Staff Picks
Authors
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a poet, award-winning author, screenwriter and civil rights activist known for her acclaimed memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings which made literary history as the first nonfiction best seller by an African American woman. She recited one of her poems, On the Pulse of Morning, at President Bill Clinton's 1993 inaugural ceremony—marking the first inaugural recitation since 1961. Angelou passed away in 2014.
Terry McMillan
McMillan achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which was followed up by How Stella Got Her Groove Back. In the late 1990s, she established herself as a major novelist in a new type of fiction – the African American urban romance novel. Her latest book is I Almost Forgot About You.
Toni Morrison
Morrison, Nobel Prize- and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist whose best-known novels are Song of Solomon, Beloved, (1988 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction) and A Mercy. Her novels are known for their epic themes, exquisite language and richly detailed African American characters who are central to their narratives. She received the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the first African American woman to be selected for the award. God Help the Child is her latest book.
Walter Mosley
Most widely recognized for his crime fiction, Mosley has written a series of best-selling historical mysteries featuring the hard-boiled detective Easy Rawlins, a black private investigator and World War II veteran living in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. His latest book is John Woman and the latest Easy Rawlins book was Charcoal Joe.
Books
Barracoon: the story of the last “black cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston
306.362 H966b
Based on Hurston’s interviews in 1927 with Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last slave ship to land on American shores. The book failed to find a publisher at the time, since Hurston insisted that it be published as written, in vernacular, and described the involvement of other African people in the business of Atlantic slave trade. The manuscript was housed at Howard University until it was published in 2018.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
305.80973
The book is written as a letter from the author to his son and based on the structure of James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. Divided into three parts, it recounts Coates' experiences as a young man, after the birth of his son, and during a visit with Mable Jones. He summarizes the American history of violence against black people and the unfair policing of black youth. It was the 2015 National Book Award winner.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (adults & teens)
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
Push by Sapphire
Fiction
Precious Jones, 16-years-old and pregnant by her father with her second child, meets a determined and highly radical teacher who takes her on a journey of transformation and redemption. The novel was made into a movie, Precious, which won two Academy Awards.
Roots: the saga of an American family by Alex Haley
929.2 H168H Classics
Roots tells the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century African, captured as an adolescent, sold into slavery in Africa, transported to North America; following his life and the lives of his descendants in the United States down to Haley. The release of the novel, combined with its hugely popular television adaptation led to a cultural sensation in the United States, and it is considered one of the most important U.S. works of the 20th century.
Teens
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
When Marvin Johnson's twin brother, Tyler, is shot and killed by a police officer, Marvin must fight injustice to learn the true meaning of freedom.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a white police officer, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till.
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Jason Kiely
This novel is told in two perspectives, one from Rashad, a black teen beaten by a white police officer, and one from Quinn, the white boy who witnessed it. In the days following Rashad’s attack, both boys (who are classmates but barely know each other) process the events and must choose what to do.
As the Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman
A queer, black teenager finds herself stranded in a dangerous and unfamiliar place: an all-white Christian youth backpacking camp.
Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now by Dana Davis
After 16-year-old Tiffany Sly loses her mom to cancer, she must leave her hometown of Chicago to live with the biological dad she's never known. But Tiffany has a secret. Another man claims he’s Tiffany’s real dad—and she has only seven days before he shows up to demand a paternity test and the truth comes out. With her life about to fall apart all over again, Tiffany finds herself discovering unexpected truths about her father, her mother and herself, and realizing that maybe family is in the bonds you make—and that life means sometimes taking risks.
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Mary B. Addison killed a white woman's baby. Allegedly. Now a teenager living in a group home, Mary becomes pregnant and authorities take another look at the crime for which Mary was convicted when she was nine years old.
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
When her friend Monday Charles goes missing and Monday's mother refuses to give her a straight answer, Claudia digs into her disappearance.
How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon
When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot to death, his community is thrown into an uproar because Tariq was black and the shooter, Jack Franklin, is white. In the aftermath, everyone has something to say, but no two accounts of the events agree.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Josh and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too. The twins must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.
Children
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson
What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America's best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson. Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature.
Inspired by the song's simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it--vast and beautiful.
Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century Girl by Tonya Bolden
Based on an actual memoir written by Maritcha Rimond Lyons, this poignant story tells what it was like to be a black child born free during the days of slavery
Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty by Tonya Bolden
This book offers readers a unique look at the events that led to the Emancipation Proclamation. Filled with little-known facts and fascinating details, it includes excerpts from historical sources, archival images, and new research that debunks myths about the Emancipation Proclamation.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
When Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of new student Maya's shabby clothes and refusing to play with her.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Nelson
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr by Doreen Rappaport
Rappaport weaves her simple and graceful text and the words of Martin Luther King Jr. into a captivating narrative, telling the story of Dr. King's life in a way that is entirely accessible for young readers. A chronology and bibliography offer the resources for exploring his life further, and stunning, full-color collage art by the 2001 Coretta Scott King Medal winner Bryan Collier offer an unforgettable portrait of a man who helped change the world forever.
Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee
From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby! Vivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.
Through My Eyes: An Autobiography of Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges recounts the story of her involvement, as a six-year-old, in the integration of her school in New Orleans in 1960.
Testing the Ice: a true story about Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson
As a testament to his courage, Jackie Robinson's daughter shares memories of him, from his baseball career to the day he tests the ice for her, her brothers, and their friends.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James
This bold picture book has received many awards for its artistry, rhythmic text and provocative story about the power of a fresh haircut, particularly for African American boys.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore
In this Coretta Scott King award winner, a 12-year-old boy resists joining a gang. A gift of LEGO bricks helps him find self-expression and confidence in creating his own future.
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
Set in 1936 during the Great Depression, Deza’s family must move to so her father can find a job. Deza is a truly loveable character. Teachers and friends know her as the smartest girl in school. How will her family’s struggles affect her outlook and her future?
For more choices, see Fit Oshkosh’s 2019 Recommended Reads.
