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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe first book that Sherri and Halli showed me was Like Lava in My Veins<\/em> by Derrick Barnes. Derrick is an award-winning Charlotte author whose previous children\u2019s books include I Am Every Good Thing <\/em>and Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut<\/em>, which received a Newbery Honor Award, a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Like Lava in My Veins <\/em>is illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough, a well-known comics artist.<\/p>\n\n\n Like Lava in My Veins <\/em>has the look of a superhero comic book. It features a young superhero named Bobby Beacon, who has the power of \u201clight and fire.\u201d The story begins with Bobby enrolling in the Academy of Kids with Awesome Abilities where he meets other kids who have superpowers. Bobby biggest challenge is learning how to control his hot temper, but an understanding teacher helps him learn how to stay calm and use his powers for good. Like several of Derrick\u2019s other books, Like Lava in My Veins <\/em>celebrates the creativity and potential of Black boys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about Derrick and his books, please click on the following link: https:\/\/derrickdbarnes.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n The second book Sherri and Halli brought to my attention was Shy Robin and the First Day of School, <\/em>which is both written and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Born in South Korea, Jamie moved to the United States at the age of eighteen. She now lives in Charlotte. Jaime has pursued a successful career as an illustrator of picture books by various authors, but she has recently turned to both writing and illustrating picture books, including Ready for the Spotlight!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n