I and I: Bob Marley by Tony Medina

Abstract: A biography in verse about the Jamaican reggae musician Bob Marley, offering an overview of key events and themes in his life, including his biracial heritage, Rastafarian beliefs, and love of music. End notes on poems provide further biographical information






Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 48 p.

Shooting Star by Fredrick L. McKissack Jr.

Abstract: Jomo Rogers, a naturally talented athlete, starts taking performance enhancing drugs in order to be an even better high school football player, but finds his life spinning out of control as his game improves.






Publisher: Atheneum, 288 p.

Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown

Abstract: Three Southern children, two black and one white, escape from their homes during the horrors of the Civil War and, after meeting in the woods, gradually come to rely on each other as they make their way slowly north, enduring hunger, fear, sickness, and constant danger, before arriving in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.



Publisher: Putnam's, 272 p.

Flipping the Script by Paula Chase

Abstract: It's junior year at Del Rio Bay High, and Mina's feeling insecure while her boyfriend Brian is at Duke University. Meanwhile, Rob's presence around the clique triggers star athlete JZ's feelings of homophobia.


Publisher: Kensington, 280 p.

Mother Poems, words and pictures by Hope Anita Smith

Abstract: A young girl thinks of her mom as a superhero, a doctor, her North Star. She feels loved in her mother's arms and capable of conquering the world. But when her beloved role model unexpectedly dies, she cannot even cry; sadness is too overwhelming. As she struggles with grief, she must learn how to carry on while keeping the memory of her mother very much alive inside her heart.


Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 72 p.

What Goes Around by Denene Millner and Mitzi Miller

Abstract: Wealthy and beautiful African American twin sisters Sydney and Lauren must solve a family mystery before their privileged life in Atlanta comes to an end.





Publisher: Scholastic, 317 p.

Just Another Hero by Sharon M. Draper

Abstract: As Kofi, Arielle, Dana, November, and Jericho face personal challenges during their last year of high school, a misunderstood student brings a gun to class and demands to be taken seriously.




Publisher: Atheneum, 280 p.