Katheryn Russell-Brown

Katheryn Russell-Brown is a legal scholar, criminologist, and children's book author who serves as the Chesterfield Smith Professor of Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She is the director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations and has published extensively on issues of race, crime, and the criminal justice system. As an academic, Russell-Brown has written several influential books including "The Color of Crime" and "Underground Codes: Race, Crime, and Related Fires." Her scholarly work examines racial stereotyping in the criminal justice system and media representations of crime, with particular focus on how these issues impact African American communities. In addition to her academic work, Russell-Brown has established herself as an author of children's literature focused on African American historical figures and experiences. Her picture book "Little Melba and Her Big Trombone" won multiple awards and tells the story of jazz musician Melba Liston. Russell-Brown holds a Ph.D. in criminology from the University of Maryland and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement through her writing for both scholarly and general audiences.

Readers appreciate Russell-Brown's ability to tell complex stories in accessible ways, particularly in her children's books. Her picture book "Little Melba and Her Big Trombone" earned praise for introducing young readers to jazz history through engaging illustrations and clear storytelling. What readers liked: - Clear, age-appropriate language for tough topics - Integration of historical facts with narrative flow - Educational value while remaining entertaining - Quality of research and accuracy What readers disliked: - Some found the academic works dense - Picture books occasionally described as too text-heavy for youngest readers Ratings: "Little Melba and Her Big Trombone" - Goodreads: 4.2/5 (500+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.8/5 (100+ reviews) "The Color of Crime" (Academic) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (30+ reviews) Multiple readers noted the books work well in classroom settings. One teacher wrote: "My students connected with Melba's determination and were inspired to learn more about jazz history."

The Color of Crime (1998) An academic examination of racial stereotyping in media coverage of crime and its effects on criminal justice policy and public perceptions.

Underground Codes: Race, Crime, and Related Fires (2004) A scholarly analysis of how race and crime intersect in American society, exploring both historical patterns and contemporary manifestations.

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone (2014) A children's picture book biography chronicling the life of jazz trombonist Melba Liston and her journey to becoming a pioneering musician.

She Was the First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm (2020) A children's biography detailing Shirley Chisholm's historic achievement as the first Black woman elected to Congress.

A Voice Named Aretha (2020) A children's picture book following the life story of Aretha Franklin from her early days singing in church to becoming the "Queen of Soul."

Bryan Stevenson writes about racial justice and criminal law reform through both academic works and books for general readers. His focus on systemic inequalities and personal narratives of those impacted by the justice system parallels Russell-Brown's dual approach to legal scholarship and accessible storytelling.

Michelle Alexander examines racial disparities in the criminal justice system through research-based analysis and accessible prose. Her work on mass incarceration and racial bias in law enforcement connects directly to Russell-Brown's academic focus.

Andrea Davis Pinkney creates children's books about African American historical figures and cultural achievements. Her biographical picture books spotlight overlooked stories from Black history similar to Russell-Brown's "Little Melba."

Carole Boston Weatherford writes children's literature focused on African American history and civil rights figures. Her combination of historical research and narrative storytelling matches Russell-Brown's approach to children's biographical works.

Angela J. Davis produces scholarship on prosecutorial power and racial bias in criminal justice while also writing for general audiences. Her work examining systemic racism in law enforcement institutions aligns with Russell-Brown's research focus.