Black Lives Matter Library Resources

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Hi everyone. Given the current state of our country, I thought it would be helpful to offer a list of illuminating reading materials and movies we have at the library for young adults. Many of us are wondering “What can I do?” and I think further educating ourselves on this movement and history can be a great place to start. This list is compiled of fiction and nonfiction, audiobooks and e-books, and physical books, even DVDs, as I want to provide various options for anyone interested. This is a challenging time for the country, so hopefully this collection of titles will help guide you in better understanding the scope of where we’re at as a nation.

Fiction

  • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – A powerful book, that is particularly relevant to current times. – Available as an e-book, a physical book, and on audiobook on CD.
  • American Street by Ibi Zoboi – Similar in subject to The Hate U Give, this features a character that is originally from Haiti and shows an interesting portrayal of divides in culture. – Available as a physical copy.
  • On the Come Up by Angie Thomas – An insightful ode to rap and hip hop and a deep look at freedom of speech. – Available as in e-book, physical book or audiobook on CD.
  • Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson – A deeply moving book about a young black girl striving for success. – Available as an e-book and physical book.
  • Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown – A heavily autobiographical coming of age story, which explores racism, sexism, sexual violence and poverty. – Available as an e-audiobook.
  • Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles – A story that spotlights societal pressure and toxic masculinity. – Available as an e-book.
  • Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson – A powerful story about a missing friend and loss. – Available as a physical copy.
  • Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson – A fierce and loving black story that incorporates black history/roots and an adoration for music. – Available as an audiobook on CD.

 

Nonfiction

  • This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell – This book highlights injustice and racism, and offers ways feel empowered to stand up and speak out against them. – Available as a physical copy.
  • How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation (Various authors) – This collection of essays focuses on activism and hope, and answers the questions “What can I do?” and “How can I help?” – Available as an e-audiobook.
  • Racial Profiling: Everyday Inequality by Allison Marie Behnke – A book that outlines the history, manifestations and consequences of racing profiling. – Available as a physical copy.
  • Becoming by Michelle Obama – A memoir from the first black First Lady of the United States. Inspiring, mesmerizing and powerful. – Available as an e-book, e-audiobook, audiobook on CD, and in physical copies.
  • How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi – An important and relevant book for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism and start doing the work for a society of equality. – Available as a physical copy.
  • Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly – Hidden Figures spotlights the black women that were math wizzes and calculated how to launch rockets and get astronauts into space. – Available as a physical book and an audiobook on CD.
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – A short, yet relevant, book in which the author has written as a letter to his 15-year-old son about what it means to be a black man in America. – Available as a physical copy or an audiobook on CD.
  • Wade in the Water by Traci K. Smith – A collection of poetry by former Poet Laureate of the United States, which tackles black erasure along with being a citizen and artist in our culture. – Available as a physical copy.

Graphic Novels (All available as physical copies)

  • March (Complete Trilogy) by John Lewis – A vivid portrayal of John Lewis’s lifelong fight for civil and human rights. A personal, yet powerful story.
  • Black Panther: A Nation Under our Feet (volumes 1-3) by Ta-Nehisi Coates – A strong story about a violent uprising, terrorism and what it takes to adapt.
  • Black Panther: World of Wakanda by Roxanne Gay and Ta-Nehisi Coates – A story focusing on strong black women who are selected to be part of the Dora Milaje.
  • (H)afrocentric by Juliana “Jewells” Smith – A vivid story that tackles current issues of racism, patriarchy, gentrification, police violence, the housing crisis, and more.

Movies (All available on DVD)

This list barely scratches the surface of materials that are available to illuminate the anti-racist movement, black lives, and black culture. I encourage you to seek out more materials and guidance if you’re so inclined. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there. If you have questions or suggestions for additional titles please reach out to me at kendall.chapman@bhpl.net. I hope this helps.