African American YA Authors to read @YDL

African American Authors Teen Literature YDL-Michigan Avenue New African American YA Authors Kwame Alexander He Said, She Said (2013) Sparks fly in this hip-hop-hot teen novel that mixes social protest and star-crossed romance! He says: Omar "T-Diddy" Smalls has got it made—a full football ride to UMiami, hero-worship status at school and any girl at West Charleston High. She says: Football, shmootball. Claudia Clarke cares about: Harvard, the poor, the disenfranchised, the hungry, the staggering teen pregnancy rate, investigative journalism... The stakes are high and the romance is hot—watch out!

Carolita Blythe Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl (2013) 1980s Brooklyn, Faye feels wor thless and oppressed.

Her father left her and her mother is full of anger. Her two neighborhood friends have convinced Faye that if you aren't attractive, the only way to make it in life is to take what you want. The tough- talking Faye slips up and her road to maturity isn't smooth. This realistic por trayal of emotions, decisions, and hardships will appeal to teens who are also struggling with their identities.

Nalo Hopkinson The Chaos (2013) Sixteen-year-old Scotch struggles to fit in due to her mixed heritage. And more troubling, her skin is becoming covered in a sticky black substance that can’t be removed. While trying to cope with this creepiness, she goes out with her brother—and a mysterious bubble of light just swallows him up.

Soon, the Chaos affects the city at large, until it seems like everyone is turning into crazy creatures. A blend of fantasy and Caribbean folklore!

Chris Terry Zero Fade (2013) Zero Fade chronicles eight days in the life of inner-city Richmond, Virginia, teen Kevin Phifer as he deals with wack haircuts, bullies, last year's fly gear, his uncle Paul coming out as gay, and being grounded. "With sharp storytelling sagacity and attention to detail, Mr. Terry speaks to modern society's invisible men: the black, hip-hop kids of Generation X."-author J-Zone.

Brian Walker Black Boy White School (2012) Anthony “Ant” Jones, an inky black fourteen-year-old, has no interest in leaving East Cleveland (where drugs and violence reign) to attend predominantly white Belton Academy in Maine. Then he witnesses the drive-by shooting death of a friend. But life is far from per fect in the Belton bubble. Over the course of his year, Ant’s intense exploration of his own identity leads to more questions than answers. This power ful novel is cer tain to spark thoughtful discussion.

More African American Authors Coe Booth “I was born and raised in New York City, in the borough of the Bronx. In college I taught creative writing and video production to kids and teens. My favorite job at that time was teaching memoir writing to senior citizens. I loved hearing all about their lives: growing up in the Bronx back in the 30s and 40s, their first loves, and all about how they had to fight to overcome racial discrimination back then.

They had real powerful stories to write about. It was probably that job that inspired me to write Tyrell. I wanted to give readers a realistic por trayal of what it’s like to grow up in hard circumstances, especially when you have only yourself to count on.” Books by Coe Booth: Tyrell (2007) Kendra (2010) Bronxwood (2011)

Edwidge Danticat Ms. Danticat is a Hatian American who writes mostly adult fiction. Her teen novel Behind the Mountains (2002) is about Celiane’s move to Brooklyn from her rural home in Haiti after an outbreak of violence during elections. But the harsh winter and concrete landscape of her new home are a shock to Celiane, who witnesses her parents' struggle to earn a living, her brother's uneasy adjustment to American society, and her own encounters with learning difficulties and school violence.

Sharon Draper Sharon Draper lives in Cincinnati, Ohio where she taught high school English for 25 years. She has been honored five times by the Coretta Scott King Award committee.

Copper Sun (2006) is about a Amari, beaten, branded and dragged onto a slave ship, forced to witness horrors worse than any nightmare, including being given to a 16 year old boy as a bir thday present. Survival and freedom are her only dreams. She eventually finds friendship... and a chance to escape. Other Draper books include: Tears of a Tiger (1994) Forged by Fire (1997) Romiette and Julio (1999) Darkness Before Dawn (2001) The Battle of Jericho (2003) November Blues (2007) Just Another Hero (2009) Panic (2013)

Sharon Flake Sharon Flake lives in Pittsburg. “I write about hope in hard places, about young people who encounter challenges but through perseverance, the help of good friends and the love of family and caring adults, learn just how gifted, deter mined and capable they are.” Books by Sharon Flake include: The Skin I’m In (2000) Money Hungry (2001) Begging for Change (2003) Who am I Without Him? (2004) You Don’t Even Know Me (2010) Darius and Twig (2013) Invasion (2013)

Nikki Giovanni A world renowned poet and writer, she remains committed to the fight for equality. Always insisting on presenting the truth as she sees it. Her books have won the Caldecott Award and been honored by the Coretta Scott King Committee. Her titles for teens include: On My Journey Now: looking at African-American history through the Spirituals (2007)

Nikki Grimes Nikki Grimes doesn’t consider herself a storyteller, but she is happy to own the title Poet. Born and raised in New York city, she began composing verse at the age of six and has been writing ever since. A bestselling youth and young adult author, she has won the Coretta Scott King Author Award and received other honors. Her most recent book for teens is about Mister, the nickname for a church going teenaged girl who sleeps with her boy friend only once. He moves on and Mister is left with a guilty conscience, and a pregnancy. She turns to her church for support as she tries to make the best decision for her newborn. Nikki Grime’s teen titles include: Bronx Masquerade (2003) A Girl named Mister (2010)

Jackie Hardrick Jackie Hardrick writes about hot issues teens face today: sex, pregnancy, alcoholism, divorce, low self-esteem, and love, in contemporary settings. She writes high interest novels that are “enlightening, inspiring and empowering.”

Imani in Young Love and Deception (1999) Imani in Never Say Goodbye (2003)

Ernest Hill Ernest Hill grew up in Louisiana amid str ict segregation, raised by parents who taught him the value of honesty, hard work and education. He was also taught to dream of a life beyond the narrow confines of his small town. His teen books include Family Ties (2010): Everyone was shocked when Mr. Henry took D’Ray Reid under his wing. After all, Mr. Henry’s real son Stanley was murdered by D’Ray, a crime he committed to save his brother. In the years since, Mr. Henry tried to show D’Ray how to become the man Stanley never would. But putting things right means uncovering a legacy of lies and realizing the only way to be free of the past is to stand tall and confront it at last.

Angela Johnson Winner of the Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and three Coretta Scott King Awards, Angela Johnson is a prolific writer. She writes simple, yet poetic stories for children and teens about African American families, friendships and common experiences such as moving, teen pregnancy and divorce, with realistic characters who face difficult circumstances with hope. In The First Part Last (2004), she tells Bobby’s story. He is a classic urban teen. He’s restless and impulsive, but he’s also going to be a father and his life is going to change forever. Instead of spending time with friends, he and his girlfriend will be spending time with doctors and diapers.

Should they keep the baby or give it up for adoption? They want to do the right thing... if only it was clear what the right thing is. Other titles include: Sweet, Hereafter (2010) A Certain October (2012)

Traci Jones Traci Jones was born in a little town in New Jersey to parents to whom education was paramount. While she can’t remember when she started reading, she remembers loving it. Her love of writing came later in life, around age eleven. In Standing Against the Wind, Patrice William’s hair is so wild kids call her Puffy. She hates being teased.

She is different too. She gets good grades. Being uprooted to live with her grandmother in the inner city while her mother is in jail hasn’t changed that. But it’s hard to feel safe in a school with gangs and drugs. She decides to apply for a scholarship to an African Amer ican boarding school. Can she do it by herself and summon the strength to stand against the forces that threaten to knock her down?

Standing Against the Wind (2006) Finding My Place (2010)

Julius Lester Born in St. Louis in 1939, Lester has written 43 books, including the classic To Be a Slave. The words of black men and women who had themselves been slaves are here, accompanied by Lester's historical commentary and Tom Feelings's power ful and muted paintings. To Be a Slave has been a touchstone in children's literature for for ty-five years.

To be a Slave (1968) Cupid: a tale of love and desire (2007)

Shelia Moses Poet, author, playwright, and producer Shelia P. Moses was raised the ninth of ten children in North Carolina. In addition to adult fiction, she has written two teen novels.

Joseph (2008): Joseph ‘s life is tough because of Mama’s addiction, daddy away fighting in Iraq, and no way out of the homeless shelter. He struggles to keep Mama clean and to hold the family together. Can a fifteen year old boy win the battle to survive?

Joseph’s Grace (2011)

Walter Mosely Walter Mosley is one of the most versatile and admired writers in America today. He is the author of more than 34 critically acclaimed books, including the major bestselling mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins. His teen novel is 47 (2006), a magical realism tale of an escape from slavery and the lessons learned about the power everyone holds within to make change.

Walter Dean Myers Raised in Harlem by a family he was given to as a baby, Walter Dean Myers dropped out of high school, but only after an English teacher recognized his talent for writing and encouraged him to continue, no matter what. “I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but years later, working on a construction job, I remembered her words. I began writing at night and eventually began writing about the most difficult period of my own life, the teen years. That’s what I do.” Mr. Myers’s novels for teens include: Fallen Angels (1983) Monster (1999) Shooter (2004) Autobiography of My Dead Brother (2005) Sunrise Over Fallujah (2007) Invasion (2012) Darius and Twig (2013) Invasion (2013)

Jaime Reed Jaime Reed is a former ar t student. After three years of soul-searching, she rediscovered a childhood love—writing.

She has since star ted a paranormal YA series called the Cambion Chronicles.

Living Violet (2011) Burning emerald (2012) Fading Amber (2012)

Lori Aurelia Williams “When I was a little girl growing up, I knew girls that would do all sorts of things to get money, including exploiting their bodies. These were poor girls who just wanted what every girl wants, food on the table, some of the latest clothing, and a place to hang that clothing up in. In order to get these things, they would often allow themselves to get pulled into bad situations. Out of that memory I came up with Broken China (2005), a fractured fourteen-year old girl who wants to do one thing, get something special for her child.”

Other teen books by Ms. Williams include: When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune (2000) Shayla’s Double Brown Baby Blues (2003) Maxine Banks is Getting Married 2010)

Rita Williams-Garcia Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Gar cia continues to break new ground in young people’s literature with her realistic portrayals of teens of color. “Wr iting stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences.” Her books for teens include: Jumped (2009) Like Sisters on the Homefront (1995) No Laughter Here (2004)

Jacqueline Woodson “I wrote on everything and everywhere. I remember my uncle catching me writing my name in graffiti on the side of a building. (It was not pretty for me when my mother found out.) I wrote on paper bags and my shoes and denim binders. I chalked stories across sidewalks and penciled tiny tales in notebook margins.” Jacqueline Woodson has won the Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honors Awards. Hush (2002) was named a National Book Award Honor Book. In it, Woodson tells the tale of Evie, who is not who she used to be after her family moves and changes identities to protect themselves. The story is a fascinating portrait of a young girl forced to reinvent herself and reimagine her future.

Other teen titles include: The Dear One ( 1993) The House You Pass on the Way (1999) Lena (1999) Behind You (2004)

Bil Wright Bil Wr ight’s books have been recognized by the New York Public Library Best Books for Teens and the American Library Association. He teaches English in Manhattan. In When the Black Girl Sings (2008), Lahni Schuler is the only black student at her private prep school. She's also the adopted child of two loving, but white, parents who are on the road to divorce. When Lahni and her mother attend a local church one Sunday, Lahni hears the amazing gospel choir and her life takes an unexpected turn. In this moving book, Mr. Wright tells the story of one girl's search to find a home where she truly belongs.

More Novels by African American Authors!

Modelland by Tyra Banks (2011)

No one gets in without being asked and Tookie isn’t expecting an invitation.

Modelland never dares to make an appearance in her dreams. But before she can blink her eyes, she finds herself in the very place every girl in the world obsesses about. Only seven young women become Intoxibellas each year—famous, worshipped, magical. She glimpses a future that could be hers. Or could it?

Pull by B.A. Binns (2010) High school senior David is dealing with major upheaval after his father murders his mom. David changes his name and moves to a tough inner-city Chicago school. He tries to take care of his sisters, hold a job and balance his life. But he must decide, should he try for a college basketball scholarship or quit school to work full time and keep his family together?

Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis (2004) Newbery Award winner and Flint, Michigan native Curtis tells the story of Luther and his mother, “The Sarge,” who runs an empire of slums and halfway houses. All he wants to do is win the science fair and do something honest, but he’s sucked into his mother’s despicable business activities. Will he escape and make his own way in the world?

Shifting Through Neutral by Bridgett M. Davis (2004) For Rae Dodson, the early seventies are as hopeful and promising as the peace signs popping up everywhere. Motown is filling Detroit’s airwaves and auto factories are supporting a black middle class. But everything shifts when Rae’s mother takes off with her lover. Left to care for her ailing father, Rae grows up faster than a girl should.

Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson (2005) Handsome and popular, Jason tries to come to ter ms with his often absent father and his growing attraction to the quiet, studious Kyra.

Teenie by Christopher Grant (2011) High school freshman Mar tine is a good student with a br ight future. She’s desperate to be accepted into a prestigious study abroad program in Spain.

But when the captain of the basketball team star ts to pay attention to her, she finds that her mind is on any thing but schoolwork. Can she get her act together and save herself from a potentially dangerous relationship?

Ms. Thang by Sonia Hayes (2006) Sassy, humorous and hear tbreaking, this is the story of Brittany, Natasha and Shaniqua, three friends on a quest to become popular in an Atlanta high school. As each girl ventures down a different path, will their fr iendship remain cohesive?

Stacie & Cole by Kim Johnson (2007) Stacie and Cole have been in love since the beginning of high school.

Lately they’ve been burdened by secrets that threaten to tear their love apart. Stacie loves Cole, but is she ready to give him all he wants? Cole is ready and knows he could have any girl in school, but he only cares about Stacie. Now they have to discover if their love really has no limits.

My Life as a Rhombus by Varian Johnson (2007) Staying on track at school means a boy- free equation for Rhonda, who needs a college scholarship. While tutoring another girl in math, she recognizes the symptoms Sarah is trying to mask. Rhonda shares her past with Sarah in this powerful story of friendship and the consequences of unplanned pregnancy.

The World is Mine by Lyah B. Leflore (2009) Blue Reynolds has it all: money, brains, style, charisma, and the hunger to be more than what his parents have planned for him. Collin Andrews is Blue's best friend, and the order to Blue's madness. Blue dreams up the ideas and Collin figures out how to make them happen; together, they make a powerhouse team that's ready to blow the roof off the music game! The sky's the limit. All they need is one shot.

The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon (2009) Winner of a Coretta Scott King award. Thir teen-year-old Sam finds himself caught between his father, a well-known civil rights leader, and his older brother, Stick, who joins the Black Panther Par ty. When escalating racial tensions throw Sam’s community into tur moil, he faces difficult decisions.

Follow his father or brother? His mind or hear t? The rock or the river?

Flygirl by Sherri Smith (2008) During World War II, a light-skinned African American girl “passes” for white in order to join the Women Air force Service Pilots. But denying one’s family, hiding one’s racial her itage and one’s self is a heavy burden. While chasing her dream, Ida must decide who she wants to be.

Bleeding Violet and Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves (2010-2011) Hanna simply wants to be loved. She’s tired of being the outcast, so she runs away to Por tero, Texas in search of her mother and a new home. But it is a stranger town that she expects. She discovers dark secrets that would terrify any nor mal soul. The companion novel revisits Por tero where the daughters of Bonekiller have learned from their father’s mistakes and never leave a shred of evidence after a murder. When they stumble across a door to another world, it opens endless possibilities…

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Trilogy by Mildred Taylor (1984) Titles in this set have won Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards. This classic trio tells the story of the Logan family, Afr ican Americans in the Deep South in the 1930s and ‘40s. Beginning at age nine, the main character, Cassie, is forced to learn about things no one should have to: humiliation, prejudice, violence and injustice, but she also learns dignity, pride and respect for humanity through her experiences.

Sellout by Ebony Joy Wilkins (2010) Being one of the few African Americans in her suburban school doesn’t bother NaTasha, but it troubles Tilly, her spitfire grandmother. When Tilly decides that NaTasha needs to get back to her roots, NaTasha is thrown into Harlem, a world where everything is unfamiliar and a little frightening.

She volunteers during the summer at a crisis center that helps troubled girls who are tough, their lives laced with danger and makes friends and realizes these girls aren’t the only ones struggling to find the right path.

The Kayla Chronicles by Sherri Winston (2007) Kayla, budding feminist and future journalist, is about to break the story of a lifetime. She decides to try out for the high school dance team in order to expose their unfair selection process. But then she makes the team and the true investigation begins!

Emako Blue by Brenda Woods (2004) To Monterey, she was a bestfr iend who helped her grow up; to Jamal, the only girl he cared about; to Eddie, a kindred soul who understood the burdens of his family; to Savannah, a rival who wouldn’t play by the rules.

But everyone knew Emako was special. At 15, she’d already been signed by a record producer. But in LA, everything can change in a minute...

Urban/Street Lit for Young Adults Kalish Buckhanon Upstate (2006) Conception (2008)

Kia DuPree Silenced (2011)

Sapphire Push(1996)

Sister Souljah The Coldest Winter Ever (2001) Midnight: A gangster love story (2008) Midnight and the Meaning of Love (2011) A Deeper Love Inside (2013)