It’s very important that we all get a grasp on what it is that can build bridges between us. I really do see children’s books as a way to build those bridges early on. — Floyd Cooper

Did you know that May 6 is Floyd Cooper Day? Floyd Cooper was an award-winning African American illustrator of more than 100 children’s books, some of which he also wrote. Cooper’s work highlighted the African American historical experience, which he felt was under-represented in America’s classrooms.

Born in 1956 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cooper was raised in public housing projects and attended 11 different elementary schools. Cooper graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a fine arts degree and illustrated cards for Hallmark before getting his first break as a children’s book illustrator for “Grandpa’s Face” by Eloise Greenfield.

Cooper, who has been called a master of expression, described his unique style as a “subtractive process” where oil is applied to a surface and then shapes are “erased” to create an underpainting before a final layer of color is applied. Cooper’s career as an illustrator spanned three decades. Cooper died from cancer in July 2021, leaving behind a wife and two sons.

The library has several books illustrated by Cooper, including “Max and the Tag-along Moon,” “Becoming Billie Holiday,” “Be Good to Eddie Lee,” “A Ride to Remember: the Civil Rights Story” and his final work, “Unspeakable: the Tulsa Race Massacre,” winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Stop in either branch of the library and check out some of Cooper’s work.

Save the date: Our Summer Reading Kickoff Party takes place Saturday, June 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Cambridge branch. Be sure to follow us on social media and visit us at DorchesterLibrary.org for information on all of our fun summer programs.

Correction: The Dorchester Discussions book club will meet Tuesday, May 23.