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Article
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: The Pyramids of Egypt

For Students 9th - 10th
Considered to be the "largest single building ever constructed by man," The Great Pyramid of Khufu is regarded as the greatest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This article gives a detailed description of this pyramid,...
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Toni Cade Bambara

For Students 9th - 10th
Toni Cade Bambara is featured in this brief biography for her ability to combine and advocate for both feminism and black minorities through her literature. See "Toni Cade Bambara Activities" for related resources.
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Lesson Plan
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: The Search for Identity: Alice Walker

For Students 9th - 10th
Alice Walker is highlighted in this brief biography for her acclaimed contributions to literature, relating the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. Click on "Alice Walker Activities" for related materials.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Jean Toomer

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief biography of Jean Toomer, an African American author of poetry and short stories, published in many magazines in the early twentieth century. Click on "Jean Toomer Activities" for related materials.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: African American Mosaic: Influence of Prominent Abolitionists

For Students 9th - 10th
See documents and pictures of those actively involved in the anti-slavery movement. From the Library of Congress.
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Activity
Other

Database of Award Winning Children's Literature

For Students 4th - 9th
This is a phenomenal resource. It allows the user to create a reading list of quality children's literature based of choices such as reading level, type of book, genre, ethnicity, gender, etc. In addition, one can determine if a book won...
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Unit Plan
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Making of African American Identity: The Black Press

For Students 9th - 10th
Selections from a black newspaper, "The Colored American, "from 1837-1838 that detail the numerous issues and agendas confronting enslaved and free blacks.
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Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay's Life

For Students 9th - 10th
A concise and in-depth biography of the American poet known as Claude McKay (1890-1948 CE). McKay was one of the key members of The Harlem Renaissance Movement.
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Primary
University of Virginia

Explorations in Black Leadership: Amiri Baraka

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of African American writer Amiri Baraka and an interview with him conducted by Julian Bond available in video download or script format. With insight into influential people in his life, career development, influence of...
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Handout
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives a short biography of Langston Hughes's life, a "Mini Bio: Langston Hughes" video [3:33] and links to 20 of his books.
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Website
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Lorraine Hansberry

For Students 9th - 10th
This site focuses on Lorraine Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun, including a short biography, "The Lorraine Hansbury: Mini -Documentary" video [10:38], and links to four of her books.
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Website
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Paul Laurence Dunbar

For Students 9th - 10th
This site focuses on Paul Laurence Dunbar including a biography that includes a poem in dialect "Negro Love Song" illustrating how well the author used this format. It also includes links to eight of his books.
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Website
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Ralph Ellison

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a biography with a photo of Ellison and a video entitled "The Novel: Ralph Ellison on Work in Progress 1966" [28:56]. It also has links to seven of his books.
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Article
African American Literature Book Club

African American Literature Book Club: Elijah Muhammad

For Students 9th - 10th
This site describes the role of Elijah Muhammad as the "Messenger of Allah." It includes a picture, a video [20:38] of a rare interview with Muhammad, and a link to one of Elijah Muhammad's books, 100 Answers to the Most Common 100...
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Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Claude Mc Kay

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography and analysis of the life of the famous author, as well as literary criticism as well as online poems, letters and a bibliography. Includes many quotes and his poetry.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
Poet laureate Langston Hughes is featured in this brief biography highlighting his vast collection of writings, particularly his poetry, which drew upon racial and self awareness in America. See "Langston Hughes Activities" for related...
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Unit Plan
McGraw Hill

Glencoe Literature: "Sounder" Study Guide [Pdf]

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Teachers can share the award-winning young adult novel "Sounder" with their students through the use of this 40 page study guide. "Sounder", by African American author William H. Armstrong, is about a young boy in the American South who...
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Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: African American Odyssey: Harlem Renaissance and the Flowering of Creativity

For Students 9th - 10th
A description of the African-American literary and musical boom known as the Harlem Renaissance after World War I and before World War II. Profiles some of the prominent figures involved in the movement.
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Website
University at Buffalo

Phat African American Poetry Book: Arna Bontemps

For Students 9th - 10th
Three of Arna Bontemps' more famous poems are printed here.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Regional Realism: Joel Chandler Harris

For Students 9th - 10th
Creator of Uncle Remus and other African American folklore tales, journalist Joel Chandler Harris is featured as a revolutionary writer regarding oppression and prejudices. For more resources click the "Joel Chandler Harris Activities" tab.
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eBook
Other

Iola Leroy, Or, Shadows Uplifted

For Students 9th - 10th
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's novel is offered by the Schomburg African American Women Writers project in machine-readable form.
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Unit Plan
PBS

Literature & Life: Renaissance

For Students 9th - 10th
Some of the African-American writers and poets who were prominent in the early part of the twentieth century are featured on this page. They were important voices during what became known as the 'black Renaissance'. Here, you can listen...
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Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: "Letter From Spain"

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Modern American Poetry provides a review of the famous poem by Langston Hughes. The information that is provided is somewhat brief, but factual, and worth checking out.