← Off the Shelf Library Blog

Library Blog

Off the Shelf: Celebrating Black History Month

Posted Feb. 13, 2024

By Melanie Tusick
Library Associate in the Warren Library’s Children’s Department

“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”

— Yvette Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman, 9th District of New York

When historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915, his vision was for the achievements of African American men and women to be taught and learned about as an integral part of the history of America. From George Washington Carver’s agricultural inventions to Mary Jackson’s human computations to Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, Black men and women have contributed to our nation’s successes. During Dr. Woodson’s time, though, Black history was often overlooked, ignored, and distorted. Initially celebrated as a weekly event in February (the month of Frederick Douglass’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays) it proved to be a popular way of acknowledging the history of African Americans and eventually became a monthly holiday.

While we officially celebrate Black history in the month of February, we can honor and support the contributions that Black men and women have made to American society and culture anytime of the year. Let’s start by checking out one of the following great reads by a Black author.

Adult Fiction
		*The Other Black Girl* by Zakiya Dalila Harris Nella is initially excited when Hazel joins the publishing company where Nella works as an editorial assistant. Soon, though, Nella begins receiving strange notes and starts to question her role in the company. This sly thriller confronts the dilemma Black women face when navigating White spaces.

		*Jackal* by Erin E. Adams This horror novel follows Liz as she returns home to attend her best friend’s wedding. While celebrating, her best friend’s daughter goes missing. As she helps search for her, she slowly realizes that a missing Black girl from her quiet hometown is not an uncommon occurrence.

		*Parable of the Sower* by Octavia E. Butler Written in 1993 and set in the years 2024-2027, this book tells the story of a United States plagued by climate change and social inequality.

		*The Reformatory* by Tananarive Due After defending his sister from the son of a powerful White man, 12-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr. is sent to a reform school for boys. Set in the Jim Crow south, The Reformatory melds historical fiction and supernatural horror to tell a tale of racism and the strength of sibling bonds.

Adult Nonfiction
		*Homage: Recipes and Stories from an Amish Soul Food Kitchen* by Chris Scott Chef Chris Scott brings us recipes blending the different cuisines he grew up with, including his enslaved ancestors to his great-grandfather, who migrated to Pennsylvania after the Emancipation Proclamation, to his own childhood in Amish country, and, ultimately, his successful restaurant career in Philadelphia and New York City.

		*Quietly Hostile: Essays* by Samantha Irby Comedian and writer Samantha Irby shares humorous musings about her life in this collection of essays.

Teen Fiction
		*Monster* by Walter Dean Myers; illustrations by Christopher Myers A teenager awaits trial for robbery and murder and reimagines his ordeal as a film script.

		*The Boy in the Black Suit* by Jason Reynolds This sensitive portrayal of grief follows Matt as he deals with the loss of his mother.

Teen Nonfiction
		*Call Us What We Carry: Poems* by Amanda Gorman A collection of inspiring poems by the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history.

Children’s Fiction
		*Big* by Vashti Harrison This beautifully illustrated Caldecott award winning picture book celebrates beauty no matter your size.

		*J.D. and the Great Barber Battle* by J. Dillard; illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts After his mom gives him a rather unfortunate haircut, J.D. takes matters into his own hands.

Children’s Nonfiction
		*The Undefeated* by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kadir Nelson This uplifting poem celebrates and champions Black life in the United States.