Available now: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Givin-Up-Music-Jarreau/dp/1976600197
 

"No Shoes Petra" (2013) by Canadian author, Donna Clarke is available now!

No Shoes Petra (2013) by Canadian author, Donna Clarke is available on Amazon (See the link below.) 

This beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story is about Petra, a bright girl who doesn't have any shoes to wear to school. However, although her family doesn't have much money, she is rich with love. She has a life-changing experience and learns about how the love of Jesus is manifested through compassionate people. No Shoes Petra is perfect for teaching young, Christian readers about how faith and praying changes lives.

No Shoes Petra is perfect for teaching young, Christian readers about how faith and praying changes lives. 

Here's the link to order a copy: https://www.amazon.com/No-Shoes-Petra-Donna-Clarke/dp/1770698000
 

Happy Birthday, Poet, Rita Dove!

🎉The Avant-garde Books Team sends warm birthday wishes to award-winning poet, Rita Dove! 🎂Thank you for making our world better with your beautiful poems. Peace and abundant blessings to you today and always!💖

 

Coming October 10, 2023: "The New Brownies: A Love Letter to Black Families" by Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer!

Inspired by the groundbreaking work of W. E. B. Du Bois, this beautiful collection brings together an outstanding roster of Black creative voices to honor, celebrate, and foster Black excellence.

The New Brownies’ Book reimagines the very first publication created for African American children in 1920 as a must-have anthology for a new generation. Expanding on the mission of the original periodical to inspire the hearts and minds of Black children across the country, esteemed scholar Karida L. Brown and award-winning artist Charly Palmer have gathered the work of more than fifty contemporary Black artists and writers. The result is a book bursting with essays, poems, photographs, paintings, and short stories reflecting on the joy and depth of the Black experience—an immersive treasure trove that reminds readers of all ages that Black is brilliant, beautiful, and bold.

IMPORTANT HISTORICAL LEGACY: In 1920, W. E. B. Du Bois and the founders of the NAACP published The Brownies’ Book: A Monthly Magazine for Children of the Sun, which included art, stories, letters, and activities to inspire children, share Black history, and celebrate their identities. As the first periodical for African American youth, this was an important work in the history of children’s literature. The New Brownies’ Book revives its mission to inspire the young readers of today.
 
INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTORS: This book features the work of talented and exciting Black creators, including playwright and poet Ntozake Shange, writer and editor Damon Young, Def Poetry Jam co-creator and painter Danny Simmons, sociologist and educator Dr. Bertice Berry, children’s book illustrator James E. Ransome, muralist Fabian Williams, collage artist Marryam Moma, and many more. 

BEAUTIFUL KEEPSAKE: This collection presents a celebratory array of artwork, from detailed paintings and drawings to photographs and collages. It includes stories meant to be shared by children and adults, offering a way for all families—especially Black families—to connect across generations through the power of literature. With its meaningful content and deluxe packaging, this hardcover volume makes a thoughtful gift for new parents, grandparents, or inquisitive readers of all ages.

Perfect for:

• Parents, grandparents, and young readers, especially in the Black community
• Artists and writers inspired by themes of family, community, and empowerment
• Adults and teens who work with and care for young children
• Youth program leaders and community organizers
• Teachers, librarians, and educators
• Fans of the contributing artists and writers
• Art book collectors
• Audiences who seek out racial diversity and representation in the media they consume
• Fans of The Fire This Time, Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty, and Black Futures

 

One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story by Keeya Vawar

Every year, more than 300,00 youngsters are victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation across the United States. What’s scarcely known is that Black Girls are disproportionately ‘at risk’ of being trafficked and their stories often go untold for reasons far more complicated than mere reporting, or statistical oversight. She was given the opportunity to escape the abusive and tumultuous home life and faced with the prospect of meeting some of the biggest and most influential names in the music industry. She was presented with the possibility of creating “the life she always wanted,” 16-year-old Keeya found herself on a Greyhound bus to Atlanta Georgia in the Spring of 1992. Lured into a life of debauchery and exploitation that would leave her hollow and disaffected for years to come; she survived!

One of the most harrowing accounts of the reality of juvenile abuse and victimization ever told, One Thousand Elsewhere takes you into a world where innocence is traded for survival; where trust is sacrificed on the altar of instinct, and where love and safety are dreams scarcely obtained. Few have come out of the shadows to tell their truth, and fewer even would dare divulge the kind of raw and unforgettable details shared here by Keeya Vawar. In this brave account of a survival story, Keeya leaves readers mesmerized and on the edge of their seats as she details the incredible twists and turns on the unforgettable path that led to ultimate freedom. One Thousand Elsewhere will etch an indelible inscription on the walls of the heart and soul of anyone who dares to indulge in this triumphant true story!

Available Now: https://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Elsewhere-Survivor-Story/dp/1736334042
 

The Real History of Juneteenth by Elliot Smith

Greeting Reading Friends!

It's wonderful that Juneteenth became a national holiday two years ago. Yet, there are still so many historical treasures that are waiting to be discovered. 

Recently, I read a great children's book with facts that might be obscure to you. For example, do you know who is considered the "father of Juneteenth"? (I didn't know until I read the book!) Do you know that parts of the Caribbean celebrated their emancipation from slavery several decades before people in the United States? And, how did they commemorate that triumphant moment of freedom?

The Real History of Juneteenth answers these questions and shares information about how this special holiday has evolved over the years.

We are GRATEFUL for author, Elliot Smith as well as distinguished educator and content consultant, Dr. Cleopatra Warren, for making sure our children know how important Juneteenth truly is. 

Let us know if you would like a copy of this wonderful literary gem.

Continue to shine!

Corendis C. Hardy, CEO

Avant-garde Books, LLC

www.avantgardebooks.net

Let's read together!