Author: Gloria Edim (compiled by)
Publisher & Date: Ballantine Books, 30 Oct 2018
Page Count: 272 pages
ISBN: 978-0525619772
Age/Reading Level: 14-18/Grades 9-12
Representation: Black, female
Other Information: A collection of essays from notable Black female writers
Book Information
An inspiring collection of essays by black women writers, curated by the founder of the popular book club Well-Read Black Girl, on the importance of recognizing ourselves in literature. Whether it’s learning about the complexities of femalehood from Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison, finding a new type of love in The Color Purple, or using mythology to craft an alternative black future, the subjects of each essay remind us why we turn to books in times of both struggle and relaxation. As she has done with her book club–turned–online community Well-Read Black Girl, in this anthology Glory Edim has created a space in which black women’s writing and knowledge and life experiences are lifted up, to be shared with all readers who value the power of a story to help us understand the world and ourselves.
Essay Contributors: Jesmyn Ward, Veronica Chambers, Tayari Jones, Barbara Smith, Rebecca Walker, Marita Golden, Renée Watson, Gabourey Sidibe, Dhonielle Clayton, Stephanie Powell Watts, Nicole Dennis-Benn, N.K. Jemisin, Morgan Jerkins, Zinzi Clemmons, Lynn Nottage, Bsrat Mezghebe, Mahogany L. Browne, Jamia Wilson, Carla Bruce-Eddings, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kaitlyn Greenidge
Challenges & Bans
This title has been challenged over the discussions of race, gender identity, and critiques of American history.
Specific Challenges*:
Awards & Accolades
NAACP Image Award nominee
