Black History Month celebrates more than history; it honors the real stories being told right now. We have books at DKPL by Black authors that tell authentic and relatable stories of Black teenagers. The teens in these books are not side characters or lessons. Black teens are centered in an unfiltered way without stereotyping. They’re fully developed characters facing pressure, making mistakes, growing and finding success. They deal with influence, grief, loyalty, masculinity, pressure, and fear. These stories don’t clean things up to make adults comfortable. They tell the truth about growing up Black, complicated, challenging, and full of strength.
Here’s a look at four powerful reads that showcase Black teens navigating young adulthood, loyalty, love, and survival.
The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson Jordyn Monroe heads to a prestigious HBCU in Washington, D.C. ready to build her future without her parents hovering. At first, college life is everything she expected. Then her roommate’s older brother, fresh out of prison, starts staying in their dorm. Devonte is smart, smooth, and quickly gains influence on campus. Still something about him feels off. When a student goes missing, Jordyn realizes she may be surrounded by manipulation and lies. To uncover the truth, she must question everyone, including herself. This story is raw about power, influence, and how easily young people can get pulled into something bigger than they planned.
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas Seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter is trying to survive street life while supporting his family. Then he finds out he’s going to be a father. Suddenly, it’s not just about him anymore. He’s balancing gang ties, money problems, loyalty, and diapers. Going straight sounds good, but walking away from the only life he knows isn’t simple. Maverick isn’t perfect. He’s scared, proud, and trying to step up. It’s a portrayal of a Black teen boy forced to grow up fast, making hard choices with real consequences.
Through Our Teeth by Pamela N. Harris Hope Jackson is dead. The town says it was suicide. Her friends don’t buy it. Liv, Kizzie, and Sherie start digging, convinced Hope’s boyfriend had something to do with it. But as they push for justice, secrets start surfacing. Everyone had something to hide, including them. This story cuts straight to grief, loyalty, and how messy truth can be. It shows how teens deal with loss while trying to protect themselves and each other.
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds Neon is in love. He’s also nervous. The story builds toward one big moment in his relationship with his girlfriend, Aria. The narrative jumps in time focusing on different parts of Aria and Neon’s relationships and lives from “Twenty-four weeks from Now” down to the titular “Twenty-four Seconds from Now.” Instead of focusing on hype, the book focuses on what’s happening in his head: advice from his parents, insecurity, pressure, and fear of messing up. It captures the thought process of teenage boys. There’s a focus on intimacy, respect, vulnerability, and trying to do the right thing. It’s awkward. It’s funny. It’s honest.
You can find these and other books by Black authors in the Teen Fiction section in the Teen Lounge and the Graphic Novels section just outside the Teen Room. You can use your free DKPL library card to check out physical copies of these and other books at DKPL. Many books can also be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer as e-books or audiobooks. Stop by the Teen Room with any questions or contact the Teen Services Staff at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450 or by email at [email protected].