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Young Adult Novels About Racial Prejudice in America
Critical context for the ongoing protests around the country.
Published on August 9, 2022
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas“The Hate U Give” is THE book to read right now from this list. It’s a stunning story on the topic of race and police brutality that has quickly climbed the ranks to take its place as one of the greatest YA novels of our time. Starr Carter will not stay silent in the face of injustice.
On the Come Up
Angie ThomasIf you’ve already read “The Hate U Give,” you can return to Garden Heights with Angie Thomas’ lauded sophomore story. Bri is working to make it big as a rapper, despite all the setbacks in her path, including racial stereotypes and poverty. The raw power of rap takes center stage in this star of a novel.
Monster: A Printz Award Winner
Walter Dean MyersWalter Dean Myers is a staple of YA literature, and “Monster,” written at the very end of the 20th century, is already considered a classic. As the title of this award-winning and uniquely told book suggests, it deals heavily with the dehumanization faced by those going through the criminal justice system, particularly when they’re people of color.
A Song Below Water: A Novel
Bethany C. MorrowThis new book from Bethany C. Morrow is full of #BlackGirlMagic that directly tackles police brutality against black people. In “A Song Below Water,” black mermaids and sirens fight against stereotypes and oppression to bring about social change.
American Street
Ibi ZoboiA lyrical work exploring the price of the American Dream, especially for immigrants of color. Fabiola Toussaint moves from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Detroit, Michigan, in search of a better life, but she quickly finds out that freedom isn’t free. Ibi Zoboi’s work is breathtaking and was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Long Way Down
Jason ReynoldsThis will be the most intense elevator ride of your life. Every second counts in this experimental story about a boy contemplating revenge for his brother’s murder. Jason Reynolds’ book has received many accolades, including a Newbery Honor and LA Times Book Prize.
All American Boys
Jason ReynoldsA novel ripped from news headlines about racial profiling and police brutality. An award-winning joint effort between authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely that will move you.
Dread Nation
Justina IrelandAn eye-opening alternate history with a science fiction twist, where the American Civil War ends because the undead have started coming back to life. The scythe-wielding Jane McKeene is trained, along with other black people and Native Americans, to fight the new scourge of the nation. But she also has to fight back against ongoing systemic racism, as well.
How It Went Down
Kekla MagoonOn the surface, “How It Went Down” is an all-too-familiar story: It’s about an unarmed black, male teen being shot dead by a white man who walks free. But unlike the 24-hour news cycle, the story doesn’t stop there: You get to see the ripple effect of Tariq Johnson’s death through an entire community, whether they were someone who loved or hated him. A powerful portrait of a life cut short.