Black Legacy for Teens: The Shoulders We Stand OnLike this list

27 items

• The Swans of Harlem (adapted for Young Adults)

  Five Black Ballerinas, a Legacy of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History

  Valby, Karen,

  Add The Swans of Harlem (adapted for Young Adults) to your for later shelf

  This adapted edition tells the story of the first Black ballerinas of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the barriers they overcame in a field that excluded them. Centering discipline, artistry, and perseverance, the book highlights the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Lifting as We Climb

  Black Women's Battle for the Ballot Box

  Dionne, Evette,

  Add Lifting as We Climb to your for later shelf

  A powerful overview of Black women’s collective labor and leadership, showing how generations have worked to uplift their communities while pushing for justice and equality.

• Black History Is Your History

  Cassidy, Taylor,

  Add Black History Is Your History to your for later shelf

  An inviting overview that connects Black history to the broader American story, highlighting how African American contributions and labor have shaped the nation we live in today.

• Nearer My Freedom

  The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself

  Edinger, Monica,

  Add Nearer My Freedom to your for later shelf

  This book shares Olaudah Equiano's own story of being enslaved and later gaining his freedom. It offers a powerful look at his life and the fight to end slavery.

• A Long Time Coming

  A Lyrical Biography of Race in America From Ona Judge to Barack Obama

  Shepard, Ray Anthony,

  Add A Long Time Coming to your for later shelf

  This book explores the history of race in America through powerful poetry and storytelling. It highlights key events, figures, and struggles for justice, weaving together a moving narrative that reflects on the past and inspires hope for the future.

• Kin

  Rooted in Hope

  Weatherford, Carole Boston, 1956-

  Add Kin to your for later shelf

  Through poetry and history, this book explores African American heritage and resilience. It celebrates family, culture, and the enduring hope that connects generations.

• Revolution in Our Time

  the Black Panther Party's Promise to the People

  Magoon, Kekla,

  Add Revolution in Our Time to your for later shelf

  A compelling look at the rise and impact of the Black Panther Party, this book highlights their fight for justice and equality. It examines their legacy, showing how their work continues to inspire movements for change today.

• Watch Us Rise

  Watson, Renee,

  Add Watch Us Rise to your for later shelf

  The novel follows two teen girls who start a school blog to challenge sexism and racism, sparking a movement. Through activism and creativity, they find their voices and inspire others to stand up for change.

• Black Enough

  Stories of Being Young & Black in America

  Add Black Enough to your for later shelf

  This collection of short stories explores the many experiences of being young and Black in America. Featuring diverse voices, it celebrates identity, culture, and the challenges and joys of growing up.

• Double Victory

  How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II

  Mullenbach, Cheryl,

  Add Double Victory to your for later shelf

  The stories of African American women who challenged racism and sexism during World War II are shared. Their contributions at home and abroad helped pave the way for greater equality and civil rights.

• Maybe an Artist

  A Graphic Memoir

  Montague, Liz

  Add Maybe an Artist to your for later shelf

  In this graphic memoir, Liz Montague shares her journey of discovering her passion for art while navigating life as a young Black woman. With humor and honesty, she reflects on challenges, self-expression, and the path to becoming a cartoonist for…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• In the Shadow of Liberty

  The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives

  Davis, Kenneth C.

  Add In the Shadow of Liberty to your for later shelf

  This eye-opening book reveals the untold stories of enslaved individuals owned by four U.S. presidents. It sheds light on the contradictions of America’s founding ideals and the realities of slavery, offering a deeper understanding of this complex…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• African Town

  Inspired by the True Story of the Last American Slave Ship

  Latham, Irene,

  Add African Town to your for later shelf

  Chronicles the story of the last Africans brought illegally to the United States on the Clotilda in 1860.

• Black Birds in the Sky

  the Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

  Colbert, Brandy,

  Add Black Birds in the Sky to your for later shelf

  The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in US history. But how did it come to pass? What exactly happened? And why are the events unknown to so many of us today?

• Those Who Saw the Sun

  African American Oral Histories From the Jim Crow South

  Avery, Jaha Nailah,

  Add Those Who Saw the Sun to your for later shelf

  Through firsthand accounts, this book shares the experiences of Black individuals who lived under Jim Crow segregation. Their stories offer powerful insights into resilience, injustice, and the fight for civil rights.

• Cool. Awkward. Black

  Add Cool. Awkward. Black to your for later shelf

  This collection of short stories celebrates the many ways to be young, Black, and uniquely yourself. Featuring sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary tales, it highlights the joys and struggles of embracing identity and individuality.

• A Man Called Horse

  John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad

  Turner, Glennette Tilley,

  Add A Man Called Horse to your for later shelf

  John Horse, a Black Seminole leader, played a crucial role in resisting slavery and guiding his people to freedom. His bravery and determination shaped a remarkable chapter of history, highlighting the fight for justice and survival.

• Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School

  Jewell, Tiffany,

  Add Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School to your for later shelf

  Through personal stories and historical context, Tiffany Jewell examines how racism is embedded in the education system. She breaks down the ways schools reinforce inequality while empowering readers with tools to challenge and change it.

• Ida, in Love and in Trouble

  Chambers, Veronica,

  Add Ida, in Love and in Trouble to your for later shelf

  Ida navigates the joys and struggles of growing up, discovering love, and finding her voice in a world that often underestimates her. Through lyrical storytelling, this novel explores identity, family, and the power of self-acceptance.

• Represent

  the Unfinished Fight for the Vote

  Dyson, Michael Eric,

  Add Represent to your for later shelf

  The fight for voting rights has been long and hard-fought, especially for marginalized communities. This book traces the history of voter suppression in the U.S. and highlights the activists who continue working to ensure fair access to the ballot.