On the Shelf

Header Right Social

FacebookInstagramMeetupOn the Shelf Blog

Header Right Search

African American

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

by Leave a Comment

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Format: Digital Audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

This book is hilarious. The audiobook is exuberantly read by the author and her grit and honesty shine through from the very first line. Haddish unfurls an intense string of experiences that make readers feel a personal connection with her. She shares stories of her grade school bullies, her time in foster care, a mother with mental illness, experiences with sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Her hardships have been intense but through humor and bravery she refuses to fail.
Haddish opens her life to her us with no filter. The language is excessively profane but the blunt retelling of her experiences makes the reader feel spellbound by her strength and self confidence. This book leaves readers with the feeling that they can succeed through anything. If you’re looking for a gritty, uplifting read, this is a winner. Find it in the catalog.

The Undefeated

by Leave a Comment

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Format: Book
Who’s it for: Everyone

This Newbery Award-winning author has written a gripping and moving poem to honor Black American life, both their triumphs and their troubles. The stunning illustrations, drawn by Kadir Nelson, pull the reader into the further by creating haunting and captivating atmospheres. There are portraits of famous, history makers, as well as depictions of the horrors committed against African Americans.

This is a beautiful, thought provoking book that also brings hope and joy. Find it in the catalog.

 

A Princess in Theory

by Leave a Comment

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Format: Digital Audiobook, Book
Who it’s for: Adults

This is book one in the Reluctant Royals series, and it features Naledi Smith and Prince Thabiso of Thesolo. Unbeknownst to her, former foster kid Naledi was once betrothed to Prince Thabiso. But, as an orphan with no recollection of her parents or hometown, when she starts receiving emails from Likotsi, assistant to His Royal Highness, she assumes she has been targeted by scammers.

After receiving an unfavorable email response from Naledi, Thabiso intends to confront Naledi and demand an explanation for her parents’ insolence in leaving the kingdom of Thesolo. When Thabiso realizes that Naledi has no idea who he is or who she really is, he decides to shrug off his royal duties in exchange for the opportunity to be a commoner.

What follows is a romantic and passionate courtship that reads like a Disney fairytale, with a touch of humor. Find it in the catalog. 

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

by Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Tess!

The American Library Association Youth Media Awards were announced this month. It is always an exciting event for librarians when our peers announce their choices for the best children’s books of the year. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, with illustrations by Gordon C. James, received 4 honors, and they were very much deserved in my opinion! Crown is about the transformative power of a really great haircut. It is a tribute to the beauty of African American hair, and “the shop,” a sacred place in African American communities, where barbers elevate their clients with empowering style. A great haircut can make you look like a CEO, make you look majestic, make you look fly. A great haircut can make you feel like royalty! Hello world! Experience the fantastic poetry and paintings of Crown for yourself. You’ll be glad you did. See this book listed in our catalog

In Plain Sight

by Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Sue!

In Plain Sight by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Sophie’s grandpa plays a game of seek and find with her every day after school. Grandpa hides something and it’s always a surprise. They both live with Sophie’s mom and dad. Grandpa, who uses a wheelchair, stays near the window so he can watch Sophie as she comes and goes. He calls and waves to her as he looks out. Then every day after school she looks in on him and says “Here I am, Grandpa. How was the morning?” Grandpa always replies with a surprising statement and asks her to help him find the things that he “lost.” Paperclips, rubber bands, drinking straws are eventually found in an unusual places and in plain sight by Sophie. This book depicts a close relationship of a wheelchair bound grandfather and his sweet and considerate granddaughter who enjoys playing along. See this book listed in our catalog

Game Changer

by Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Cassie!

Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game by John Coy. In 1944 there was a secret basketball game played. Why was it a secret? Because in North Carolina, 19 years before Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, segregation was the norm. In fact this game, featuring white and black players, was illegal at the time. But courageous coach John McLendon and this group of players were willing to defy the law to break down prejudice and racism. This is a story of bravery and strength. It is a great introduction to a difficult portion of American history, told through the lens of basketball, the American-invented sport. See this book listed in our catalog