New Kid

By Jerry Craft

New Kid is a graphic novel which tells the story of Jordan Banks. As a seventh grader, Banks starts at a new, predominantly white, private school. Jordan is one of the only people of color at the school. The novel shows Jordan's journey in this new environment as he tries to juggle staying connected to his roots, fitting in at his new school, and addressing the assumptions his classmates have about him and the other students of color.

Ghost Boys

By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

This heartbreaking novel tells the story of Jerome Rogers, a Black boy who lives in a struggling Chicago neighborhood. One night Rogers is killed by a white policemen. After his death, Jerome wanders the Earth as a ghost boy with others whose deaths are related to racism. Additionally, he watches the aftermath of his death on the community, especially his family.

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A Good Kind of Trouble

By: Lisa Moore Ramée

12-year-old Shayla typically follows the rules and does not believe getting involved in the Black Lives Matter movement is for her. After attending a protest, her ideas begin to change, but she is afraid of making a mistake. Lisa Moore Ramée writes this funny novel which tackles friendship, family, and standing up for what's right.

Blended

By: Sharon M. Draper

Eleven-year-old Isabella is torn between two worlds through her blended family. In this tale about divorce and racial identity, Isabella discovers how to stand up for herself while facing large societal challenges.

Brown Girl Dreaming

By: Jacqueline Woodson

Based on the author's own experiences, Brown Girl Dreaming , is a story told through poems about her life as a child at the height of the Civil Rights era. The youngest of three children, Woodson grew up in South Carolina and New York. Through emotionally charged poetry, Woodson discusses how her surroundings, family, and self shaped her childhood, and ultimately her future.

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So You Want to Talk About Race

By: Ijeoma Oluo

In So You Want to Talk About Race, author Ijeoma Oluo speaks upon her own experiences, tackling a new question with each chapter. Oluo covers topics from cultural appropriation to microaggressions and how they all have affected her experience.

How to Be an Antiracist

By: Ibram X. Kendi

In the book How to be an Antiracist, author Ibram X. Kendi pulls from his class teachings to discuss the history of racism. He give examples of how racism affects major events like the OJ Simpson trial and the 2000 presidential election. Kendi touches on how policies can be deemed racist and what an every day person can do to lead towards systemic change. The book also covers the intersection of race when it comes to other parts of life including gender, sexuality, and colorism.

Stamped

By: Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This retelling of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winningStamped from the Beginning shows the history of differentiation by race in America and inspires hope towards an antiracist future. It describes the constant struggle, both then and now, to work towards an antiracist future. It also proves that despite racist ideas being quick to pop up and spread, these misunderstandings can easily be disproven and discredited.

Eloquent Rage

By: Brittney Cooper

Anger is often shown as a negative when it is being shown by a black woman. In this personal story telling novel, Brittney Cooper shows that "eloquent rage" is where a woman of color can draw power, not criticism. Anger and confidence are praised in music and sports which should reflect to every day life. Cooper shows from personal experiences that feminism and friendships are what gives a woman her super powers.

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The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

By: Heather McGhee

An analysis of how America's economy has been plagued and hurt by racism. A novel that brilliantly details the lives of people across the country and their struggles with the American economic system. The novel sheds a light on a broken system with a heartfelt message and outlook to the future when we realize that we can prosper together rather than apart.

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