Focus Book

February is Black History Month, the perfect opportunity for young readers to get acquainted with the Newbery Honor Book "Show Way" by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Hudson Talbott (G.P. Putman's Sons, $16.99, recommended ages 6 and up).

	Click photo for larger image. Related article Author Q&A: Jacqueline Woodson

Colorful illustrations glow from dark backdrops and words are sparse but evocative, telling the story of Soonie and her family. Soonie's great-grandmother was 7 when she was sold away from her parents with only a piece of muslin from her mother, two needles and red thread. She was raised by Big Mama, who cared for the plantation children and told stories of freedom. Big Mama taught Soonie's great-grandma how to sew messages and directions into quilt patterns -- called "show ways," and the quilt-making tradition is passed down through generations of women in the family. The School of Library Journal review said of "Show Way": "An outstanding tribute, perfectly executed in terms of text, design and illustration."

Highlight Book

"Who Am I Without Him? Short Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives" by Sharon Flake (Jump at the Sun Publishers, $15.99, recommended ages 12 and up).

Click photo for larger image.

Sharon Flake is an award-winning author of young adult books who lives in Pittsburgh. This collection of 10 short stories was named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book in 2004 and praised for its honest and unsparing account of poverty and racism and its effects on African-American girls as they reach adolescence.

UReview

"Show Way" and "Who Am I Without Him? Short Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives" are the February selections for the MY GEN Book Club.

The MY GEN Book Club invites reviews of the books from all readers. Send reviews and comments -- along with name, school and age -- to mygen@post-gazette.com and see them published in the final week of the month on the Post-Gazette's My Generation page or posted online at www.post-gazette.com/books, on the MY GEN Book Club page. Read reviews of other MY GEN selections at the book club site.

Selections are by librarians at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. For more information, visit the Book Nook at carnegielibrary.org/kids.