Ana's Book'd Lists

Elevating Black Voices

Created by Ana - Updated on February 02^nd 2023

This is a collection of must-read books featuring titles that highlight the unique perspectives, experiences, and stories from Black authors. They are sure to offer opportunities to broaden one's understanding of the world.

Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth

Duncan, Alice Faye, author.

From the Publisher

"The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone will inspire children to be brave and make a difference. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that most Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation's creed of "freedom for all.""-- Provided by publisher.

Yonder : a novel

Asim, Jabari, 1962- author.

From the Publisher

"The Water Dancer meets The Prophets in this spare, gripping, and beautifully rendered novel exploring love and friendship among a group of enslaved Black strivers in the mid-nineteenth century"-- Provided by publisher.

Anywhere you run : a novel

Morris, Wanda M. (Wanda Michelle), 1959- author.

From the Publisher

After the murder of a white man in Jim Crow Mississippi, two Black sisters run away to different parts of the country...But can they escape the secrets they left behind? Two sisters on the run--one from the law, the other from social shame. What they don't realize is that there's a man hot on their trails. This man has his own brand of dark secrets and a disturbing motive for finding the sisters that is unknown to everyone but him. --Adapted from back cover.

Don't cry for me : a novel

Black, Daniel, author.

From the Publisher

"As Jacob lies dying, he begins to write a letter to his only son, Isaac. They have not met or spoken in many years, and there are things that Isaac must know. Stories about his ancestral legacy in rural Arkansas that extend back to slavery. Secrets from Jacob's tumultuous relationship with Isaac's mother and the shame he carries from the dissolution of their family. Tragedies that informed Jacob's role as a father and his reaction to Isaac's being gay. But most of all, Jacob must share with...

Before I let go

Ryan, Kennedy, author.

From the Publisher

"Their love was supposed to last forever. But after two devastating tragedies, Yasmen and Josiah Wade realized love alone couldn't solve everything... or keep their marriage together. It's taken a year since their split for Yasmen to finally start feeling like herself again. To finally be able to breathe again. But the more she sees Josiah-whether it's parenting their two children or working together at the restaurant they co-own-the more Yasmen realizes she may not be ready to completely let...

The stars and the blackness between them

Petrus, Junauda, author.

From the Publisher

Told in two voices, sixteen-year-old Audre and Mabel, both young women of color from different backgrounds, fall in love and figure out how to care for each other as one of them faces a fatal illness.

Ghost boys

Rhodes, Jewell Parker.

From the Publisher

"After seventh-grader Jerome is shot by a white police officer, he observes the aftermath of his death and meets the ghosts of other fallen black boys including historical figure Emmett Till"-- Provided by publisher.