(2) YA Zoboi presents seventeen short stories by an impressive collection of black children's and YA authors, including Jason Reynolds, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Justina Ireland. This collection seeks not merely to counteract society's idea of blackness but to expand it to its fullest expression. It's a celebration of identity through vibrant narratives that will accurately communicate to all young people that they are enough--just as they are.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(1) K-3 Using deceptively simple, repetitive verse, an enslaved girl narrates her family's daily plantation activities over a week, every morning beginning with the bell ringing--until Thursday when her brother runs away. The author communicates the complex emotions of individuals fleeing enslavement and the aftermath for those left behind. Through lush watercolors that expertly frame and highlight the characters, the reader is drawn into scenes of tenderness, joy, terror, and despair.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) YA In this contemporary-set, time-bending love story, African American teens Jack (a high school senior) and Kate (a college freshman) meet at a party and fall in love. After Kate dies of complications from sickle cell disease, Jack begins to travel back in time over and over trying to save her. Jack is an everyday hero readers will root for as Reynolds spins this poignant, dizzying tale of love and loss.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019

(2) YA After her family is evicted (again), thirteen-year-old Genesis has to worry about a new home and school, as well as the unraveling of her family from past secrets. Teased for her dark skin and kinky hair, Genesis feels invisible, unloved, and un-pretty; her journey teaches her that beauty really is only skin deep. Williams's debut also addresses the consequences of addiction and the instability that goes along with it.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(3) K-3 Fifteen wisdom sayings from around the African continent are paired with brilliant illustrations from global artists in this informative book. Each aphorism is labeled by country and includes an explanation of its meaning. The book's art is noteworthy for how the many illustrators (identified in the appendix) interpret the sayings in their own unique styles. A great way to explore wisdom traditions and figurative language.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) YA In this young adult adaptation of the bestselling adult nonfiction title, White Rage, Anderson (with Bolden) seamlessly paints a picture of American racism that is difficult to deny. Through five distinct time periods, the authors take readers on a lucid journey through eras of racial progress and the ensuing white backlash that followed each. Appended with a discussion guide. Reading list. Ind.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Bryan Collier. In this companion to Trombone Shorty, Troy and his friends perform in a second line, a New Orleans musical tradition. One day, Troy is so engrossed in practicing his music that he forgets the time; he wanders his Tremé neighborhood searching for his band and finding treasures in his city's unique culture. Collier's rich, vibrant watercolor collages provide an intimate vantage point of the city.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(3) PS Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. In this We're Going on a Bear Hunt–esque story, a black-girl narrator invites us on an epic quest to see an alligator up close and personal. On the trip, readers encounter bayou wildlife as well as the thrill of suspense as Gator's presence looms ("Better start that motor quick!...Time's a-wastin'! Chugga Chugga. Click. Click. Click"). The exciting excursion is illustrated in bright earthy and aquatic hues.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jess X. Snow. The literal and visual boldness in both verse and illustration delivers a powerful affirmation to African American girls. Offering an antidote to common stereotypes, Browne infuses her mature poem, best suited to reading aloud, with confidence and empowerment as she points black girls in the direction of their dreams. Snow's striking illustrations convey a message of unconditional self-love that is, indeed, magical.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) PS Illustrated by Theodore, III Taylor. Upbeat second-person narration addresses an adorable African American baby in this sweet book sure to encourage the tiniest social reformers. Woke Baby's cries, crawls, and naps are encouraged and applauded in empowering words: "Here are your hands, reaching for what is yours." Woke Baby seems larger-than-life in the close-up illustrations--a nod to how even the smallest of us has the potential to make a big difference.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) YA Living amid violence is an unfortunate reality for African American twins Marvin and Tyler. After a shootout at a party, Marvin is left to deal with the heartbreaking aftermath of Tyler's disappearance and subsequent death at the hands of police. Poverty, police brutality, and gang violence are held in equal tension and intensity in this poignant story about brotherhood, friendship, death, and resilience.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) 4-6 Accomplished pianist Isabella loves both of her parents. Unfortunately, they no longer love each other, which means she divides her time between two homes and blended families. Having a black father and a white mother also has Isabella examining her biracial identity. A hate incident at school and an unexpected confrontation threaten to tear apart her already fragile world in Draper's perceptive and engaging story.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) K-3 Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. The 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike is not often covered in picture books, despite its being Dr. King's final march before his assassination. In a poignant mix of poetry and prose, fictional child Lorraine Jackson shares her family's story of resistance as she helped her sanitation-worker father fight for fair wages and safer working conditions. Christie's rich gouache paintings illustrate the honest portrayal of an intense historical moment. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Eva Campbell. A young girl relishes a visit to her ancestors' home as evocative text and lush, colorful oil and pastel illustrations bring historic Africville to life. A centuries-old Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Africville was razed in the 1960s (such historical context is appended). An idyllic remembrance of a unique, self-sustaining community that thrived despite being under-served and remained connected even when dispersed by outside forces. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) PS Brown-skinned Errol dreams about a garden of his own. When he discovers the unused rooftop of his apartment building, an idea sprouts: Errol invites his fellow neighbors to join him in planting and growing a garden. While the story is told in very simple text, it's much enriched by the illustrations, which celebrate a diverse and inclusive group of people gathering to create a thriving garden--and community.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(2) YA When Monday doesn't show up on the first day of eighth grade--or in the days after that--Claudia undertakes a heartwrenching quest to find her missing best friend. The search leads readers through a winding, nonlinear tale of sisterhood, identity, loss, and secrets kept and revealed. Social issues such as neighborhood gentrification, race, poverty, as well as the healing of connection and the destruction in disconnection, underlie the gripping plot.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) PS Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. Kiely declares on page one "I am famous": she's a model, actor, singer, and dancer, and everywhere she goes she has throngs of adoring fans (never mind that they are her family members). When her spectacular performance at Grandpa's birthday party ends in a mishap, Kiely learns that love is greater than fame. A warm family story starring a vivacious, self-confident (and then some) African American protagonist.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(1) 4-6 Narrator Caleb and older brother Bobby Gene meet Styx Malone, a mysterious, lanky, smooth-talking teenager who adds excitement to their otherwise humdrum summer in small-town Indiana. The boys embark on a journey that encompasses rule-breaking, laugh-out-loud humor, and nail-biting adventure, while exploring the importance of family ties and deep friendships. Spending time with Styx, Caleb, and Bobby Gene is an experience no reader will soon forget.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(3) 4-6 In black Puerto Rican Bryan's Brooklyn world, tight can mean either "cool" or "angry." The sixth grader experiences both meanings when he becomes friends with Mike, who's cool at first but begins to show a dark peer-pressuring side. When he begins following Mike's risky lead, Bryan learns valuable lessons about character, friendship, family, and--like the superheroes in his favorite comic books--the power of choice.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(3) YA Living in the shadow of her troubled mother's reputation, black Bahamian sixteen-year-old Indy is sent away to live with an aunt and uncle in Nassau. A victim of rape (description included) that resulted in pregnancy, Indy is left to fend for herself until she finds acceptance at a yoga-retreat center. Readers will cheer as Indy learns to catch her breath and finds her voice in this powerful, mature coming-of-age novel.

Reviewer: Monique Harris