Good Fortune by Noni Carter

Abstract: Brutally kidnapped from her African village and shipped to America, a young girl struggles to come to terms with her new life as a slave, gradually rising from working in the fields to the master's house, secretly learning to read and write, until, risking everything, she escapes to seek freedom in the North.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 489 p.

The Cruisers by Walter Dean Myers

Abstract: Friends Zander, Kambui, LaShonda, and Bobbi, caught in the middle of a mock Civil War at DaVinci Academy, their Harlem gifted and talanted school, learn the true cost of freedom of speech when they use their alternative newspaper, The Cruiser, to try to make peace.

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 128 p.

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Abstract: A graphic novel based on the true story of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year old African American gang member from Chicago who shot a young girl and was then shot by his own gang members








Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 94 p.

Sell-Out by Ebony Joy Wilkins

Abstract: Being nearly the only African American in her school doesn't bother NaTasha. But it bothers Tilly, NaTasha's spitfire grandmother from Harlem, who decides NaTasha needs to get back to her roots.






















Publisher: Scholastic, 267 pages

Paper Thin by Shelia M. Goss

Abstract: Living with her emotionally absent father and a stepmother who spoils her, Sierra doesn't lack for material things, but she still struggles with the pain of losing her birth mother at an early age. Sierra hides her fears and disappointments behind food and fashion. After time spent at a weight loss camp, she returns to school twenty-five pounds lighter. She goes from being sweet to displaying a diva-like attitude. Her best friends, Britney and Jasmine, are quick to point out this new change.




Publisher: Urban Renaissance, 296 pages

Step Up by Monica McKayhan

Abstract: Indigo Summer and her boyfriend, Marcus Carter, have stayed solid through plenty of drama. Now Marcus is a senior and has already been accepted to Harvard. But with his bright future, Indigo suddenly doubts where she fits into his life








Publisher: Kimani, 248 p.

8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Abstract: After half-heartedly joining his church youth group's project at a homeless shelter near his Brooklyn middle school, eighth-grade "loser" Reggie McKnight is inspired to run for school office on a platform of making a real difference in the community.







Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 324 p.

Culture Clash by L. Divine

Abstract: Fed up with the way her school is handling Cultural Awareness Day, Jayd decides to form the first African Student Union. At the same time, she can't deny her attraction for Emilio, the new Latino sophomore at South Bay High.






Publisher: Dafina, 220 p.

Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johnson

Abstract: Sweet leaves her family and goes to live in a cabin in the woods with the quiet but understanding Curtis, to whom she feels intensely connected, just as he is called back to serve again in Iraq.









Publisher: Simon and Schuster, 118 p.