Accessible Books for Black History Month Read-In 2022

We are encouraging our patrons to participate in the Black History Month Read-in by sharing the titles we have in our collection that match the reading list curated for this event.

Not all of the titles are available at our library, but you may visit the Black History Month Read-in page to find the information to obtain the remaining books.

For Adults

Seven Days in June, by Tia Williams

Talking Book DB103670

Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, award-winning literary author. Shane and Eva had a brief relationship in high school, and when they meet again unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora [A Cookbook], by Bryant Terry

Talking Book DB105987 (In Process) Braille BR024006 (In Process)

Collection of recipes, poetry, and essays from over one hundred people of African heritage from around the world. Topics are broken into the themes of Motherland; Migrations; Spirituality; Leisure and Lifestyle; Land, Liberation, and Food Justice; Black Women, Food, and Power; Black, Queer, Food; Radical Self-Care; and Black Future. Strong language. 2021.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, by Nikole Hannah-Jones

Talking Book DB105760

Expands on the award-winning New York Times Magazine journalism project. Reframes the understanding of American history, placing slavery and its lasting impact at the center of the national narrative. Includes essays, poems, and works of fiction that illuminate key moments of oppression, struggle, and resistance, exploring the legacy of slavery in present-day America. Read by a full cast. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

For Young Adults

Blackout, Multiple Authors

Talking Book DB104186

Six interconnected short stories of warmth and electricity of Black teen love in New York City during a summer blackout. Acclaimed, award-winning authors include Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

Picture Books

Dream Street by Tricia Elam

Talking Book DB105914

Cousins pay homage to the street they grew up on and the loving community that made their childhood special. For preschool-grade 2. 2021.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes

Talking Book DB100558

A young Black boy celebrates everything that makes him who he is. Commercial audiobook. For preschool-grade 2. 2020.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson

Talking Book DB105761

Stymied by her unfinished family tree assignment for school, a young girl seeks Grandma's counsel and learns about her ancestors, the consequences of slavery, and the history of Black resistance in the United States. Commercial audiobook. For grades 2-4. 2021.

The follow titles from the Black History Month Read-in are not available in our library. Please visit the Black History Month Read-in page to learn how to obtain them.

• For Adults
  • God of Mercy, by Okezie Nwoka
  • Something Good, by Vanessa Miller
• For Young Adults
  • Early Departures, by Justin A. Reynolds
  • Things We Couldn’t Say, by Jay Coles
  • Within These Wicked Walls, by Lauren Blackwood
  • Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People, by Kekla Magoon
• For Middle Grades
  • Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood by Kwame Mbalia
  • Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
  • J.D. and the Family Business (J.D. the Kid Barber) J. Dillard
  • Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
  • Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid by Mikalia Ulmer
• Picture Books
  • Better Together, Cinderella by Ashley Franklin
  • M IS for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose