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Topic Guide

Black History Month

By:

BostonPL_TeenLists

Boston Public Library

Staff-created list

A collection of fiction and nonfiction works that celebrate Black history in America.

By:

BostonPL_TeenLists

Boston Public Library

1-25 of 32 items

1-25 of 32 items

Copper Sun

Copper Sun

by Draper, Sharon M.

Book - 2008

1700s. Having watched her village torched, witnessed her family killed, and been kidnapped by slave traders, Amari arrives on Mr. Derby's Carolina plantat...Show more 1700s. Having watched her village torched, witnessed her family killed, and been kidnapped by slave traders, Amari arrives on Mr. Derby's Carolina plantation afraid and confused, yet with time and hard work, she learns the language, befriends another slave, and struggles to attain her one true goal: to be a free person once again. Show less

1700s. Having watched her village torched, witnessed her family killed, and been kidnapped by slave traders, Amari arrives on Mr. Derby's Carolina plantat...Show more 1700s. Having watched her village torched, witnessed her family killed, and been kidnapped by slave traders, Amari arrives on Mr. Derby's Carolina plantation afraid and confused, yet with time and hard work, she learns the language, befriends another slave, and struggles to attain her one true goal: to be a free person once again. Show less

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Good Fortune

Good Fortune

by Carter, Noni

Book - 2011

Early 1800s. Brutally kidnapped from her small African village along with her mother and brother, Ayanna is sold into slavery in America and forced to wor...Show more Early 1800s. Brutally kidnapped from her small African village along with her mother and brother, Ayanna is sold into slavery in America and forced to work on a cotton plantation before risking everything to escape to freedom in the North, where she fights for an education. Show less

Early 1800s. Brutally kidnapped from her small African village along with her mother and brother, Ayanna is sold into slavery in America and forced to wor...Show more Early 1800s. Brutally kidnapped from her small African village along with her mother and brother, Ayanna is sold into slavery in America and forced to work on a cotton plantation before risking everything to escape to freedom in the North, where she fights for an education. Show less

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The Life of Frederick Douglass

The Life of Frederick Douglass

A Graphic Narrative of A Slave's Journey From Bondage to Freedom

by Walker, David

Book - 2018

1800s. A graphic novel biography of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 1800s. A graphic novel biography of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Show less

1800s. A graphic novel biography of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 1800s. A graphic novel biography of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Show less

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47

by Mosley, Walter

Book - 2006

1832. Number Forty-Seven, a fourteen-year-old enslave boy growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal master in 1832, meets the mysterious Tall John, who introduces him to a magical science and also teaches him the meaning of freedom. 1832. Number Forty-Seven, a fourteen-year-old enslave boy growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal master in 1832, meets the mysterious Tall John, who introduces him to a magical science and also teaches him the meaning of freedom. Show less

1832. Number Forty-Seven, a fourteen-year-old enslave boy growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal master in 1832, meets the mysterious Tall John, who introduces him to a magical science and also teaches him the meaning of freedom. 1832. Number Forty-Seven, a fourteen-year-old enslave boy growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal master in 1832, meets the mysterious Tall John, who introduces him to a magical science and also teaches him the meaning of freedom. Show less

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Josephine

Josephine

by Jenkins, Beverly

Book - 2009

1860s. 17 year old Josephine isn't looking for love. She has managed to start her own hairdressing shop and she's focused on business. Then George, a hand...Show more 1860s. 17 year old Josephine isn't looking for love. She has managed to start her own hairdressing shop and she's focused on business. Then George, a handsome soldier, begins vying for her attention. She's charmed by his attention, but when her flirtatious childhood friend Adam returns from war wounded, things get a lot more complicated... Show less

1860s. 17 year old Josephine isn't looking for love. She has managed to start her own hairdressing shop and she's focused on business. Then George, a hand...Show more 1860s. 17 year old Josephine isn't looking for love. She has managed to start her own hairdressing shop and she's focused on business. Then George, a handsome soldier, begins vying for her attention. She's charmed by his attention, but when her flirtatious childhood friend Adam returns from war wounded, things get a lot more complicated... Show less

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Riot

Riot

by Myers, Walter Dean

Book - 2009

1860s. Claire, the daughter of a Black father and an Irish mother finds herself caught between sides during the 1863 riots in New York City. She is forced to confront issues of race and class as she struggles to figure out where she belongs. 1860s. Claire, the daughter of a Black father and an Irish mother finds herself caught between sides during the 1863 riots in New York City. She is forced to confront issues of race and class as she struggles to figure out where she belongs. Show less

1860s. Claire, the daughter of a Black father and an Irish mother finds herself caught between sides during the 1863 riots in New York City. She is forced to confront issues of race and class as she struggles to figure out where she belongs. 1860s. Claire, the daughter of a Black father and an Irish mother finds herself caught between sides during the 1863 riots in New York City. She is forced to confront issues of race and class as she struggles to figure out where she belongs. Show less

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Dread Nation

Dread Nation

Rise up

by Ireland, Justina

Book - 2018

Mid/late 1800s. Another option for readers who like fantasy more than historical fiction, this series reimagines what would have happened in soldiers started turning into zombies during the Civil War. Mid/late 1800s. Another option for readers who like fantasy more than historical fiction, this series reimagines what would have happened in soldiers started turning into zombies during the Civil War. Show less

Mid/late 1800s. Another option for readers who like fantasy more than historical fiction, this series reimagines what would have happened in soldiers started turning into zombies during the Civil War. Mid/late 1800s. Another option for readers who like fantasy more than historical fiction, this series reimagines what would have happened in soldiers started turning into zombies during the Civil War. Show less

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Carver, A Life in Poems

Carver, A Life in Poems

by Nelson, Marilyn

Book - 2001

1860s-1940s. A biography in verse detailing the life of George Washington Carver who was born enslaved and become an educator and inventor. 1860s-1940s. A biography in verse detailing the life of George Washington Carver who was born enslaved and become an educator and inventor. Show less

1860s-1940s. A biography in verse detailing the life of George Washington Carver who was born enslaved and become an educator and inventor. 1860s-1940s. A biography in verse detailing the life of George Washington Carver who was born enslaved and become an educator and inventor. Show less

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Saving Savannah

Saving Savannah

by Bolden, Tonya

Book - 2020

1919. Savannah is the daughter of an upper class Black family and she feels stifled by the duties and expectations society has for her. Then she meets a w...Show more 1919. Savannah is the daughter of an upper class Black family and she feels stifled by the duties and expectations society has for her. Then she meets a working class girl who introduces her to socialism and the suffragette movement, and Savannah begins to find her purpose. Show less

1919. Savannah is the daughter of an upper class Black family and she feels stifled by the duties and expectations society has for her. Then she meets a w...Show more 1919. Savannah is the daughter of an upper class Black family and she feels stifled by the duties and expectations society has for her. Then she meets a working class girl who introduces her to socialism and the suffragette movement, and Savannah begins to find her purpose. Show less

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Angel of Greenwood

Angel of Greenwood

by Pink, Randi

eBook - 2021

1921. Life changes on May 31, 1921 when a vicious white mob storms the community of Greenwood, leaving the town destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Only then do teens Isaiah, Angel, and their peers realize who their real enemies are. 1921. Life changes on May 31, 1921 when a vicious white mob storms the community of Greenwood, leaving the town destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Only then do teens Isaiah, Angel, and their peers realize who their real enemies are. Show less

1921. Life changes on May 31, 1921 when a vicious white mob storms the community of Greenwood, leaving the town destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Only then do teens Isaiah, Angel, and their peers realize who their real enemies are. 1921. Life changes on May 31, 1921 when a vicious white mob storms the community of Greenwood, leaving the town destroyed and thousands of residents displaced. Only then do teens Isaiah, Angel, and their peers realize who their real enemies are. Show less

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March

March

Book One

by Lewis, John

Graphic Novel - 2013

1940s-2010s. The first in a trilogy, March Book One recounts John Lewis's childhood and his first forays into activism. 1940s-2010s. The first in a trilogy, March Book One recounts John Lewis's childhood and his first forays into activism. Show less

1940s-2010s. The first in a trilogy, March Book One recounts John Lewis's childhood and his first forays into activism. 1940s-2010s. The first in a trilogy, March Book One recounts John Lewis's childhood and his first forays into activism. Show less

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The Awakening of Malcolm X

The Awakening of Malcolm X

A Novel

by Shabazz, Ilyasah

eBook - 2021

1940s. While in Charlestown Prison in the 1940s, young Malcolm Little reads all the books in the library, joins the debate team and the Nation of Islam, and emerges as Malcolm X. 1940s. While in Charlestown Prison in the 1940s, young Malcolm Little reads all the books in the library, joins the debate team and the Nation of Islam, and emerges as Malcolm X. Show less

1940s. While in Charlestown Prison in the 1940s, young Malcolm Little reads all the books in the library, joins the debate team and the Nation of Islam, and emerges as Malcolm X. 1940s. While in Charlestown Prison in the 1940s, young Malcolm Little reads all the books in the library, joins the debate team and the Nation of Islam, and emerges as Malcolm X. Show less

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Mare's War

Mare's War

by Davis, Tanita S.

Book - 2009

Present day / 1940s. Told in alternating timelines, this book follows Mare in the 1940s as she joins the Women's Army Corps and her granddaughters in the present day as they learn about her amazing past. Present day / 1940s. Told in alternating timelines, this book follows Mare in the 1940s as she joins the Women's Army Corps and her granddaughters in the present day as they learn about her amazing past. Show less

Present day / 1940s. Told in alternating timelines, this book follows Mare in the 1940s as she joins the Women's Army Corps and her granddaughters in the present day as they learn about her amazing past. Present day / 1940s. Told in alternating timelines, this book follows Mare in the 1940s as she joins the Women's Army Corps and her granddaughters in the present day as they learn about her amazing past. Show less

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Becoming Billie Holiday

Becoming Billie Holiday

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

eBook - 2008

Early/mid 20th century. Written in verse, this book tells the story of a young girl named Eleanora who would overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become the acclaimed singer Billie Holiday. Early/mid 20th century. Written in verse, this book tells the story of a young girl named Eleanora who would overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become the acclaimed singer Billie Holiday. Show less

Early/mid 20th century. Written in verse, this book tells the story of a young girl named Eleanora who would overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become the acclaimed singer Billie Holiday. Early/mid 20th century. Written in verse, this book tells the story of a young girl named Eleanora who would overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become the acclaimed singer Billie Holiday. Show less

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No Crystal Stair

No Crystal Stair

by Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

eBook - 2012

Mid-20th century. Tells the story of Lewis Micheaux, whose famed Harlem bookstore was a favorite hangout of luminaries like Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Muhammed Ali. Mid-20th century. Tells the story of Lewis Micheaux, whose famed Harlem bookstore was a favorite hangout of luminaries like Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Muhammed Ali. Show less

Mid-20th century. Tells the story of Lewis Micheaux, whose famed Harlem bookstore was a favorite hangout of luminaries like Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Muhammed Ali. Mid-20th century. Tells the story of Lewis Micheaux, whose famed Harlem bookstore was a favorite hangout of luminaries like Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Muhammed Ali. Show less

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The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones

by McQueen, Daven

Book - 2020

1950s. When Ethan, who has been raised by his white father, is sent to stay with family in Alabama, he finds his Blackness affecting his life in new and u...Show more 1950s. When Ethan, who has been raised by his white father, is sent to stay with family in Alabama, he finds his Blackness affecting his life in new and upsetting ways. His only relief is Juniper, the town oddball who is just as confused about where she fits in as Ethan is. Show less

1950s. When Ethan, who has been raised by his white father, is sent to stay with family in Alabama, he finds his Blackness affecting his life in new and u...Show more 1950s. When Ethan, who has been raised by his white father, is sent to stay with family in Alabama, he finds his Blackness affecting his life in new and upsetting ways. His only relief is Juniper, the town oddball who is just as confused about where she fits in as Ethan is. Show less

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Simeon's Story

Simeon's Story

An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till

by Wright, Simeon

Book - 2011

1955. In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped and killed simply for being a Black boy. Here, his cousin Simeon shares Emmett's story and his own experiences during that terrible year. 1955. In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped and killed simply for being a Black boy. Here, his cousin Simeon shares Emmett's story and his own experiences during that terrible year. Show less

1955. In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped and killed simply for being a Black boy. Here, his cousin Simeon shares Emmett's story and his own experiences during that terrible year. 1955. In 1955, Emmett Till was kidnapped and killed simply for being a Black boy. Here, his cousin Simeon shares Emmett's story and his own experiences during that terrible year. Show less

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This Promise of Change

This Promise of Change

One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality

by Boyce, Jo Ann Allen

Book - 2019

1956. Jo Ann Allen was one of eleven students sent to Clinton High School to desegregate the district. Due to her relative popularity, Jo Ann found hersel...Show more 1956. Jo Ann Allen was one of eleven students sent to Clinton High School to desegregate the district. Due to her relative popularity, Jo Ann found herself elected spokesperson of the group. She did her duty, but struggled with her inability to be just a regular high school student. Show less

1956. Jo Ann Allen was one of eleven students sent to Clinton High School to desegregate the district. Due to her relative popularity, Jo Ann found hersel...Show more 1956. Jo Ann Allen was one of eleven students sent to Clinton High School to desegregate the district. Due to her relative popularity, Jo Ann found herself elected spokesperson of the group. She did her duty, but struggled with her inability to be just a regular high school student. Show less

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A Mighty Long Way

A Mighty Long Way

My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School

by LaNier, Carlotta Walls

Book - 2009

1957. Carlotta Walls is one of the Little Rock 9, a group of Black students who desegregated the Little Rock school system. In her memoir, Carlotta shares everything she went through during her time at Little Rock High. 1957. Carlotta Walls is one of the Little Rock 9, a group of Black students who desegregated the Little Rock school system. In her memoir, Carlotta shares everything she went through during her time at Little Rock High. Show less

1957. Carlotta Walls is one of the Little Rock 9, a group of Black students who desegregated the Little Rock school system. In her memoir, Carlotta shares everything she went through during her time at Little Rock High. 1957. Carlotta Walls is one of the Little Rock 9, a group of Black students who desegregated the Little Rock school system. In her memoir, Carlotta shares everything she went through during her time at Little Rock High. Show less

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Ghost Boys

Ghost Boys

by Rhodes, Jewell Parker

Book - 2018

Present day / 1950s. After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till. Present day / 1950s. After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till. Show less

Present day / 1950s. After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till. Present day / 1950s. After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till. Show less

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Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming

by Woodson, Jacqueline

Book - 2014

1960s & 1970s. Author Jacqueline Woodson recounts what it was like to grow up as a Black girl during the Civil Rights era. 1960s & 1970s. Author Jacqueline Woodson recounts what it was like to grow up as a Black girl during the Civil Rights era. Show less

1960s & 1970s. Author Jacqueline Woodson recounts what it was like to grow up as a Black girl during the Civil Rights era. 1960s & 1970s. Author Jacqueline Woodson recounts what it was like to grow up as a Black girl during the Civil Rights era. Show less

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The Rock and the River

The Rock and the River

by Magoon, Kekla

Book - 2009

1968. Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is caught in a conflict between his father’s nonviolent approach to seeking civil rights for African-Americans and his older brother, who has joined the Black Panther Party. 1968. Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is caught in a conflict between his father’s nonviolent approach to seeking civil rights for African-Americans and his older brother, who has joined the Black Panther Party. Show less

1968. Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is caught in a conflict between his father’s nonviolent approach to seeking civil rights for African-Americans and his older brother, who has joined the Black Panther Party. 1968. Fourteen-year-old Sam Childs is caught in a conflict between his father’s nonviolent approach to seeking civil rights for African-Americans and his older brother, who has joined the Black Panther Party. Show less

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Big Black

Big Black

Stand at Attica

by Smith, Frank

Graphic Novel - 2020

1971. In 1971, a group of prisoners at Attica decided to fight back against the violence and racism they faced from prison guards. In this graphic novel, ...Show more 1971. In 1971, a group of prisoners at Attica decided to fight back against the violence and racism they faced from prison guards. In this graphic novel, Smith, who was one of the prisoners involved in the uprising, gives a firsthand account of his experiences. Show less

1971. In 1971, a group of prisoners at Attica decided to fight back against the violence and racism they faced from prison guards. In this graphic novel, ...Show more 1971. In 1971, a group of prisoners at Attica decided to fight back against the violence and racism they faced from prison guards. In this graphic novel, Smith, who was one of the prisoners involved in the uprising, gives a firsthand account of his experiences. Show less

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Hip Hop Family Tree Vol. 1

Hip Hop Family Tree Vol. 1

by Piskor, Ed

Downloadable Graphic Novel - 2013

1970s-1980s. This graphic novels shares stories from the early days of hip-hop. 1970s-1980s. This graphic novels shares stories from the early days of hip-hop. Show less

1970s-1980s. This graphic novels shares stories from the early days of hip-hop. 1970s-1980s. This graphic novels shares stories from the early days of hip-hop. Show less

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The Black Kids

The Black Kids

by Hammonds Reed, Christina

Book - 2020

1992. Enjoying the luxuries of a privileged life in 1992 Los Angeles, a Black high school senior is unexpectedly swept up in the vortex of the Rodney King...Show more 1992. Enjoying the luxuries of a privileged life in 1992 Los Angeles, a Black high school senior is unexpectedly swept up in the vortex of the Rodney King Riots while her closest friends spread a rumor that could derail a fellow Black student’s future. Show less

1992. Enjoying the luxuries of a privileged life in 1992 Los Angeles, a Black high school senior is unexpectedly swept up in the vortex of the Rodney King...Show more 1992. Enjoying the luxuries of a privileged life in 1992 Los Angeles, a Black high school senior is unexpectedly swept up in the vortex of the Rodney King Riots while her closest friends spread a rumor that could derail a fellow Black student’s future. Show less

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