I have to admit, I had a very hard time keeping up with my reading goals towards the end of last year. This fact saddens me, especially knowing that there was a large number of YA books released by African American authors, featuring AA protagonist. The most exciting thing about the latest AA releases, is that authors are venturing into genres outside of Realistic, and are successfully showing publishers that these books can do well in both generating sales and connecting to audiences with cross-over appeal. We saw the same trend in movies this year, especially with Marvel’s Black Panther laying it down in the Sci-Fi genre (to be discussed later).
Although, frustrated with my reading goals lately, I will give myself some slack, as I have not had the same “FREE” time as in previous years, due to over extenuating circumstances. I will say, that since April, I’ve gotten off to a great start on 2 outstanding books, which are posted below. With that being said, I could not let summer begin without sharing some of my picks for Summer Reading, for every age group. A link to http://www.goodreads.com for reviews and summaries have also been provided below.
Kids:
Mama Africa! by Katheryn Erskine
Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline
Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison
I also follow her on social media to follow her beautiful posts of illustrations. She is an incredible artist.
Finally! A book about hair that celebrates the artistry of the black male haircuts.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Rick Riordian
Minecraft: the Island by Max Brooks
Gamers will enjoy the first chapter book about based on this fan favorite game.
Middle Grades
I’m pretty sure that I will not read this book, only because I’m kind of tired of the reoccurring theme, of concentration camps, Nazi Germany, etc., however, readers, educators, and vendors have made a lot rave reviews about this book. I’m sure it’s great because the author is an excellent writer.
So, with steady self-control, I’m going to list 2 books for the next author, but I really wanted to list 4. Jason Reynolds has definitely become an author of interest lately, with several books that young readers are both discovering and loving.
Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds
If you are a Marvel fan, you should definitely read this one, in preparation for what I think will happen next with Spider-Man in the movies.
Young Adult
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
This book is on the radar of thousands of readers because of the much needed discussion about race and police treatment of black males. Angie Thomas brought the subject alive in the lives of characters with so much class and attention grabbing scenes. This is definitely one of my favorite reads from 2017. This book is also in development of a film.
Children of Blood & Bone by Tom Adeyemi
Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
Adults
Don’t Settle For Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable by Sarah Jakes Roberts
I cannot even begin telling you how much this book has helped me in the last few weeks, but I will try in a book review in the next few days. Amazing!
Every time I pick up one of Mr. Coben’s book with the intent to just preview, I end up reading the entire book! Another great mystery/thriller, if you like this genre, read this one.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
I’m definitely looking forward to reading this book next month, because I have heard/read so many great reviews from colleagues and blogs.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover
Another favorite author.
These are just a few of the many books on my 2018 reading list, but I picked out the ones that I most excited about as selections for Summer Reading. Although, I definitely won’t be able to read them all this summer, I will try to read my most anticipated selections over the next 2 months. I hope my Summer Reading list, inspires you to read or that you find a book from this list that you’re interested in.
Happy Summer Reading
