For All Ages

O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM (Amistad, $18.99): A glorious celebration of Jesus' birth, this unique book features artwork by Faith Ringgold, lyrics to five cherished Christmas hymns, and a CD with renditions of these songs performed by the choir.

Ages 0-2

DID I TELL YOU I LOVE YOU TODAY? by Deloris Jordan with Roslyn (Simon & Schuster, $16.95): With this day-in-the-life story, written by the mother and the sister of basketball great Michael Jordan, kids learn to appreciate the countless ways mommies show their love.

SING-ALONG SONG by JoAnn Early Macken (Viking, $15.99): The sounds of a chirping bird, a buzzing bee, a cooing baby and a whistling daddy inspire a boy to make a joyful noise. The fun rhymes in this book are utterly engaging.

Ages 3-5

THE GOSPEL CINDERELLA by Joyce Carol Thomas (Amistad, $15.99): This soulful twist on the classic story features Queen Mother Rhythm and the Prince of Music, who are searching for a new choir director with the perfect voice. Throw in Crooked Foster Mother, evil twins and songstress Cinderella, and there's bound to be drama.

MA DEAR'S OLD GREEN HOUSE by Denise Lewis Patrick (Just Us Books, $16.95): The author shares fond memories of the special summers she spent at her grandmother's house.

ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET by NtoZake Shange (Simon & Schuster, $15.95); The critically acclaimed poet, author and playwright pays homage to the renowned African-American men--W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, Dizzy Gillespie and, yes, Duke Ellington--who frequented her childhood home in Harlem.

Ages 6-8

BY MY BROTHER'S SIDE by Tiki and Ronde Barber (Simon & Schuster, $16.95): Based on the childhood story of the knee injury that nearly ended Tiki's promising football career, this book's potent message is: Work hard and believe in yourself, and you will succeed.

JAZZY MIZ MOZETTA by Brenda C. Roberts (Farrar Straus & Giroux; $16.50): Miz Mozetta is ready for an evening of dancing and excitement. When she can't get anyone to hangout with her, she plays her "scratchy old radio" at home alone--until unexpected guests show up at her door and get the party started.

IN THE LAND OF WORDS by Eloise Greenfield (Amistad, $16.99): The 21 poems in this collection, with themes ranging from "Making Friends" to "Way Down in the Music," are sure to motivate any budding poet.

JUST FOR YOU SERIES (Scholastic, Inc., $3.99 each): This series, written and illustrated by people of color, tells stories that reflect our everyday lives while helping kids build their vocabulary. Noteworthy picks: Never Finished, Never Done by Regina Brooks A Morn Lake No Other by Christine Taylor-Butler; Only the Stars by Dee Boyd.

Ages 9-12

POWERFUL WORDS: MORE THAN 200 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY WRITING BY AFRICAN AMERICANS by Wade Hudson (Scholastic Nonfiction, $19.95): A distinctive compilation of letters, speeches, songs and more by 36 notable Blacks, ranging from Frederick Douglass to Toni Morrison to Lauryn Hill.

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