The Short List

Participants are asked to read at least five of the following books. If one that you would like to discuss is not listed, please include it in the comment section of this post. Thanks!

Amiri & Odette: A Love Story by Walter Dean Myers, illustrations by Javaka Steptoe

Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrations by R. Gregory Christie

Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers, illustrations by Christopher Myers

Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis

My People by Langston Hughes, photographs by Charles R. Smith Jr.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes, illustrations by E. B. Lewis

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Rich by Nikki Grimes, illustrations by R. Gregory Christie

Riot by Walter Dean Myers

The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon

Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden, illustrations by Don Tate

Shooting Star by Fredrick McKissack Jr.

Sweethearts of Rhythm by Marilyn Nelson, illustrations by Jerry Pinkney

Testing the Ice by Sharon Robinson, illustrations by Kadir Nelson

We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange, illustrations by Rod Brown

Testing the Ice: A True Story about Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Abstract: As a testament to his courage, Jackie Robinson's daughter shares memories of him, from his baseball career to the day he tests the ice for her, her brothers, and their friends.






Publisher: Scholastic, 40 pages

We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Rod Brown

Publisher: Amistad/Harper, 32 pages

Creating a Short List

For our in-person discussion on January 17, we will work off a short list of suggested titles. Which books would you like to see included? Do you have any titles that have been missed?

Our deadline for the creation of the short list: November 30.

Splitsville by Shelia Goss

Abstract: The Diva's creed (All for one, one for all; never let the other fall) is back in full effect now that Jasmine and Sierra are no longer fighting for the attention of DJ Johnson--and it's a good thing, because the girls need each other now more than ever.







Publisher: Urban Renaissance, 280 pages

Rich by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Abstract: Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library’s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is one hundred dollars—just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. And when they get to know Damaris, they realize the one who could use the prize money the most also happens to be the best poet in class.


Publisher: Putnam's Sons, 96 pages