Books for the Family

February Book Recommendations


National CASA came out with a list of joyful children's books that celebrate and center Black lives and culture. We encourage you to share these book recommendations with family and friends! Click on the book cover to purchase a copy of your own.

Black All Around


Patricia Hubbell (Author), Don Tate (Illustrator)


“The letters that live

on each page of a book.

The hole in the ground

that’s a little mole’s nook.

The gleaming paint on a limousine.

The braided hair of a stately queen.”


A lovely tribute to the color black and a counter to the “black is bad” narrative that too many children start seeing and hearing early in life. Share this with a child and let them know that Black is beautiful!

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut


Derrick Barnes (Author), Gordon C. James (Illustrator)


“He’ll drape you like royalty with that cape

to keep the fine hairs off of your neck

and your princely robes.

It’s amazing what a tight fade, high/low/bald

does for your confidence:

Dark Caesar.”


Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a stylish, rhythmic dive into the pride and joy that can only come from a fresh haircut. A triumphant celebration of the beauty of Black hair and barbershop culture.

As Brave as You


Jason Reynolds (Author)


“Is bravery and becoming a man only about proving something, or is it just as important to own up to what you won’t do?”


This book follows Brooklyn-based brothers Genie and Ernie as they spend the summer in the country with their grandparents. Great for middle-schoolers, with themes around Black boyhood, coming of age and what it means to be a man.

A Phoenix First Must Burn: Sixteen Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope


Patrice Caldwell (Editor)


“Magical and real, this collection lives up to its goal with stories as diverse as the black experience. #BlackGirlMagic indeed.” – Kirkus Reviews


Intended for teens, A Phoenix First Must Burn centers Black women and gender nonconforming people through short stories that run the gamut of genre—folktales, fantasy, sci-fi and more. Stories of love and betrayal, strength and resilience, heroism and healing!

By bfines April 25, 2025
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!
By bfines April 11, 2025
Brittany Coppage
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