American Wings by
From the acclaimed author of Flygirl andthe bestselling author of Code Name Verity comes the thrilling and inspiring true story of the desegregation of the skies. "This beautiful and brilliant history of not only what it means to be Black and dream of flying but to, against every odd, do so, completely blew me away." -Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner for Brown Girl Dreaming In the years between World War I and World War II, aviation fever was everywhere, including among Black Americans. But what hope did a Black person have of learning to fly in a country constricted by prejudice and Jim Crow laws, where Black aviators like Bessie Coleman had to move to France to earn their wings? American Wings follows a group of determined Black Americans- Cornelius Coffey and Johnny Robinson, skilled auto mechanics; Janet Harmon Bragg, a nurse; and Willa Brown, a teacher and social worker. Together, they created a flying club and built their own airfield south of Chicago. As the U.S. hurtled toward World War II, they established a school to train new pilots, teaching both Black and white students together and proving, in a time when the U.S. military was still segregated, that successful integration was possible. Featuring rare historical photographs, American Wings brings to light a hidden history of pioneering Black men and women who, with grit and resilience, battled powerful odds for an equal share of the sky.
Cocomania by
At the lowest point of her tennis career, Coco Gauff learned she didn't need to be perfect to become a US Open champion. From the moment she picked up a tennis racquet, Coco Gauff was destined for greatness. Her parents believed so strongly in her future, they turned their lives upside down to make sure she had every opportunity to play the game she loved. One of the world's most prominent coaches thought so highly of Coco's talent, he brought her to train in France before she was even old enough for high school. And when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon as a fifteen-year-old, she beat her idol Venus Williams in the first round, becoming an international sensation in the blink of an eye. But the road from teenage tennis prodigy to Grand Slam champion isn't easy. As Coco started her journey on the Women's Tennis Association Tour she found it difficult to deal with the expectations of becoming America's next superstar. She also struggled to beat the top players in the game--number one ranked Iga Swiatek most of all. To break through and become a Grand Slam champion, Coco had to overcome disappointments, criticisms, and a loss of confidence in her game. This is the story of how perseverance, self-belief, and a willingness to try new things led to a historic run of success in the summer of 2023 that culminated with a US Open title.
The Unboxing of a Black Girl by
National Book Award Finalist Written as a collection of vignettes and poetry, The Unboxing of a Black Girl is a creative nonfiction reflection on Black girlhood. The debut YA title, by award-winning author Angela Shanté, is a love letter to Black girls set in New York City and serves as a personal and political critique of how the world raises Black girls. As Shanté navigates the city through memory, she balances poetry with vignettes that explore the innocence and joy of childhood eroded by adultification. Through this book, she illuminates the places where Black girls are nurtured or exploited in stories and poems about personal and political boxes, love, loss, and sexual assault. Many entries are also studded with cultural footnotes designed to further understanding.
A Mighty Long Way (Adapted for Young Readers) by
Follow the story of Carlotta Walls LaNier, who in 1957 at the age of fourteen was one of nine black students who integrated the all-white Little Rock Central High School and became known as the Little Rock Nine. At fourteen years old, Carlotta Walls was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. The journey to integration in a place deeply against it would not be not easy. Yet Carlotta, her family, and the other eight students and their families answered the call to be part of the desegregation order issued by the US Supreme Court in its 1954 Brown v. Board ofEducation case. As angry mobs protested, the students were escorted into Little Rock Central High School by escorts from the 101st Airborne Division, which had been called in by then-president Dwight D. Eisenhower to ensure their safety. The effort needed to get through that first year in high school was monumental, but Carlotta held strong. Ultimately, she became the first Black female ever to walk across the Central High stage and receive a diploma. The Little Rock Nine experienced traumatic and life-changing eventsnot only as a group but also as individuals, each with a distinct personality and a different story. This is Carlotta's courageous story.
A Quantum Life (Adapted for Young Adults) by
Renowned American astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi (born James Plummer) pens a gripping, gritty coming-of-age memoir, from young boy to graduate-school student, that will resonate with teenagers, especially those of color, who are facing many choices and obstacles as they navigate their young adult lives. He was born James Plummer and grew up in poor neighborhoods where gangs were common. What set him apart were his love of the starlit sky and the mysteries of science and his off-the-charts IQ. Despite the constant upheaval and turbulence of his home life, James devoured books, conducted science experiments, and taught himself computer programming, winning a state science fair with his project modeling Einstein's Theory of Relativity. His thirst for knowledge would be his guiding star even when destructive habits-a crack cocaine addiction in college and graduate school-nearly derailed his dream of becoming a research physicist. Although at times he self-sabotaged his life and found the struggle nearly unbearable, he persevered and ultimately became a renowned astrophysicist, changing his name to Hakeem Oluseyi to honor his ancestors. This honest, compelling memoir will inspire readers to reach for their own dreams.
Here you will find links to books with an African American theme that we think would be of special interest to teens. You are viewing the Read About It! especially for teens page of the resource guide.
The Black Friend: on Being a Better White Person by
The instant New York Times bestseller! Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs--creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice. "We don't see color." "I didn't know Black people liked Star Wars!" "What hood are you from?" For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn't see the negative impact they were having. Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author's past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former "token Black kid" who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.
The Book of Awesome Black Americans by
Black Heroes Who Have Made Us a Better America Activists and rap stars, abolitionists and pioneers, inventors and scientists surge with life throughout this thrilling and comprehensive work." ―Jennifer Maritza McCauley, National Endowment for the Arts Fellow and author of Scar On / Scar Off #1 Best Seller in Teen & Young Adult 21st Century U.S. History Black Americans who have shaped their country and beyond. We are familiar with a handful of African Americans who are mentioned in American history books, but there are also countless others who do not get recognized in mainstream media. Their biographies vary greatly, but each one contributes to the course of Black history and its influence on America and the greater world. Their stories encourage teenage boys and girls, to find their own path to change. Celebrate the successes made possible by diversity. African Americans have made history by challenging and changing the American landscape. This was accomplished not by shedding layers of originality, but by wearing their colors proudly and openly in the world. Growth has been made possible by a resistance to conformity and a fusing of cultures, African and American alike. Monique L. Jones's The Book of Awesome Black Americans is more than a Black history book. It's a celebration of Black people. In this book, you will find: Amazing role models who brought on change by using their gifts and passions to overcome societal barriers Stories mainstream media failed to mention that are sure to inspire, motivate, and educate readers of all backgrounds Testimonies that demonstrate how American culture thrives when it celebrates diversity and promotes inclusiveness If you enjoyed books such as 100 African-Americans Who Shaped American History, Bedtime Inspirational Stories, Black Pioneers of Science and Invention, or Becca Anderson's The Book of Awesome Women, then The Book of Awesome Black Americans should be your next read!
Black Girl You Are Atlas by
A thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood by award-winning author and poet Renée Watson. In this semi-autobiographical collection of poems, Renée Watson writes about her experience growing up as a young Black girl at the intersections of race, class, and gender. Using a variety of poetic forms, from haiku to free verse, Watson shares recollections of her childhood in Portland, tender odes to the Black women in her life, and urgent calls for Black girls to step into their power. Black Girl You Are Atlas encourages young readers to embrace their future with a strong sense of sisterhood and celebration. With full-color art by celebrated fine artist Ekua Holmes throughout, this collection offers guidance and is a gift for anyone who reads it.
Does Anyone See My Pain? by
This book is based on resolving depression and anxiety and is a must-read for all teenagers, young adults, and parents. Usually, most people experience anxiety and/or depression, particularly as a teenager and it varies among a spectrum for everyone. Teenage problems that induce anxiety and depression vary from bullying, enormous amounts of schoolwork, exposure to drugs, not accepting their own body type, peer pressure, and the intoxication of social media. There are various issues that causes anxiety and or depression. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book to allow understanding and learning how to overcome anxiety or depression before it goes beyond comprehension. This book offers various perspectives on battling and winning to evolve into a better and stronger person. Joshua Izaiah McSears-age 18 I would say this book is a definite guide for parents and an excellent resource for teenagers dealing with anxiety and depression. Not only are there examples and real-life examples, but this book is filled with strategies and ideas to help combat the two. This book can be used for parents even before their child/children hit those teenagers as a resource so that they will know what to look for as the book is detailed with signs of anxiety and depression. -Ms. Foster-School Teacher/Mother Eric Legette has an M. Ed in Education and Leadership. He has worked in human services helping people to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals for over two decades. From 1996-2016 he served as the Founder and President of Fathers with Voices. The program was instrumental in providing services for non-custodial and divorced fathers as well as single mothers involved in child support, visitation, and custody cases. The program was featured on many national media such as the Steve Harvey Morning Show, the former Tom Joyner Morning Show, and the historical Ebony Magazine to name a few. He has authored books related to fathers' rights, education leadership, and domestic violence.
Poemhood: Our Black Revival by
"A rich, thoughtful anthology exploring centuries of Black poetry." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "This deep and complex assemblage of Black poetry culminates in a joyful, painful, and emotionally rich experience." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "An eclectic mix of Black experiences fills this unmatched anthology that features both modern poets, such as Nikki Giovanni and Ibi Zoboi, and 'the brilliant Black poets who are now ancestors'... A fresh canon for poetry studies."--ALA Booklist (starred review) "An excellent collection of poetry that is an insightful read on the Black experience"--School and Library Journal Starring thirty-seven poets, with contributions from acclaimed authors, including Kwame Alexander, Ibi Zoboi, and Nikki Giovanni, this breathtaking Black YA poetry anthology edited by National Book Award finalist Amber McBride, Taylor Byas, and Erica Martin celebrates Black poetry, folklore, and culture. Come, claim your wings. Lift your life above the earth, return to the land of your father's birth. What exactly is it to be Black in America? Well, for some, it's learning how to morph the hatred placed by others into love for oneself; for others, it's unearthing the strength it takes to continue to hold one's swagger when multitudinous factors work to make Black lives crumble. For some, it's gathering around the kitchen table as Grandma tells the story of Anansi the spider, while for others it's grinning from ear to ear while eating auntie's spectacular 7Up cake. Black experiences and traditions are complex, striking, and vast--they stretch longer than the Nile and are four times as deep--and carry more than just unimaginable pain--there is also joy. Featuring an all-star group of thirty-seven powerful poetic voices, including such luminaries as Kwame Alexander, James Baldwin, Ibi Zoboi, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Gwendolyn Brooks, this riveting anthology depicts the diversity of the Black experience by fostering a conversation about race, faith, heritage, and resilience between fresh poets and the literary ancestors that came before them. Edited by Taylor Byas, Erica Martin, and Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner Amber McBride, Poemhood will simultaneously highlight the duality and nuance at the crux of so many Black experiences with poetry being the psalm constantly playing. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection pick!
Inheritance by
They tell me to "fix" my hair. And by fix, they mean straighten, they mean whiten; but how do you fix this shipwrecked history of hair? In her most famous spoken-word poem, author of the Pura Belpré-winning novel-in-verse The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo embraces all the complexities of Black hair and Afro-Latinidad--the history, pain, pride, and powerful love of that inheritance. Paired with full-color illustrations by artist Andrea Pippins in a format that will appeal to fans of Mahogany L. Browne's Black Girl Magic or Jason Reynolds's For Everyone, this poem can now be read in a vibrant package, making it the ideal gift, treasure, or inspiration for readers of any age.
Gordon Parks: American Gothic by
I took [Watson] into this woman's office and there was the American flag, and I stood her up with her mop hanging down, with the American flag hanging down, Grant Wood style, and did this marvelous portrait, which [Roy] Stryker thought was just about the end. He said, "My God, this can't be published, but it's a start." - Gordon Parks, 1964 American Gothic, Gordon Parks' 1942 portrait of government worker Ella Watson, is among the most celebrated photographs of the twentieth century. Created as part of an extensive collaboration between the photographer and his subject, it is at once a record of one woman's position within the racial, professional and economic hierarchies that stratified the nation's capital and Parks' visual reckoning with the realities of living in racially segregated Washington, D.C. Through his work with Watson-a custodian in the government building where he worked-Parks composed an intimate portrait of Black life by focusing on everyday activities, from work routines to family meals and church services. The resulting photographs trace a remarkably intimate portrait of Watson as a multidimensional figure, cherished by her community and vitally important within the civic sphere. American Gothic - Gordon Parks and Ella Watson provides a comprehensive overview of this pivotal series of photographs, including more than 50 images, some never published before, and additional archival material.
Black Artists in America by
The second book in a three-volume series on Black American artists, featuring work from the 1950s to the 1970s that responded to the cultural, political, and social concerns of the era During the turbulent 1950s to 1970s, Black American artists, responding to increasing civil rights activism, challenged inequities in the art world. Artists created works that celebrated their racial identity, connected with Black audiences, and participated in the struggle for political, economic, and social equality. The establishment of artist collectives, such as Spiral, and museums devoted to Black art, including the Studio Museum in Harlem, alongside the emergence of art historians and critics such as David Driskell and Linda Goode Bryant, marked early steps to bring Black art into broader artistic discourse. The book features 140 color illustrations of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by such celebrated artists as Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, Howardena Pindell, and Alma Thomas, as well as by under-recognized artists. Essays provide an overview of the period and in-depth examinations of James A. Porter, an artist and art historian credited with establishing the field of African American art history, and Merton D. Simpson, an abstract painter, member of the Spiral group, and one of the most important dealers of African art in the United States. Published in association with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Exhibition Schedule: Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis (October 22, 2023-January 14, 2024) Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento (February 4-May 19, 2024)
Black Birds in the Sky by
A searing new work of nonfiction from award-winning author Brandy Colbert about the history and legacy of one of the most deadly and destructive acts of racial violence in American history: the Tulsa Race Massacre. Winner, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. In the early morning of June 1, 1921, a white mob marched across the train tracks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and into its predominantly Black Greenwood District--a thriving, affluent neighborhood known as America's Black Wall Street. They brought with them firearms, gasoline, and explosives. In a few short hours, they'd razed thirty-five square blocks to the ground, leaving hundreds dead. The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in US history. But how did it come to pass? What exactly happened? And why are the events unknown to so many of us today? These are the questions that award-winning author Brandy Colbert seeks to answer in this unflinching nonfiction account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. In examining the tension that was brought to a boil by many factors--white resentment of Black economic and political advancement, the resurgence of white supremacist groups, the tone and perspective of the media, and more--a portrait is drawn of an event singular in its devastation, but not in its kind. It is part of a legacy of white violence that can be traced from our country's earliest days through Reconstruction, the Civil Rights movement in the mid-twentieth century, and the fight for justice and accountability Black Americans still face today. The Tulsa Race Massacre has long failed to fit into the story Americans like to tell themselves about the history of their country. This book, ambitious and intimate in turn, explores the ways in which the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre is the story of America--and by showing us who we are, points to a way forward. YALSA Honor Award for Excellence in Nonfiction
Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by
Sparks are flying in Winter Wonderland this Christmas in this LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue, Jay's Gay Agenda, and Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball! All Aaron wants for Christmas is for his brother, Casey, to get over his ex, Raquel. He'd prefer not to be at Winter Wonderland, the island north of Alaska that's home to a year-round Christmas theme park. But Casey loves Christmas, so here they are. Unfortunately for Aaron, Casey's determined to do anything to win Raquel back. All Kris wants for Christmas is for his uncle to move back to Winter Wonderland to be the first gay Santa. To make that happen Kris needs to win the Race, his grade's annual competition to see who can get a guest to fall in love with them first. Winning means a trip to New York, where Kris would be able to plead his uncle's case to the founder of Winter Wonderland himself. After some slippery ice sends Aaron and Kris literally flopping into each other, Kris agrees to help Aaron with his plan to keep Casey single. But in all their scheming, both can't stop thinking about kissing the other, and it's not just because of the mistletoe around every corner. Too bad true love isn't on either of their Christmas lists. . . . This adorable rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Jason June unwraps the healing power of love and the magic of the Christmas season.
Purple Hibiscus by
"One of the most vital and original novelists of her generation." --Larissa MacFarquhar, The New Yorker From the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in a beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They're completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home--a home that is silent and suffocating. As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father's authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins' laughter rings throughout the house. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together. Purple Hibiscus is an exquisite novel about the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom.
This Is What I Know About Art by
"Drew's experience teaches us to embrace what we are afraid of and be true to ourselves. She uses her passion to change the art world and invites us to join her."—Janelle Monáe, award-winning singer, actress, and producer
"Powerful and compelling, this book gives us the courage to discover our own journeys into art."—Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens, and co-editor of the Cahiers d'Art review
"This deeply personal and boldly political offering inspires and ignites."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In this powerful and hopeful account, arts writer, curator, and activist Kimberly Drew reminds us that the art world has space not just for the elite, but for everyone.
Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading
Dissenter on the Bench by
An "accessible and engaging" biography of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice, weaving together her life and influential work (School Library Journal).The life and career of the fiercely principled Supreme Court Justice with dramatic accounts of her landmark cases that moved the needle on legal protection of human rights, illustrated with archival photographs.Dramatically narrated case histories from Justice Ginsburg's stellar career are interwoven with an account of RBG's life--childhood, family, beliefs, education, marriage, legal and judicial career, children, and achievements--and her many-faceted personality is captured. The cases described, many involving young people, demonstrate her passionate concern for gender equality, fairness, and our constitutional rights.A 2020 Sydney Taylor Honor Book
All the Fighting Parts by
In the vein of Grown and The Poet X, Hannah V. Sawyerr's All the Fighting Parts is a searing and defiant young adult novel in verse about reclaiming agency after a sexual assault within the church community. Sixteen-year-old Amina Conteh has always believed in using her voice as her weapon--even when it gets her into trouble. After cursing at a classmate, her father forces her to volunteer at their church with Pastor Johnson. But Pastor Johnson isn't the holy man everyone thinks he is. The same voice Amina uses to fight falls quiet the night she is sexually assaulted by Pastor Johnson. After that, her life starts to unravel: her father is frustrated that her grades are slipping, and her best friend and boyfriend don't understand why the once loud and proud girl is now quiet and distant. In a world that claims to support survivors, Amina wonders who will support her when her attacker is everyone's favorite community leader. When Pastor Johnson is arrested for a different crime, the community is shaken and divided; some call him a monster and others defend him. But Amina is secretly relieved. She no longer has to speak because Pastor Johnson can't hurt her anymore--or so she believes. To regain her voice and sense of self, Amina must find the power to confront her abuser--in the courtroom and her heart--and learn to use all the fighting parts within her.
