Staff Picks
A Tale to Tell Thru Time: BIPOC Oral Literature
- Kenyanah B.
- Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Collection
Most people's first experience with oral literature or folk literature was most likely a lullaby, nursery rhyme or an urban legend. Oral literature is handed down orally through the word of mouth from one generation to another and serves to communicate ideas, knowledge, cultural practices, emotions, beliefs, and the appreciation of life. Oral literature much like oral tradition is preserved by speaking, listening, and remembering. The following booklist highlights African, African American, and indigenous people oral literature.
African Folklore in the New World
Published in 1977
The Annotated African American Folktales
Published in 2018
A treasury of dozens of African-American folktales discusses their role in a broader cultural heritage, sharing such classics as the Brer Rabbit stories, the African trickster Anansi, and tales from the late nineteenth-century's "Southern Workman."
Foxfire Story
Oral Tradition in Southern Appalachia
Published in 2020
"A work of cultural anthropology and a fascinating exploration of the vanishing oral traditions of Southern Appalachia"-- Provided by publisher.
Moonshot
The Indigenous Comics Collection. Volume 1
Published in 2020
Comic book stories showcasing the rich heritage and identity of indigenous storytelling, from dozens of creators.
Moonshot
The Indigenous Comics Collection. Volume 2
Published in 2020
Comic book stories showcasing the rich heritage and identity of indigenous storytelling, from dozens of creators.
Spider Spins a Story
Fourteen Legends from Native America
Published in 1997
Presents tales from various native peoples, including the Kiowa, Zuni, Cherokee, Hopi, Lakota, and Muskogee, all featuring a spider character.
Storytelling Encyclopedia
Historical, Cultural, and Multiethnic Approaches to Oral Traditions Around the World
Published in 1997
Trickster
Native American Tales
Published in 2021
"All cultures have tales of the trickster, a craft creature or being who uses cunning to get food, steal precius possessions, or simply cause mischief. He disrupts the order of things, often humiliating others and sometimes himself. In Native American traditions, the trickster takes many forms, from coyote or rabbit to raccoon or raven. In the original graphic anthology of Native American trickster tales, Trickster brings together Native American folklore and the world of comics. This inspired collaboration pairs twenty-four native storytellers with twenty-four accomplished artists, telling cultural tales from across North America. This tenth anniversary edition also includes a new trickster tale and an introduction by best-selling author Joseph Bruchac. Ranging from serious and dramatic to funny and sometimes downright fiendish, these tales bring tricksters back into popular culture."--page [4] of cover.
Love in Color
Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold
Published in 2020
"A high-born Nigerian goddess, who has been beaten down and unappreciated by her gregarious lover, longs to be truly seen. A young businesswoman attempts a great leap in her company--and an even greater one in her love life. A powerful Ghanaian spokeswoman is forced to decide whether she should uphold her family's politics or be true to her heart. In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places. With an eye towards decolonizing tropes inherent in our favorite tales of love, Babalola has created captivating stories that traverse across perspectives, continents, and genres" -- From publisher's description.
The Jumbies
Published in 2015
A spine-tingling tale rooted in Caribbean folklore that will have readers holding their breath as they fly through its pages. Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters parents make up to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest. Those shining yellow eyes that followed her to the edge of the trees, they couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they? When Corinne spots a beautiful stranger speaking to the town witch at the market the next day, she knows something unexpected is about to happen. And when this same beauty, called Severine, turns up at Corinne's house, cooking dinner for Corinne's father, Corinne is sure that danger is in the air. She soon finds out that bewitching her father, Pierre, is only the first step in Severine's plan to claim the entire island for the jumbies. Corinne must call on her courage and her friends and learn to use ancient magic she didn't know she possessed to stop Severine and save her island home. With its able and gutsy heroine, lyrical narration, and inventive twist on the classic Haitian folktale "The Magic Orange Tree," "The Jumbies" will be a favorite of fans of "Breadcrumbs, A Tale Dark and Grimm, " and "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon."
The Jumbies
Published in 2015
Eleven-year-old Corinne must call on her courage and an ancient magic to stop an evil spirit and save her island home.
The Doctor to the Dead
Grotesque Legends & Folk Tales of Old Charleston
Published in 2020
""You ask for a story. I will tell you one, fact for fact and true for true...." So begins "Crook-Neck Dick," one of twenty-three stories in this beguiling collection of Charleston lore. Derived from African-American legends, these fables have entertained generations of Charlestonians with sheer storytelling magic. To the delight of folklorists, students of Charleston history, and all those who love a good ghost story, this treasury returns to print in a new edition featuring previously unpublished photos of the storytellers who shared these remarkable stories with John Bennett"-- Provided by publisher.
Don't Leave an Elephant to Go and Chase a Bird
Published in 1996
Anancy Spiderman trades various items with the people he encounters, until he himself is distracted by a bird and ends up empty-handed.
Mama Knows Best
African-American Wives' Tales, Myths, and Remedies for Mothers and Mothers-to-be
Published in 1997
African American Folklore
Published in 2009
Examines African American folklore in context so that readers will understand the connection between black history and the broad sweep of America's story.
Evangeline of the Bayou
Published in 2018
"Twelve-year-old haunt huntress apprentice Evangeline Clement spends her days and nights studying the ways of folk magic, honing her monster-hunting skills while pursuing local bayou banshees and Johnny revenants. With her animal familiar sure to make itself known any day now, the only thing left to do is prove to the council she has heart. Then she will finally be declared a true haunt huntress, worthy of following in the footsteps of her long line of female ancestors. But when Evangeline and her grandmother are called to New Orleans to resolve an unusual case, she uncovers a secret that will shake her to the soles of her silver-tipped alligator-skin boots. Set in the evocative Louisiana bayou and the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Evangeline's is a tale of loyalty and determination, the powerful bonds of friendship and family, and the courage to trust your gut no matter how terrifying that might be."-- Provided by publisher.
Fly, Eagle, Fly!
An African Fable
Published in 2000
A farmer finds an eagle and raises it to behave like a chicken, until a friend helps the eagle learn to find its rightful place in the sky.
The People Could Fly
The Picture Book
Published in 2004
In this retelling of a folktale, a group of slaves, unable to bear their sadness and starvation any longer, calls upon the African magic that allows them to fly away.
Love and Roast Chicken
A Trickster Tale from the Andes Mountains
Published in 2004
In this folktale from the Andes, a clever guinea pig repeatedly outsmarts the fox that wants to eat him for dinner.
The Legend of the Lady Slipper
An Ojibwe Tale
Published in 1999
In this retelling of an Ojibwe tale, a girl's act of bravery to save her family leads to the appearance in the world of the delicate and tender flower called the lady's slipper.
Dende Maro
The Golden Prince
Published in 2009
"Dende Maro is a beautifully told and stunningly illustrated origin tale, inspired by ancient African carvings and paintings. The emphasis on the origin of the arts, as well as of survival skills, encourages readers to reflect on the importance of music, writing, and visual representation in human life."--Jacket.
Anansi the Spider
A Tale from the Ashanti
Published in 1986
In trying to determine which of his six sons to reward for saving his life, Anansi the Spider is responsible for placing the moon in the sky.
Brave Wolf and the Thunderbird
Published in 1998
While hunting, Brave Wolf is snatched by a hugh Thunderbird and taken to her nest on a high cliff so he can protect her chicks from a monster.
American Tall Tales
Published in 1991
A collection of tall tales about such American folk heroes as Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan.
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Published in 2004
Mufaro's two beautiful daughters, one bad-tempered, one kind and sweet, go before the king, who is choosing a wife.
The Princess and the Warrior
A Tale of Two Volcanoes
Published in 2016
WINNER OF THE BELPRÉ ILLUSTRATOR HONOR BOOKS AWARD! Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes were formed: Iztaccihuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatepetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.
The Princess and the Warrior
A Tale of Two Volcanoes
Published in 2016
"Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh reimagines one of Mexico's cherished legends. Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side."-- Provided by publisher.
American Tall Tales
Published in 2003
Designed to encourage children to read original classical literature either on their own or with the help of the more experienced readers in their lives. A collection of tall tales about American folk heroes.