Reading Recommendations: Black History Month

Hello readers! In light of Black History Month I thought I would share my own recommendations of books to read throughout this month. The following books spotlights the stories of people of color as the main/lead characters or are written by African-American authors. I chose five amazing reads that range from children, YA, and to adult novels. I hope you enjoy these picks!

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

This is a fantastic story about the legendary Ruby Bridges, who was first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school. This illustrated storybook is a classic and I remember reading it myself as a child. This a great book to teach and introduce younger kids about the Civil Rights era.

Night on Fire by Ronald Kidd

Night on Fire is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back Civil Rights Movement and shines the spotlight on the Freedom Riders. Instead of the viewpoint from a revolutionary activist we get to see the world from a young teenager’s eyes.  I read this book last year and I absolutely loved it. It’s a great book for middle grade readers and above.

Fly Girl by Sherri L. Smith

In Fly Girl, the main protagonist Ida Mae wants to join WASP, the Women Air force Service Pilots, in order to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. Because WASP won’t accept her as a black woman, Ida Mae makes the choice of “passing”(pretending to be white) to be accepted into the program.  Ida Mae is an a strong, admirable heroine and I think you’ll enjoy her story.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Kindred is a great combination of a slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction. The main protagonist, Dana, has just celebrated her 26th birthday in 1976 California and then suddenly she thrown back through time into antebellum Maryland. Though I haven’t really finished reading this book yet, I have read enough of it to recommend to other fellow readers.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This novel is a a story of love and race centered around a young man and woman from Nigeria who face difficult choices and challenges in the countries they come to call home. The thing I enjoyed  the most about this book is the big question of “what does it mean to be an American?” and that it offers an interesting perspective on race relations in America.

And those are my Black History Month reading recommendations! What books do you recommend or what are your favorites? Comment below!

*Meme created by Created Commons image and Pixabay

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.