Black & African American

Under the cover of night, 12-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back....

Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon, the pot is empty....

When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother - but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe....

Here’s the whole, true story of Rosa Parks’ life - and the spark of change she helped light for the civil rights movement....

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree about an unforgettable family on a road-trip during one of the most important times in the civil rights movement....

The witches are ready to go to war, but Jax and his friends are still searching for a path to peace. . . . In the epic series finale of Dragons in a Bag, friends and foes must unite to defeat the mighty Scourge before it drains all magic from the world....

Ever since the baby dragons were returned to the magical realm, things have been off. The New York summer has been unusually cold. A strange sleeping sickness is spreading across the city....

Betty Before X is the story of Dr. Betty Shabazz before she became a figurehead for the Civil Rights Movement....

Adored for his music, dancing, and performing - and known for his highly publicized personal life - Michael Jackson remains the ultimate music legend....

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia's trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all....

In November 1960, all of America watched as a tiny six-year-old black girl, surrounded by federal marshals, walked through a mob of screaming segregationists and into her school. An icon of the civil rights movement, Ruby Bridges chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event....

This book features critically acclaimed talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, who used her struggles in childhood as motivation to become "Queen of All Media"....

Maya's nervous about fifth grade. She tries to keep calm by reminding herself she knows what to expect. But then she learns that this year won't be anything like the last. Her best friends are placed in a different class without her, and introverted Maya has trouble making new friends....

Valerie Flournoy and Jerry Pinkney created a warmhearted intergenerational story that became an award-winning perennial. Since then, children from all sorts of family situations and configurations continue to be drawn to its portrait of those bonds that create the fabric of family life.... 

The story of a game-changing tennis champion. Serena Williams began playing tennis when she was just a child and is now an Olympic champion who's won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else....

In this audiobook written by Doyin Richards, a dog describes what it’s like to go on walks with his Black owner and wishes that people would see his human as he does: with love....

Only losers don't have cell phones. That's what Sophie thinks at the beginning of this chapter book about fitting in. She feels like an outsider because she's the only one in her class without a cell phone, and her crush, new kid Toby Johnson, has been calling her best friend Chloe....

A companion book to his best-selling and Newbery winning book The Crossover, The Playbook is Kwame Alexander's dynamic, sports-infused guide to life....

Adapted from Emmanuel Acho's New York Times best seller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, comes an essential young listeners edition aimed at opening a dialogue about systemic racism with our youngest generation....

The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It's waiting for Candice Miller. When Candice finds the letter, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother....

Stand-up comedian and Hollywood box-office hit Kevin Hart keeps the laughs coming in a middle-grade novel about a boy who has big dreams of making a blockbuster superhero film....

In the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award - winning Bud, not Buddy, Bud met a girl named Deza Malone in a Hooverville. This is her story. “We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful" is the motto of Deza Malone's family....

Bryan knows what's tight for him - reading comics, drawing superheroes, and hanging out with no drama. But drama is every day where he's from, and that gets him tight, wound up. And now Bryan's friend Mike pressures him with ideas of fun that are crazy risky....

Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally....

Marcus’s movie, Toothpick vs. the Doom, is a HIT! But the only thing harder than making a movie is making a SECOND one. Marcus needs to come up with another great idea fast. Too bad his film crew (aka friends) are too preoccupied with their MeTube channels to notice....

Kwanzaa is about celebrating! It honors African American heritage. Some people mark the holiday by lighting the kinara. Families and friends gather to eat a big feast. Listeners will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

In 1949, Dorothy Vaughan became the first African American woman to lead a team at NASA's Langley Research Center. Her work as a mathematician was an important part of helping the United States explore space. Learn more about Vaughan's life as a famous mathematician!

When the United States entered World War II, it had to face its own contradictions at home. Opportunities opened up for Black people and women in support of the war effort. But ideas about race and gender didn't change as swiftly. Listen to the story of the first all-Black battalion in the Women's Army Corps—the Six Triple Eight—and its leader, Major Charity Adams. These women bravely confronted the racism and sexism they experienced. And they did it while creating a system to make sure millions of letters and packages got to soldiers fighting in Europe.

The Underground Railroad was used by people escaping enslavement in the South. This system of passages and safe houses helped people reach freedom in the Northern United States or Canada. Did you know science played a role in the Underground Railroad?

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools had to allow Black students to attend previously all-white schools. On September 4, 1957, nine Black students were set to attend Little Rock Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. But when they arrived, an angry mob of white people spat at them and hurled racist insults. They were also prevented from entering the school by the National Guard. After they were finally allowed in weeks later, they faced even more abuse from white students and staff.

Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Joined by abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces black, brown, and white, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.

It’s laundry day, and J.C. is excited to help his mom. But when J.C. adds too much detergent to the machine, suds are everywhere! Laundry day turns into a mess for everyone in the apartment building. Can J.C. fix his mistake and save laundry day?

J.C. is excited to go to the Spring Flower Festival with Nana and Pop-Pop! But then his best friends, Amir and Vicky, invite J.C. to go to the zoo at the same time. Can J.C. figure out a way to make it to both events?

Chadwick Boseman shot to fame with his lead role in the blockbuster film Black Panther. Find out more about his rise to stardom!

Grammy-award-winning rap artist Kendrick Lamar uses his lyrics to speak on social issues facing African Americans today. Learn more about how he uses his musical talents to spread awareness.

When 6-year-old Ruby Bridges and her mother went to William Frantz Elementary School on November 14, 1960, they arrived to find an angry crowd of white people shouting racist insults. For her safety, Ruby had to be escorted to school every day by U.S. Marshals. But despite the hateful attitudes of others, Ruby didn't miss a single day of school that year.

Beyoncé has been at the top of the music industry for decades. She uses her platform to bring awareness to social issues. Learn more about her passion for helping others.

J.C. can't wait for his class field trip to the Famous Black Americans Museum. Even better, Dad is coming too—as a chaperone. But then J.C.’s group gets separated from the rest of the class. Can J.C. help save the day and find his classmates?

Baseball is J.C.’s favorite sport, so he’s excited to see it on the activity list at the local community center. He can't wait to show off what a great pitcher he is. But then J.C.'s friend Vicky gets to be the pitcher instead. Can J.C. learn to share the mound?

James Harden was a top pick in the 2012 NBA draft, but he wasn’t an instant superstar. Harden worked tirelessly to improve his skill. His dedication paid off, both for him and the Houston Rockets.