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Celebrating Black Voices

Though we champion Black voices all year long, February is Black History Month, and YALSA member Annierra Matthews has pulled together a list to commemorate and elevate this celebration. Annierra is a Research Services Library at Mercer University in Douglasville, Georgia, and has a passion for YA!

Black History Month (BHM) is quite prominent in most Black households across the United States. Founded in 1924 by Carter G. Woodson, the accomplishments of Black leaders, musicians, writers, athletes, etc., are celebrated throughout February. For teens searching for ways to celebrate Black History Month, there are plenty of options: viewing online exhibitions and archives, binging documentaries and films, streaming special programs and recitals, and even supporting black-owned businesses.

For those who prefer to cuddle up with a book, here’s a list of compelling fiction written by Black authors and featuring Black characters.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

Malik must save his sister from a sinister spirit, and in order to do so, he must kill Crown Princess Karina. Karina, on the other hand, must offer a king’s heart to revive her mother. When Malik and Karina face-off in the Solstasia competition, they contend with falling in love and completing their goal.

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Click here to see all of the current Amazing Audiobooks nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo; narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo and Melania-Luisa Marte
Quill Tree Books
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN: 978-1471409127

Told in two voices, chess champion Yahaira Rios lives in New York City next door to her girlfriend, and Camino Rios lives in the Dominican Republic with her Aunt. Yahaira was upset with her father when he left for his annual summer trip to the D.R., so when his plane crashes, her feelings are more than complicated. Also on the plane was Camino’s father, whom she only gets to see once a year. Though the two girls never met or even knew about each other before the crash, they come to find out that they have a lot in common.

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2021) Nominees Round Up, August 14 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Best Fiction for Young Adults nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
ISBN: 978-0062990297

Growing up mixed-race in London has not been easy. Michael struggles to reconcile his two cultures (Greek Cypriot and Jamacian), deal with his uninvolved father and his over-involved mother, and navigate the world as a gay teen. When he starts his first year at University, Michael discovers The Drag Society and feels he is finally living as his authentic self. He uses his drag persona, The Black Flamingo, to explore different ways to express himself.

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Click here to see all of the current Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
ISBN: 978-0062990297

Michael is a mixed-race gay teenager in London, struggling to find his place in the world. Readers follow his journey from childhood through his first year of university, where he is introduced to the Drag Society. Thanks to the support of fellow members, Michael is able to explore his true self by performing as The Black Flamingo.