Most Popular Books by James Haskins

Interested in finding the soul of the Big Apple? You''ll have to look further than the Empire State Building.... New York is probably America''s richest city in African American history and heritage. Due to attractive rents and increased public transportation at the dawn of the century, blacks made the city the site of their largest neighborhood, Harlem. However, in New York there are many more sites outside of Harlem that espouse the significant contributions of African Americans. The Guide to Black New York seeks out famous and infamous legends, jazz joints and soul food diners scattered over the five boroughs, and African American media - radio and newspapers. It leads you to the museums, historic sites and festivals that honor the past and present work of African Americans who have contributed their minds, their labor, their music, and their art to make the city what it is today. From the pre-Revolutionary War period to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement to the monumental election of David Dinkins as the first black mayor of the city, this guide highlights sights and sounds of a culture that has been long overlooked in history.

The Black South, areas chock-full of historical and cultural landmarks of African-American significance, should not be considered just offbeat, road-less-travelled sections of the more traditional South, but the foundation of its very existence. The purpose of this book is to document and highlight the significant contributions that Southern blacks have made to their country. The Historic Black South includes historic sites, churches, museums, art galleries, festivals, restaurants, nightclubs, jazz joints, birthsites, gravesites, radio programs, record stores, barbershops, beaches, parks, schools, and markets -- the essence of the black communities.

Profiles a variety of African American entrepreneurs, from the early years, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, to modern times.

Several million earthquakes occur every year-but why and where do they happen? Young readers will get the inside scoop in this exciting volume. Stunning gatefolds and photographs from on the ground and from satellites in space, as well as dramatic first-person accounts, coverage of the recent Haiti disaster, and the latest scientific information, make Inside Earthquakes a fascinating, ripped-from-the-headlines look at this natural phenomenon.

A biography of the child actress who was known as "America''s Sweetheart" and who, as an adult, became active in politics, serving as Ambassador to Ghana and as the first woman Chief of Protocol at the White House.

Presents a history of break dancing, instructions for break dance steps, and profiles of some of today''s famous performers.

A history of the system of segration that kept African Americans in poverty and oppression from the end of Reconstruction through the early years of the twentieth century.

Describes thirty distinctive ethnic African tribes, from pre-Islamic days to the present, providing facts about their history, social structure, religion, traditions, environment, and daily life

Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Jim Haskins tells the story of the Underground Railroad. New in paperback, this colorful history weaves together personal stories, historical material, and letters of "conductors" and "stationmasters" who helped slaves to freedom. "Fascinating . . . excellent".--Booklist, boxed review.

Discusses conditions in Cuba which have led to mass immigration of Cubans to the United States, the expectations which refugees bring to their new country, and the realities of their life in America.

A biography of the blind composer, pianist, and singer who was a child prodigy and went on to win nine Grammy awards.

Examines the origins of American involvement in Vietnam and discusses the opposition to and support of the war.

Surveys the history of black dance in America, from its beginnings with the ritual dances of African slaves, through tap and modern dance to break dancing. Includes brief biographies of influential dancers and companies.

Examines the facts and misconceptions about alcohol and alcoholism.

Information from the great singer''s family, friends, and fellow musicians round out a personal and professional biography of a man whose influence as a vocalist and a jazz pianist is still felt