Check out these YA books discussing race in America. The only way to combat hatred and ignorance is through understanding and these are the stories and voices we can learn from. To suggest additions to this list, contact Meghan Chapman.
For a printable copy of this list, click here: Teen Voices #blacklivesmatter
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates
In the 150 years since the end of the Civil War and the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, the story of race and America has remained a brutally simple one, written on flesh: it is the story of the black body, exploited to create the country&#
Read More View in CatalogTyler Johnson Was Here
Jay Coles
A young man searches for answers after the death of his brother at the hands of police in this striking debut novel, for readers of The Hate U Give. When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye o
Read More View in CatalogLet Me Hear a Rhyme
Tiffany D. Jackson
In this striking new novel by the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly and Monday’s Not Coming, Tiffany D. Jackson tells the story of three Brooklyn teens who plot to turn their murdered friend into a major rap star by pretending he's stil
Read More View in CatalogLight It Up
Kekla Magoon
Told in a series of vignettes from multiple viewpoints, Kekla Magoon's Light It Up is a powerful, layered story about injustice and strength—as well as an incredible follow-up to the highly acclaimed novel How It Went Down. A girl walks home f
Read More View in CatalogSLAY
Brittney Morris
“Gripping and timely.” —People “The YA debut we’re most excited for this year.” —Entertainment Weekly “A book that knocks you off your feet while dropping the kind of knowledge that’ll keep you down for the count. Prepare to BE slai
Read More View in CatalogMonster: A Graphic Novel
Walter Dean Myers, Guy A. Sims
A stunning black-and-white graphic novel adaptation of Walter Dean Myers's Michael L. Printz Award winner and New York Times bestseller Monster, adapted by Guy Sims and illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile Monster is a multi-award-winning, provocative
Read More View in CatalogA Wreath for Emmett Till
Marilyn Nelson
Presents fifteen interlinked sonnets to pay tribute to Emmitt Till, a fourteen-year-old African American boy who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955 for whistling at a white woman, and whose murderers were acquitted.
View in CatalogAnger Is a Gift
Mark Oshiro
Struggling with panic attacks and grief over his father's death, high school junior Moss, in the face of a racist school administration, decides to organize a protest that escalates into violence.
View in CatalogA Good Kind of Trouble
Lisa Moore Ramee
From debut author Lisa Moore Ramée comes this funny and big-hearted debut middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what's right, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the novels of Renée Watson and
Read More View in CatalogAll American Boys
Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn's alternating vie
Read More View in CatalogLong Way Down
Jason Reynolds
“An intense snapshot of the chain reaction caused by pulling a trigger.” —Booklist (starred review) “Astonishing.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A tour de force.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) A Newbery Honor Book A Corett
Read More View in CatalogStamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
"A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning."
View in CatalogBlack Brother, Black Brother
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Suspended unjustly from elite Middlefield Prep, Donte Ellison studies fencing with a former champion, hoping to put the racist fencing team captain in his place.
View in CatalogGhost Boys
Jewell Parker Rhodes
A New York Times Bestseller This was one of my most anticipated 2018 books and I was not disappointed. A must read." -Angie Thomas, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give 'tender, timely ... surprising and hopeful'
Read More View in CatalogClean Getaway
Nic Stone
From New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes a middle-grade road-trip story through American race relations past and present, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson and Jason Reynolds. How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:
Read More View in CatalogThe Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
8 starred reviews ∙ Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best ∙ William C. Morris Award Winner ∙ National Book Award Longlist ∙ Printz Honor Book ∙ Coretta Scott King Honor Book ∙ #1 New York Times Bestseller! "Absolutely riveting!&qu
Read More View in CatalogOn the Come Up
Angie Thomas
As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time-- and has massive shoes to fill. She's been labeled a hoodlum at school, and the fridge at home is empty a
Read More View in CatalogPiecing Me Together
Renée Watson
"Timely and timeless." --Jacqueline Woodson"Important and deeply moving." --John GreenAcclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to
Read More View in CatalogGenesis Begins Again
Alicia D. Williams
A Newbery Honor Book Winner of the Correta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award A Morris Award Finalist An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2
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