In Our Own Words: Black American LivesLike this list

13 items

• Sharks Don't Sink

  Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist

  Graham, Jasmin,

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  From academia to activism, Graham's book is an excellent blend of memoir and biology, as well as a story of changing your field to fit you rather than changing yourself for a job.

• The Price of the Ticket

  Collected Nonfiction : 1948-1985

  Baldwin, James, 1924-1987,

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  His novels brought him acclaim and his debates brought his recognition, but it's in his essays where Baldwin's voice comes through like fire.

• Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes

  Essays

  Robinson, Phoebe,

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  One of several hilarious and affecting essay collections about race, gender and pop culture from celebrated stand-up comedian and WNYC podcaster Robinson, this volume has a confessional vibe that's laugh-until-you-cry good.

• Citizen

  An American Lyric

  Rankine, Claudia, 1963-

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  Intense, lyrical and vivid, Rankine delves into the contemporary American racial and human psyche through essays, images and poetry.

• Crossing the Line

  a Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever

  Rosser, Kareem,

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  Compelling and conversational, the author's story of becoming a champion polo player takes readers from his childhood in West Philadelphia to his time on the first all-Black interscholastic polo championship team and beyond.

• Homie

  Poems

  Smith, Danez,

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  A poetry collection that celebrates Black culture and centers queer friendship and community with tons of quotable and heartfelt moments.

• Light for the World to See

  Alexander, Kwame,

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  NPR correspondent and "New York Times" bestselling author Alexander delivers a powerful and provocative collection of poetry exploring the racial experience in modern-day America.

• The Dead Don't Need Reminding

  in Search of Fugitives, Mississippi, and Black Tv Nerd Shit

  Randall, Julian,

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  Essays on the author's life, his great-grandfather's history and making sense of the present and future as an artist come together in this vulnerable and inventive narrative.

• A Little Devil in America

  Notes in Praise of Black Performance

  Abdurraqib, Hanif, 1983-

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  Poet and author Abdurraqib crafts a five-part look into Black performance, from music to comedy to magic. If you want a read that blends pop culture and personal stories, this razor-sharp collection is perfect.

• Between the World and Me

  Coates, Ta-Nehisi

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  Told through the author's own evolving understanding of the subject over the course of his life comes a bold and personal investigation into America's racial history and its contemporary echoes.

• Three Girls From Bronzeville

  a Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood

  Turner, Dawn,

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  An immersive and often heartbreaking portrait of life in the historic Bronzeville section of Chicago.

• More Than Enough

  Claiming Space for Who You Are (no Matter What They Say)

  Welteroth, Elaine, 1986-

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  A fascinating story of finding your voice and carving your path, this memoir tells Welteroth's journey to becoming editor-in-chief of "Teen Vogue" magazine in 2017.

• Personalized Recommendations — Just for You!

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  This list was created by JCPL staff. Need a good book, movie or TV show? Recommendations are one of our favorite things to share! Tell us about your preferences, and a real librarian will create a custom list just for you.