Given current events being played out in the news, or maybe even in your backyard, there has been an uptick in interest in the topics of racism, social justice, and activism. Through our SHPL digital collection, we have plenty of material, whether informational or fiction, that touches upon these topics and might shed a little light or offer another perspective during these tumultuous times. Alternatively, if you just want to read something that features Black protagonists with a bit of a lighter focus, mix your reading with the bonus books featured at the end of the list.
Activism (Nonfiction)
We Are Not Yet Equal by Carol Anderson with Tanya Bolden (9th & up)
In this nonfiction book, Anderson argues that every time America moves forward toward racial equality, there is a cultural backlash that negates that progress, and she presents five events -- from the end of the Civil War through the election of our current administration -- to back up her claim. This is an interesting and thought provoking read.
Ebook: Overdrive
Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers (6th & up)
From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, and others, this is an inspiring collection of people who would not stay quiet when they saw a wrong that needed to be righted.
Ebook: Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
March trilogy by John Lewis (8th & up)
This graphic novel trilogy gives a first hand account of Congressman John Lewis’ early fight for equality in the Civil Rights movement, when he first showed himself to be a pivotal force in the struggle for human rights for all.
Ebook: Hoopla, Overdrive
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery (6th grade & up)
What’s it like to be a teenager in the midst of a social justice movement? This is a fascinating memoir from one of the Civil Rights Movements youngest heroes. Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Stamped: Racism, AntiRacism, and You by Jason Reynolds & Dr. Ibram X. Kendi (7th & up)
Award-winning author and current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds has worked closely with Dr. Kendi to reimagine the groundbreaking adult book Stamped From the Beginning, which discusses the history of racist ideas in America and explains how being “not racist” is not enough, and further informs readers on how being antiracist is what is needed to start healing our nation.
Ebook: Overdrive
Racism (Fiction)
How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon (9th & up)
After a black teen is killed by a white assailant, finding out what really happened is a task fraught with divergent accounts of the event and nearly explosive racial tension -- and in the end the question of how the community at large can recover from such a devastating tragedy.
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro (8th & up)
In response to the racist atmosphere at his school, Moss Jeffries -- not normally one to make waves -- organizes a protest that has violent consequences, and results in both internal changes and community wide re-evaluations.
Ebook: Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely (8th & up)
A black teen is falsely accused of a crime and beaten in a racially motivated attack, which is witnessed by a white classmate who has a personal tie to the instigating police officer, and is thus reluctant to get involved. When the violent act sparks tension and conflict in their school and the enveloping community, where will the conflict lead?
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
I’m Not Dying With You Tonight by Gilly Segal & Kimberly Jones (9th & up)
During a school football game, a tense rivalry escalates into a race riot, and in the violence and chaos two girls who seem to have nothing in common end up relying on each other as they strive to survive the night.
Ebook: Hoopla, Overdrive
Audiobook: Overdrive
Dear Martin by Nic Stone (9th & up)
Despite being a terrific student, a great friend, and an all around good person, Justyce McAllister is still judged solely by the color of his skin when he is the victim of police violence. Trying to come to terms with his experience and the racist events that lead the headlines every day, he writes letters to Martin Luther King, Jr. as he navigates the everyday struggle to stay true to himself in a world that doesn’t seem to accept him for who he is.
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Escapism (Fiction)
I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest (7th & up)
Desperate to make an audition for the ballet school of her dreams, Chloe decides to secretly drive the 200 miles despite her mother forbidding it. Unfortunately, her annoying- but kind of adorable- neighbor Eli blackmails her into letting him join the journey. Road trip, anyone?
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Fake ID by Lamar Giles (9th & up)
In this exciting adventure thriller, a teen in the Witness Protection program finds himself deep in the middle of a murder mystery that he is determined to solve -- no matter the danger.
Ebook & Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe (7th & up)
A Black French Canadian moves to Austin, Texas and gets quite a culture shock as he tries to successfully navigate life as a typical North American teenager. Funny and heartfelt.
Ebook: Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
Pride by Ibi Zoboi (8th & up)
National Book Award finalist takes on Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, with a modern reboot set in Brooklyn and woven through with themes of cultural identity, class, gentrification, and romance!
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America (9th & up)
This collection gathers 17 stories from amazingly talented authors, and the tales have something for everyone with the simple guiding theme of black teens just living their lives.
Ebook: Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
