BARBARA BINNS
B. A. Binns is the eldest of five children who grew up in Chicago’s Southside. After her parents divorced, she was forced to assume an adult role in her family. She has degrees in Biochemistry and Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University. You can visit her at her website, http://www.babinns.com/ ; Her blog: harperwriterstogether.blogspot.com; And twitter: twitter.com/barbarabinns
UNLAWFUL ORDERS
Scholastic Focus, 2022
*A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids
*Winner of the ILA Childrens Book Award
*An Honoree by the Society of Midland Authors in the Children’s Reading Round Table Award
Barbara Binns presents the inspiring story of one man in his struggle for racial equality in the field of battle and the field of medicine.
The Tuskegee Airmen heroically fought for the right to be officers of the US military so that they might participate in World War II by flying overseas to help defeat fascism. However, after winning that battle, they faced their next great challenge at Freeman Field, Iowa, where racist white officers barred them from entering the prestigious Officers’ Club that their rank promised them. The Freeman Field Mutiny, as it became known, would eventually lead to the desegregation of the US armed forces, forever changing the course of American history and race relations.
One Black officer who refused to give in to the bigotry at Freeman Field was James Buchanan “JB” Williams. JB grew up the son of sharecroppers, but his loving family and insuppressible intellect drove him to push boundaries placed on Black Americans in the early twentieth century. JB’s devotion to the betterment of others took him from the classroom where he learned to be a doctor, to serving as a medic in the US military and eventually joining the elite Tuskegee Airmen, where he fought to change the minds of all who believed Black men couldn’t make good soldiers. But JB’s greatest contribution came in his role as doctor and Civil Rights activist after the war, where he continued to push past injustices placed on Black Americans.
Critically acclaimed author Barbara Binns tells the story of one man’s remarkable life, and in doing so, explores the trials of the brave Black freedom fighters who defended the world against racism and bigotry, both on the front lines and at home.
COURAGE
HarperChildren’s, 2018
*A Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Book of the Year
*An Illinois Reads Selection
For fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander, a poignant and timely novel about race, class, and second chances.
Ever since T’Shawn’s dad died, his mother has been struggling to keep the family afloat. So when he’s offered a spot on a prestigious diving team at the local private swim club, he knows that joining would only add another bill to the pile.
But T studies hard and never gets into trouble, so he thinks his mom might be willing to bear the cost… until he finds out that his older brother, Lamont, is getting released early from prison.
Luckily, T’Shawn is given a scholarship, and he can put all his frustration into diving practices. But when criminal activity increases in the neighborhood and people begin to suspect Lamont, T’Shawn begins to worry that maybe his brother hasn’t left his criminal past behind after all.
And he struggles to hold on to the hope that they can put the broken pieces of their damaged relationship back together.
“Absorbing and powerful….an auspicious debut and a compelling read that will prompt important discussions about police brutality, racism, and economic inequity.” — School Library Journal
“Binns’ first middle grade-novel uses its Chicago backdrop to thoughtfully showcase common but underexplored issues of family and community, with an ending—the brothers reaffirming their bond—that is hopeful and well deserved.” — BCCB
“Successfully tackles the realities of homelessness, police intimidation and violence, and racism, and it ultimately demonstrates that forgiveness requires courage.” — PW
PULL
Westside, 2010
*A 2012 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
*2010 National Readers Choice Award for Young Adult fiction
*School Library Journal’s 2011 Best Books For Youth in Detention lists
Chicago High School senior David Albacore is dealing with major upheaval after his father murders his mom. David blames himself for not saving her that night; after being injured in a basketball game, he was given strong painkillers and slept through the shooting. In the terrible aftermath, he changes his name and moves to a tough new inner-city Chicago high school, where he and his sisters Barney and Linda move in with their aunt. With their mother gone and their father in jail, David tries his best to take care of his sisters. But when, after getting in too many fights, he is given the choice to either join the basketball team or be expelled, he chooses basketball, even though it cuts into the after-school construction job that he uses to supplement his aunt’s income. As David ponders trying for a basketball scholarship or keeping his construction job, Aunt Edie’s stroke eliminates most of David’s options. He can keep his family together by working full time, or follow his mom’s dream of college, which would send Barney into foster care.
This compelling story gives authentic voice to the social politics of teens, the long-term consequences of domestic violence, and a maturing teen’s need to differentiate the expectations he has of himself from those even the adults he respects have of him. This is a good group discussion book that offers much to engage both male and female readers, readers of color, and teachers as well as students.
— Booklist
“Tautly written, gripping and realistic, the strength of this story comes from the author’s refusal to take shortcuts or make up a traditional happy ending, but to let a true story twist, turn, and play out to its realistic, unromanticized, satisfying conclusion.”
— Tanita S. Davis, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of Mare’s War
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