African American Culture
We have chosen our favorite books about the African-American experience.  These titles can be found in the Juvenile section of your library, unless otherwise noted.
Kaya Morgan's crowning achievement by Jill Tew
Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement
by Jill Tew

Twelve-year-old African American Kaya struggles to remain true to herself when she encounters bias while competing for the role of queen at the Renaissance Faire camp.
Mama's chicken and dumplings by Dionna L. Mann
Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
by Dionna L. Mann

In 1930's segregated Charlottesville, Allie decides to secretly play matchmaker for her Mama, getting herself in hot water when nothing goes as planned, and is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve.
Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Dragons in a Bag
by Zetta Elliott

When Jax helps an old witch named Ma take three baby dragons to a magical world, he breaks the rules of dragon care and throws their quest into chaos.
If you were a kid at the March on Washington by Josh Gregory
If You Were a Kid at the March on Washington
by Josh Gregory

A blend of fact and fiction introduces readers to the March on Washington.
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson
Ways to Make Sunshine
by Renée Watson

Though the Hart family of Portland, Oregon faces many setbacks after Ryan's father loses his job, Ryan tries to bring sunshine to her loved ones no matter what.
The Everybody Experiment
by Lisa Moore Ramée

11-year-old Kylie comes up with The Everybody Experiment and has to do everything her friends do. Kylie wonders how she can do what everybody else does without losing herself. 
A Place to Shine
by Marie Arnold

This touching story follows 10-year-old Sunny Williams and her little brother, Miles, as they discover love, family, and the power of music when their beloved Nanna is placed into a care home after developing dementia.
Secrets and Spies
by Tina Wells

When her secret blog is exposed, turning her friends, family, and community against her, June must find a way to repair her relationships while trying to keep from blurting out the truth about a newly discovered secret involving the entire town. 
Rooting for Plants
by Janice N. Harrington

Meet Charles S. Parker, an unsung yet trailblazing Black scientist who made major contributions to the fields of botany (the study of plants) and mycology (the study of fungi) in this inspiring biography.
Who was John Lewis?
by Crystal Hubbard

Introduces children to the American hero, icon of the civil rights movement and Georgia congressman who, starting in the 1960s, began his activism alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., participating in many now-historic events, including the 1963 March on Washington and the Freedom Rides.
The Many Fortunes of Maya
by Nicole D. Collier

Always turning to her Wheel of Fortunes, a cardboard circle covered with wisdom she's collected from fortune cookies, for answers and a dose of luck, 12-year-old Maya must find the courage to write her own fortune to answer her deep-down questions. 
Once in a Blue Moon
by Sharon G. Flake

In 1939, James Henry must find his way back into his own life by confronting the truth about what happened the night his mother died and, when a blue moon is forecast, he discovers anything is possible under this rare moon.
On Air with Zoe Washington
by Janae Marks

While building a relationship with her newly exonerated birth father, who is having a hard time re-entering society, Zoe starts a podcast to shed light on the struggles exonerees experience and fundraise for his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant.
Epic Ellisons: Cosmos Camp
by Lamar Giles

Going undercover at Petey Thunkle's world-famous summer training program for STEM prodigies, twins Wiki and Leen Ellison must discover who is tampering with the company's upcoming big-deal rocket launch before it's too late.
Simon B. Rhymin' Takes a Stand
by Dwayne Reed

When Simon B. Rhymin' and his crew notice inequality in their school and neighborhood, they use rhymes to help bring their community together.
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day
by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood

This deeply moving memoir-in-verse tells the moving story about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday to become a national holiday as an adult.
Barack Obama 
by Stephen Krensky

An inspirational biography of the first African American president of the United States, who fought against racial and social injustices, hardships and setbacks, shows how he became one of the worlds most admired leaders.
Just Right Jillian
by Nicole D. Collier

To keep her promise to her grandmother, fifth-grader Jillian must learn to speak up, break out of her shell and show everyone her true self to win the schools biggest academic competition. 
Who is Stacey Abrams?
by Shelia P. Moses

Discover how a young girl who loved to read and write became a voting rights activist, a candidate for governor of Georgia, and an author.
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
by Kelly J. Baptist

Referring to his late father's journal for advice on how to be the man of the house, young Isaiah taps the support and ideas of two school friends who help him navigate rules and manage without superpowers.
Forsyth County Public Library
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