HPL Recommends

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Picture Books for Adult Readers

List curated by Cheryl

In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations for all ages! This list highlights some of our favorite picture books that are great for adult readers--because who says picture books are just for kids? Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 

The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson 
This poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. 
 
From Slave Ship to Freedom Road written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Rod Brown 
Rod Brown and Julius Lester bring history to life in this profoundly moving exploration of the slave experience. From the Middle Passage to the auction block, from the whipping post to the fight for freedom, this book presents not just historical facts, but the raw emotions of the people who lived them. Inspired by Rod Brown's vivid paintings, Julius Lester has written a text that places each of us squarely inside the skin of both slave and slaveowner. It will capture the heart of every reader, black or white, young or old.
 
Life Doesn't Frighten Me written by Maya Angelou and paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat 
Maya Angelou's poetic celebration of the courage within each person is matched by the daring vision of artist Basquiat, whose childlike style reveals the fanciful imaginings of childhood. In this introduction to poetry and contemporary art, brief biographies of Angelou and Basquiat accompany the text and artwork.
 
Jazz written by Walter Dean Myers (father) and illustrated by Christopher Myers
Fifteen poems, infused with the rhythm and wordplay of jazz music, are paired with bold, stylized illustrations of performers and dancers to convey the history and breadth of this unique musical style. From bebop to New Orleans, from ragtime to boogie, and every style in between, Jazz takes readers on a musical journey from jazz's beginnings to the present day.
 
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson 
The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it's about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It's a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs.
 
The Other Side written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis  
Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together.
 
Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!
 

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Classic Picture Books, New and Old

List curated by Cheryl

In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations for all ages! This list highlights some of our favorite classic picture books, both new and old. Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 

New Classics (2010-present)
Sulwe (2019)  written by Lupita Nyong'o  and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
A dark-skinned little girl yearns to be beautiful like her lighter sisters. One night she takes a magical journey into the night sky. This helps her to see that she is also beautiful, in a different way. 
 
Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017) written and illustrated by Derrick Barnes
A boy goes into a barbershop to get a haircut and leaves with a new level of confidence and excitement about the possibilities a new look might bring. He wonders if his fresh new ‘do will give him attention from the girl he likes, help him get great test scores, and more!
 
Firebird (2014)  written by Misty Copeland  and illustrated by Christopher Myers
American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland encourages a young ballet student, with brown skin like her own, by telling her that she, too, had to learn basic steps and how to be graceful when she was starting out, and that some day, with practice and dedication, the little girl will become a firebird, too. Includes author's note about dancers who led her to find her voice.
 
Me & Mama (2020) written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
With lyrical prose and a tender touch, Mama and Me is an ode to the strength of the bond between a mother and a daughter as they spend a rainy day together.
 
Saturday (2019) written and illustrated by Oge Mora
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together.
 
 
 
Old Classics (pre-2010)
 
Shortcut (1996) written and illustrated by Donald Crews
A group of children decide to take a shortcut home, using the train tracks as their pathway. As they trek along the tracks, the kids have fun playing but realize that they should have walked their normal route.
 
Max Found Two Sticks  (1997) written and illustrated by Brian Pinkney
The story of a young boy who turns around his bad day by using his imagination and the joy of music.  
 
Tar Beach (1996) written and illustrated by Faith Ringold
A Harlem family has a picnic lunch on the tar roof of their building. As they enjoy the breeze and the sights and sounds of the city bustling below, the girl dreams of flying over the George Washington Bridge that her father helped to build.
 
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (1987) written and illustrated by John Steptoe
This beautifully illustrated telling of an African tale has the theme of selfishness vs. altruism. Two sisters, Nyasha and Manyara, who learn that the king of their land is looking for a wife and calling all eligible women to come before him so that he may choose one. Along their journeys, each of the girls encounters various obstacles and handles them differently.
 
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (2006) written by Carol Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
The book is the story of Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman would make nineteen subsequent trips back south, never being caught, but none as profound as this first one.
 
Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Adult Mysteries

List curated by Heidi
In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations for all ages! This list highlights some of our favorite mysteries by Black authors. Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 
 
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley 
First in a series; Los Angeles, 1948: Easy Rawlins is a black war veteran just fired from his job at a defense plant. Easy is drinking in a friend's bar, wondering how he'll meet his mortgage, when a white man in a linen suit walks in, offering good money if Easy will simply locate Miss Daphne Money, a blonde beauty known to frequent black jazz clubs.  
 
Bluebird Bluebird by Attica Locke 
When it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules--a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger, knows all too well. He was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could until duty called him home. When his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he travels to the small town of Lark, where two murders--a black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman--have stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes--and save himself in the process--before Lark's long-simmering racial fault lines erupt. 
 
Dying in the Dark by Valerie Wesley 
Haunted by the brutal murder of her childhood friend, Celia Jones, private detective Tamara Hayle agrees to investigate the crime and uncover the killer at the request of Celia's teenage son, but the case becomes complicated by his death. 
 
Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes 
For love of fine, wily Imabelle, hapless Jackson surrenders his life savings to a con man who knows the secret of turning ten-dollar bills into hundreds—and then he steals from his boss, only to lose the stolen money at a craps table. Luckily for him, he can turn to his savvy twin brother, Goldy, who earns a living—disguised as a Sister of Mercy—by selling tickets to Heaven in Harlem. With Goldy on his side, Jackson is ready for payback. 
 
Land of Shadows by Rachel Hall 
Along the ever-changing border of gentrifying Los Angeles, 17-year-old Monique Darson is found dead at a condo construction site, hanging in the closet of an unfinished unit. Her new partner assumes it's a teenage suicide, but Detective Elouise "Lou" Norton isn't buying it. 
 
Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Romance Novels

List curated by Ari

In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations for all ages! This list highlights some of our favorite romance novels for adult readers by Black authors. Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (#1 in the Brown Sisters Series)

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole (#1 in the Reluctant Royals Series)

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins (#1 in the Women Who Dare Series)

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (#1 in the Wedding Date Series)

Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

Forbidden Promises by Synthia Williams (#1 in the Jackson Falls Series)

Intercepted by Alexa Martin (#1 in the Playbook Series)

A Cowboy to Remember by Rebekah Weatherspoon (#1 in the Cowboys of California Series)

Hidden Sins by Selena Montgomery

Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera 

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Teen Non-Fiction

List curated by Ari
 
In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations for all ages! This list highlights some of our favorite teen non-fiction by Black authors. Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 
 
 
Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!

Black History Month Recommended Reading: Graphic Novels

 
List curated by Ari
 
In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing book recommendations! This list highlights some of our favorite graphic novels by Black authors. These titles are great for teen and adult comic lovers, but are also perfect introductions to graphic novels if you've never read one before. Be sure to check out these books, and to read Black authors all year long, not just in February. 
 
 
Visit the library's online catalog to request a book for HPL to Go (curbside pick-up), or check out our online resources to learn more about ebooks or audiobooks!