The Invisible Princess

Author: Faith Ringgold

First line: Long ago, in the tiny Village of Visible, way down in the Deep South, there lived two slaves called Mama and Papa Love.

Why you should read this book: In a story rich with metaphor, an invisible princess defies the cruel slave master who torments her family, although she herself is protected from his wrath by the Powers of Nature. Even the master's blind daughter can see how beautiful and irenic the princess is, and when she learns her father's plan to harm the princess's family, the Queen of Bees and the Prince of Night devise a plan to free all the slaves. With intense, captivating illustrations and a strong message of love and equality, this is a perfect book for smart kids with a basic grasp of fairness and American history.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're still flying the Confederate flag and declaring that the South will rise again. On second thought, if you're still flying the Confederate flag and declaring that the South will rise again, you really need to read this book.