Ghost Boys

The Hate U Give

Angie Thomas

A powerful novel about a teenage girl who witnesses her friend's shooting by a police officer. The book explores themes of racial injustice, systemic racism, and the impact of police violence on black communities. It follows Starr Carter as she navigates the aftermath of the shooting and finds her voice in activism. The story provides a raw and emotional perspective on contemporary racial tensions in America.

All American Boys

Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

A powerful dual-perspective novel about a police brutality incident and its impact on a community. The book alternates between the viewpoints of a black teenager who is assaulted and a white teenager witnessing the event. It explores themes of racism, privilege, and community response to racial injustice. The story offers a nuanced look at systemic racism and personal accountability.

Dear Martin

Nic Stone

A compelling story about a black teenager confronting racism and police brutality. The protagonist writes letters to Martin Luther King Jr. as he processes a traumatic encounter with racial profiling. The book examines systemic racism, personal identity, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It offers a nuanced look at the experiences of young black men in contemporary America.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

A reimagining of Kendi's historical work on racism, adapted for young readers. The book traces the history of racist and antiracist ideas in America from colonial times to the present. It provides a comprehensive look at how racism has been constructed and perpetuated throughout history. The narrative offers context for understanding contemporary racial dynamics.

Long Way Down

Jason Reynolds

A novel written in verse about a teenager contemplating revenge for his brother's murder. The story takes place during an elevator ride where the protagonist encounters ghosts from his past. It explores cycles of violence, grief, and the impact of systemic racism. The unique narrative style provides a powerful meditation on choice and consequences.

American Street

Ibi Zoboi

A novel about a Haitian immigrant navigating life in Detroit. The story explores themes of cultural identity, systemic challenges, and personal resilience. It provides a powerful look at the immigrant experience in America. The narrative examines how race and class intersect in contemporary society.

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

A novel about a teenager fighting to save her father from death row. The story explores systemic racism in the criminal justice system. It follows the protagonist's journey of activism and resistance. The narrative provides a powerful look at racial injustice and family resilience.

Piecing Me Together

Renée Watson

A novel about a young black girl navigating race, class, and identity in Portland, Oregon. The story explores themes of mentorship, personal growth, and understanding systemic inequalities. The protagonist learns to find her voice and challenge societal expectations. It provides a thoughtful examination of race and opportunity in modern America.

Harbor Me

Jacqueline Woodson

A novel about a group of diverse students who create a safe space to discuss their experiences and challenges. The book explores themes of race, identity, and mutual understanding. It provides a nuanced look at how young people navigate complex social issues. The story emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy.

How It Went Down

Kekla Magoon

A novel about the aftermath of a black teenager's shooting. The story is told from multiple perspectives, revealing the complex community response to the incident. It explores themes of witness testimony, racial bias, and community trauma. The narrative provides a nuanced examination of violence and its ripple effects.

Black Enough

Ibi Zoboi

An anthology exploring diverse black experiences in America. The collection features stories about identity, belonging, and self-discovery. It provides multiple perspectives on what it means to be black in contemporary society. The book offers a nuanced and varied exploration of black identity.

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Tiffany D. Jackson

A novel about music, memory, and community in 1990s Brooklyn. The story follows friends trying to promote their deceased friend's music. It explores themes of loss, creativity, and black cultural expression. The narrative provides a rich exploration of community and artistic resilience.

Monday's Not Coming

Tiffany D. Jackson

A powerful novel about a girl investigating her best friend's disappearance. The story explores themes of systemic racism, community neglect, and the vulnerability of black girls. It reveals how marginalized communities are often overlooked by institutional systems. The narrative provides a gripping examination of friendship, loss, and social injustice.

Internment

Samira Ahmed

A dystopian novel about Muslim Americans in an internment camp. The story explores themes of resistance, systemic oppression, and individual courage. It provides a powerful allegory for contemporary racial and religious discrimination. The narrative emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice.