2004 Corretta Scott King Award

Blackbird is the most beautiful of the birds; and all other birds agree. They show it in song, marveling at Blackbird's beauty. Blackbird has the wonderful idea of adding some black designs to all the other birds... some stipes on the wings, the neck, the face... and that is why other birds have black on them; because of Blackbird.

I hadn't seen this folktale before; but I love that it isn't too wordy. The vibrant, abstract illustrations are engaging and emphasize the colors even more than detailed illustrations.

uniqueness is great, demonstrates importance of community, ( )

This is the story of a blackbird who stands apart from his colorful friends and neighbors but in reality, they feel like they stand apart from him. They feel as though they are not unique because they are so brightly colored where he is the only one who isn't. Such a great read for learning how to not only accept who you are and also being able to make others feel welcomed and unique. Perfect for 3rd-grade ( )

Intermediate. This is about colored birds who admire the blackbird as the most beautiful, and want to be just like them. The bird teaches the other that beauty comes from within, but also gives them some of their black. This would be great to use to teach about some African culture and also what beauty really means.