Branch Out

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YA Books Spotlight: The African American Community

Black authors speak out to shine a light on stories that matter.

By Ashley Pearson, Youth Services Librarian, Sherwood Regional Library

Raise Your Voices

With the prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for racial justice and reform, authentic stories about the Black experience have never been more important. Black authors are tackling tough topics with Young Adult (YA) books like the ones below that address predatory behavior, mass incarceration, voter suppression and gender identity — endeavoring to build a safe place to call home for every individual, one story at a time. 

YA books from the African American CommunityRead Their Words

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
When aspiring singer Enchanted Jones meets R&B legend Korey Fields, her dreams are close to being realized. Those dreams are shattered when Korey is murdered and Enchanted is found at the scene of the crime. This book follows Enchanted’s climb to fame under Korey’s charming but highly manipulative mentorship. 

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

When Quan Banks is arrested for the murder of a police officer, he copes with his situation by writing letters to Justyce McAllister. Although Quan and Justyce’s lives took different paths, circumstances bring them together in this story of shared experiences, police encounters and tough decisions. 

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Marva Sheridan is excited to finally be able to vote. She runs into fellow first-time voter Duke Crenshaw, who finds out that he can’t place his vote. The two embark on a whirlwind journey full of comedy, romance and drama to do what seems like the impossible — help Duke vote before the polling places close.

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson

Author and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson shares their journey through essays that capture their experiences growing up as a Black and queer person. The book stands as an informative guide for teen allies and as a mirror in which Black, queer teens can see their own stories on the page.
 

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