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Bright April
In this story, the central character is April Bright, a 9-year-old schoolgirl and Brownie Scout in Philadelphia just after World War II. In a warm and friendly family story, against a Pennsylvania setting, the author touches lightly, and with integrity, on racial divisions as they affect dark-skinned April, her life at school, her friendships, her scout troop. At a picnic she first encounters racial prejudice in lonely little Phyllis, but her gift for friendship overrides even this, and she makes a friend of Phyllis, too.
88 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1946
8 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite de Angeli
80 books100 followersMarguerite de Angeli was an American writer and illustrator of children's books including the 1950 Newbery Award winning book The Door in the Wall. She wrote and illustrated twenty-eight of her own books, and illustrated more than three dozen books and numerous magazine stories and articles for other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 1, 2021
The highlight of this book is April Bright's 10th birthday, but this classic picture book is about so much more. We get to know April's family and their experiences in Germantown in the mid-1940's. April's Papa delivers mail for the postal service. Her Mama says April is "just the color of coffee with good cream in it." Her big brother Ken is still overseas with the army. Big sister Christine is finishing nursing school and big brother Tom is perpetually tapping on things with his drumsticks. April loves her Brownie troop and their secret motto -- D.Y.B. The book is full of beautiful illustrations of April's world on both bright and dark days. The color pictures take up a whole page and are works of art. Marguerite de Angeli wrote a number of books on specific cultural groups. She most certainly believed in the principle laid down in April's class by Miss Bell: "this country is for all, and that to be unfair or unkind to anyone because of his race or religion is neither Christian or American."
September 13, 2017
I read that this is Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden's favorite children's book, so, I decided to take a look. It's an engaging book that teaches children about work ethic among other important life lessons. My favorite passage is: "It is all very well to be at the head of things, but homely work is important too. Don't think you are too good to do any kind of work that seems necessary. You are respected for the way you do your work, any work."
June 20, 2017
Well worth reading even now, though at this point it would be more historical fiction, rather than contemporary fiction. A bit too earnest, and nice, perhaps, and the reference to 'your people' has to be explained to today's readers as a no longer valid viewpoint* but I did thoroughly enjoy reading about the different characters, and their experiences, and setting, and of course I adored the artwork.
*The idiom 'your people' was used with good intent by the teacher in the story. She recognized that children of different ethnic backgrounds would probably relate better to heros and role models from their presumed culture.
But nowadays that's too much of a presumption to make. There are Black Jews, there are African-Americans who don't ever have to face racism directly, there are Whites who face awful bigotry from those who would call them 'white trash' or 'hillbilly.' There is no (stereo)typing to justify 'your people.'
And besides, people like Crispus Attucks are heroes first and foremost, to all of us. Their race and/or culture is relevant to their story, of course, but it is not relevant to the impact of their efforts on our lives. If he's a 'black male' hero, fine. But I'm a white female, and I can feel proud to know that there is a *human* capable of such courage.
*The idiom 'your people' was used with good intent by the teacher in the story. She recognized that children of different ethnic backgrounds would probably relate better to heros and role models from their presumed culture.
But nowadays that's too much of a presumption to make. There are Black Jews, there are African-Americans who don't ever have to face racism directly, there are Whites who face awful bigotry from those who would call them 'white trash' or 'hillbilly.' There is no (stereo)typing to justify 'your people.'
And besides, people like Crispus Attucks are heroes first and foremost, to all of us. Their race and/or culture is relevant to their story, of course, but it is not relevant to the impact of their efforts on our lives. If he's a 'black male' hero, fine. But I'm a white female, and I can feel proud to know that there is a *human* capable of such courage.
November 4, 2016
I heard about this book from an interview with Carla Hayden our new Librarian of Congress. She has said this is her favorite children's book. I found it interesting on how this book addresses racial prejudice in comparison to our current racial divide. I am not sure I agree with the Do Your Best mantra. As I was finishing the book I wondered what April and her siblings are like today. Is Tom a musician, Ken an architect, her sister a nurse or even a doctor, and did April become a teacher? Or Librarian of Congress? A thoughtful and gentle book. #CarlaHayden
December 3, 2017
I had never read anything of de Angeli besides her Newbery Award winner, The Door in the Wall. This was written before that book and is a forgotten gem. It is about a 9 year old girl named April Bright who belongs to a warm loving family that happens to be Black. It is about various adventures she has with her family, in school, and in her Brownie troop. The motto of the troop is DYB. I'll leave you to guess what it stands for, or read the book. April begins to encounter racism but her wise mother helps her to understand it and gives tips on how to deal with it. This is a simple, sweet, slightly preachy book that I would like to hand out to people who elected the current racist ruling party into office. I have to admit I doubt many will read it since it is in a style that has gone out of favor. However, I would strongly suggest people do read it, if only to keep it on library shelves so that it has current circulation stats. It is a fast read and a happy optimistic read. Definitely what I needed after my last book, The Handmaid's Tale!
Addendum: I seem to be doing lots of addendi lately. Here is another. Reading some of the other reviews makes me think I probably heard about this and read it for the same reason as others: Carla Hayden, our Librarian of Congress, cited this as her favorite book growing up. Thanks Ms. Hayden since you likely kept the book on many library shelves by increasing circulation of this title!
Addendum: I seem to be doing lots of addendi lately. Here is another. Reading some of the other reviews makes me think I probably heard about this and read it for the same reason as others: Carla Hayden, our Librarian of Congress, cited this as her favorite book growing up. Thanks Ms. Hayden since you likely kept the book on many library shelves by increasing circulation of this title!
April 20, 2021
I loved this book that I read on openlibrary.org. Such beautiful illustrations, some of them in color, really make this story special. I loved how April learned about the birds and loved how she made friends with a girl who at first did not like her. That brought tears to my eyes! Such a lovely story...
August 18, 2016
At the start, this seems an unremarkable book of ordinary day-to-day activities for a black girl in WWII Philadelphia: school, home, Brownies, etc. It develops into something more as little April is introduced to the prejudices of others (while still largely being coddled). It definitely tells of a bygone time, but even so, some of the interactions seem a bit too good to be true. The book imparts some important lessons, but today's world is changed (not for the better, unfortunately).
It was interesting to see how different kids were singled out by the teacher. The Jewish girl is told to ask her father about Haym Solomon; the black girl about Crispus Attucks ("he was one of your people"). These are points of pride. Nowadays, it's a crime to admit that there are any differences at all among people. What a pathetic, blinkered viewpoint, and what a loss. I strongly suspect that Haym Solomon doesn't get even a mention during 12+ years of public schooling.
It was interesting to see how different kids were singled out by the teacher. The Jewish girl is told to ask her father about Haym Solomon; the black girl about Crispus Attucks ("he was one of your people"). These are points of pride. Nowadays, it's a crime to admit that there are any differences at all among people. What a pathetic, blinkered viewpoint, and what a loss. I strongly suspect that Haym Solomon doesn't get even a mention during 12+ years of public schooling.
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August 22, 2022April is a nine-year-old girl who loves her family, her Brownie troop, and opportunities to make things with her hands. Her parents have protected her from the knowledge that the color of her skin may limit her opportunities. As the story unfolds, however, she begins to discover that not everyone is ready to accept her for who she is.
This is a story that is somewhat hard to review. For one thing, there is very little plot–it’s more a series of vignettes. For another, the issue of racial prejudice is handled differently than it would be today. Yet De Angeli always writes with sensitive respect for her subjects; and this book must have fit into a much-needed spot on the shelf in 1946, when there weren’t many books intended to help young readers understand what it would be like to be black in America.
It is a very gentle story. The author wants to show that race need not divide our country. A white child who initially responds to April with hostility is won over quite easily, and both girls realize that the only thing separating them had been ignorance. Rather than preaching anger at injustice as most modern books do, the author wants to communicate the idea that kindness and virtue are the best ways to make the world better.
I wouldn’t want this story to be the only one my children read about race and civil rights. At the same time, however, I appreciate it for what it is; and I think it encourages young readers to have compassion for anyone who might be the minority in a group.
This is a story that is somewhat hard to review. For one thing, there is very little plot–it’s more a series of vignettes. For another, the issue of racial prejudice is handled differently than it would be today. Yet De Angeli always writes with sensitive respect for her subjects; and this book must have fit into a much-needed spot on the shelf in 1946, when there weren’t many books intended to help young readers understand what it would be like to be black in America.
It is a very gentle story. The author wants to show that race need not divide our country. A white child who initially responds to April with hostility is won over quite easily, and both girls realize that the only thing separating them had been ignorance. Rather than preaching anger at injustice as most modern books do, the author wants to communicate the idea that kindness and virtue are the best ways to make the world better.
I wouldn’t want this story to be the only one my children read about race and civil rights. At the same time, however, I appreciate it for what it is; and I think it encourages young readers to have compassion for anyone who might be the minority in a group.
October 10, 2023
When I was a Brownie (way back in the dark ages) my mother gave me this book to read. (She wanted to make sure that I read books for more than just enjoyment.) I'm sure I read it multiple times. In one of the modules for the Seminar in Trends and Issues in Children's and Young Adult Literature: We Need Diverse Books that I'm teaching again this semester, this book was mentioned in an article and in someone's discussion post. I decided I needed to order it to reread it. I see now how important the book is. When published in 1946, it was the first children's book to deal with racial prejudice in the United States. And while the author, well known for her body of work, is a white woman and the book is rather simplistic compared to today's book, I would love to teach it as a comparison/contrast to what is published today. While I understand why it has gone out of print, I rather wish it was still more widely available. Read it if you get a chance--I'll even share my copy with you.
August 15, 2025
On the 6/8/2025 episode of CBS Sunday Morning, former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, the first woman and the first African American to hold that position, related how when she had taken this book out of the New York Public Library, it started her lifelong love of reading and libraries. I understand how it had that effect on her. She saw herself and her family reflected in a positive light in this story. Both the pen and ink illustrations and the watercolors are soft and beautiful. We would all be well-advised to follow the advice of April's beloved Brownie leader - DYB!
February 23, 2021
So, I was surprised to see this sweet book on the new book list at our local library! It was published in 1946 and I remember my mother reading it to me as a child!!! Apparently it has recently been re-published. The illustrations are precious, as is the play on April's name. The story itself is a bit rambling, and not all the situations described are resolved. A bit dated now, but it is window back into a different time. Regardless of flaws, noted by other reviewers, it is mostly cheerful reading.
April 28, 2017
This book was recommended at a Carole Joy Seid lecture and I've been wanting to read it ever since. We just started this today since we are in the month of April :)....krb 4/24/17
This is my new favorite book! D.Y.B. will now become a common saying in our house. Highly recommend this book. There is so much to learn without even realizing it. The book keeps your interest all the way through. It brings up great conversations with your kiddos too! Mom rates 5 stars, Jacob 4 stars, Ellie 2 1/2 stars (she couldn't tell me why, so we will just read it again later :)....krb /27/17
This is my new favorite book! D.Y.B. will now become a common saying in our house. Highly recommend this book. There is so much to learn without even realizing it. The book keeps your interest all the way through. It brings up great conversations with your kiddos too! Mom rates 5 stars, Jacob 4 stars, Ellie 2 1/2 stars (she couldn't tell me why, so we will just read it again later :)....krb /27/17
June 28, 2022
This children's book was written in 1946, in a way that addresses racism in what seems to me to be a very timely way.
Wikipedia describes this white woman's work: Her work explored and depicted the traditions and rich cultural diversity of common people more frequently overlooked – a semi-autobiographical Great Depression family, African American children experiencing the sting of racial prejudice, Polish mine workers aspiring to life beyond the Pennsylvania coal mines, the physically handicapped, colonial Mennonites, the Amish, nineteenth-century Quakers supporting the underground railroad, immigrants, and other traditional or ethnic peoples. De Angeli's books carry an underlying message that we are really all the same, and that all of us deserve tolerance, care, consideration, and respect.
I think children today could quite possibly see themselves in this book, no matter their race, and, if not feel empowered, at least feel heard, and included, and possibly learn some empathy for African Americans. Some issues were handled perhaps a bit too subtly, and some issues tied up too tidily in a fairytale ending. But for 10 year olds to read, it might be just right.
Regardless what I think, you read your kids' books first so you can assess whether it would be good for them, address such issues, and answer any questions your children may have as a result. I don't even have kids, so this is just my impression of an older book that surprised me with what seemed like more sense than I expected. I mean, it actually points out several advanced layers of racism of the time, like how African American soldiers were treated during the war, and how that made the characters feel.
Wikipedia describes this white woman's work: Her work explored and depicted the traditions and rich cultural diversity of common people more frequently overlooked – a semi-autobiographical Great Depression family, African American children experiencing the sting of racial prejudice, Polish mine workers aspiring to life beyond the Pennsylvania coal mines, the physically handicapped, colonial Mennonites, the Amish, nineteenth-century Quakers supporting the underground railroad, immigrants, and other traditional or ethnic peoples. De Angeli's books carry an underlying message that we are really all the same, and that all of us deserve tolerance, care, consideration, and respect.
I think children today could quite possibly see themselves in this book, no matter their race, and, if not feel empowered, at least feel heard, and included, and possibly learn some empathy for African Americans. Some issues were handled perhaps a bit too subtly, and some issues tied up too tidily in a fairytale ending. But for 10 year olds to read, it might be just right.
Regardless what I think, you read your kids' books first so you can assess whether it would be good for them, address such issues, and answer any questions your children may have as a result. I don't even have kids, so this is just my impression of an older book that surprised me with what seemed like more sense than I expected. I mean, it actually points out several advanced layers of racism of the time, like how African American soldiers were treated during the war, and how that made the characters feel.
June 11, 2018
DeAngeli was a prolific children’s author and illustrator, both of her books and the books of others. She was an Newbery and Caldecott winner for Door in the Wall.
Set in Germantown neighborhood in Philadelphia, DeAngeli captures the simple life of April Bright (called Bright April because of her outlook on life), about to celebrate her tenth birthday.
In the ordinary events of life, April first experiences the sting of racial prejudice—“You’re brown,” a fellow bus rider declares. With each incident, the adults in April’s life encourage her to stand tall. They say in essence, no matter the differences, we’re all the same. All deserve tolerance, care, consideration and respect. April lives those values. Her mother says in response to those exhibiting prejudice: "There are some people who think we are different from them. They don't understand what scientists have taught us, that all the peoples of the world are one family and that all human blood is the same. They don't realize that we all have the same Heavenly Father, and they forget that this country is for all people to have an equal chance.”
Published in 1946, Bright April is the first children’s book to address racial prejudice.
Readers will notice a more formal style than what we would experience today--and I wonder how DeAngeli would write this story today.
Sensitively written for older children.
Set in Germantown neighborhood in Philadelphia, DeAngeli captures the simple life of April Bright (called Bright April because of her outlook on life), about to celebrate her tenth birthday.
In the ordinary events of life, April first experiences the sting of racial prejudice—“You’re brown,” a fellow bus rider declares. With each incident, the adults in April’s life encourage her to stand tall. They say in essence, no matter the differences, we’re all the same. All deserve tolerance, care, consideration and respect. April lives those values. Her mother says in response to those exhibiting prejudice: "There are some people who think we are different from them. They don't understand what scientists have taught us, that all the peoples of the world are one family and that all human blood is the same. They don't realize that we all have the same Heavenly Father, and they forget that this country is for all people to have an equal chance.”
Published in 1946, Bright April is the first children’s book to address racial prejudice.
Readers will notice a more formal style than what we would experience today--and I wonder how DeAngeli would write this story today.
Sensitively written for older children.
Read
May 28, 2022Review: Bright April (Marguerite de Angeli) It's a short little book from 1946. It figured on a list recently in the Washington Post's Book Reviews for good books for adults that were written for youngsters. I recognized the style of this very well-known children's writer from those long ago days when I collected children's literature (and even was a reviewer for about 2 years for the Christian Science Monitor!). Even though it is recognizably from an earlier age in its diction and style, it was a lovely read, about April Bright, a black child growing up in a very solid middle-class family in Germantown, Pennsylvania, almost 10 years old, and just beginning to realize that, in fact, there are those around her who do not consider her "quite equal". And yet, it is a hopeful book, a tale that encourages education, generosity of spirit, a love of the natural world in a time which was just beginning to pull out of an awful war, with all the promise that maybe, just maybe, things would be getting better for humanity. Given the state of the USA and politics today, the naiveté leaves me a bit sad. The illustrations in this first edition which I read are not credited; perhaps they are actually the author's? It is a vision of an upright, good-hearted American family, something we should all be able to embrace for everyone.
September 11, 2021
This was such a hopeful book, written in 1946, about race relations. With integrated schools and scouting troops, and white Girl Scout leaders trying to fight racism among their white charges, maybe things will be better when these girls become adults? Of course, these women will not try to push for any changes in government, business, policing, or housing - won't these things take care of themselves over time? Now we know that it didn't happen. As I was reading the interaction of Phyllis (brought up to despise black people) and April (the protagonist), I couldn't help comparing Phyllis with a co-worker of mine, who, whenever she met a black person who was intelligent, or honest, or articulate, or in any way positive, would say "She's not like the rest of them".
July 2, 2025
I read this book because I heard Dr. Carla Hayden name it as the book that made her love reading because she saw herself (or at least someone who looked like her) in a book.
The book was written in 1942. It took me back to what seemed simpler times of my childhood (even though I was not born until 8 years after this book was published).
This book is a gentle nudge to accept people for who they are, even if that person seems different.
I especially like that it did not use a sledgehammer to get its point across.
The book was written in 1942. It took me back to what seemed simpler times of my childhood (even though I was not born until 8 years after this book was published).
This book is a gentle nudge to accept people for who they are, even if that person seems different.
I especially like that it did not use a sledgehammer to get its point across.
January 8, 2020
I loved this book. I do believe it is one of my favorites. When you read a book from a previous era, you have to remember that language was not used in the same way and that we may have improved our understanding of some issues since that time. I love that this author reminds us that we are all of one family and one blood and that christians are not true to their faith if they believe differently. I liked it. I will keep a copy for my grands.
June 13, 2022
This book is "dated" in some ways but had surprised me on more than one occasion about its forwarding thinking themes of an African-American child having to navigate racial tensions growing up in Philadelphia. This book by De Angeli was written in 1946 and is a book in a series by this author that includes children from all around the country and world. I wish I could find the others but it looks like they may be hard to come by.
February 8, 2023
This is a very sweet story that would make a wonderful read-aloud. It deals with some tough topics in a very approachable way and, I believe, would stimulate good discussion on these issues. Highly recommended!! Unfortunately my copy has several typos which I found a bit distracting, but they can either be read past or lightly corrected with a pencil; it was disappointing to me because otherwise it’s a gorgeous copy.
September 6, 2017
Brought back so many memories of my childhood, my siblings, my parents, my friends, my teachers and librarians, and the books I loved: Betsy Tacy, Caddie Woodlawn, All-Of-A-Kind Family, The Moffats. Sweet and cozy story, but also heartbreaking. Sadly, relevant. Thank you to Carla Hayden for mentioning this book in your NYTimes interview.
August 3, 2023
I love April and her Brownie Scout group and how they explore nature. April, a young black girl who faces racism sometimes without knowing it. I rate this 4 stars because this book doesn't really have a problem. Its realistic fiction but I like modern realistic fiction. This takes place in the early 1900s (I think). Well this book is great! Really recommend👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
Mentioned by Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress. Definitely of its time (respectability politics), but also lovely in its observations of day to day life, seasons and nature, and human complexity and resilience. The good and the not good. I related to that feeling in the gut April describes. It persists in the wake of the world in its current state.
June 10, 2020
i read this book in the forth grade, i think. i still have it. (on amazon, the edition i have is selling for $99. so maybe i could make some money? but i wouldn't sell it. ) i loved it then. a few years ago i reread it and still loved it. and now, with all the lists of "books to have your child read about race," i thought of it again. i think it is a wonderful book.
July 8, 2025
This is a sweet book with a copyright of 1946. D. Y. B. Is the code from April’s Brownie group. The message of the book is to be thoughtful, tolerant and good to the people around you to inspire higher levels of behavior. This is a lovely story. It took a little searching, yet it is worthwhile.
January 26, 2018
I’m so impressed that this was written in 1946. What a wonderful book about harmony and looking for the truth in people and always Doing Your Best!
May 12, 2018
A light little moral tale that touches lightly on racism - if only it were this easy and simple! Like many others, I read this because it was recommended by Carla Hayden.
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September 16, 2021I remember very little about the book. Mostly just thinking how boring being a Girl Scout(or was it something else?) sounded.
Want to read
June 12, 2023Recommended by Carla Hayden Librarian of the Library of Congress
August 13, 2023
Beautiful and timeless.
Heartbreakingly delicate and hard-hitting at the same time.
Heartbreakingly delicate and hard-hitting at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews