In the wake of the murder of George Floyd followed by the massive protests nationwide, a fundamental divergence of knowledge and opinions were observed among people.

These events not only trigger the need for discussions and awareness but also pushed people to educate themselves about how and what leads to racial discrimination in the country. The need for discussion and enlightenment about these issues has become more important than ever before!

Educating yourself about the world’s history and the country has become indispensable in America, especially now, when the country is already facing rising issues of racism and police brutalities against people of color, every day. Just by digging through the history books, you can get to know why people are upset, why they are out on the streets and revolting.

It’s about time when you need to be fully aware, or if know any teen or tween, you must encourage them to know about black history and race in America.

There are a variety of young adult (YA) nonfiction and creative fiction pieces that beautifully handle topics like black history and racism.

If you are one of the blacks who is living in the dark but wish to break free from America’s relentless suppression, then here is a list of New York Times bestseller books on race and racism that will open up the mind of young and adults, together.

Read these books and believe in yourself that one day you will change the future.

“Ghost Boys” By Jewell Parker Rhodes

This inspiring novel is redolent of the real-life incident involving the murder of Tamir Rice, a 12-year old boy who was killed in Cleveland by a white police officer, he was mistaken of carrying a real gun that was actually a toy.

Rhodes’ novel narrates a story of a 12-year old boy, named Jerome, who was killed in a similar manner. This story raises awareness about other “ghost boys”, who are roaming in our society, attempting to stop the similar killings.

“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson

Author Jacqueline narrates the story of her own childhood growing up in the 1960s and 70s, amid the Civil Rights movement. “Brown Girl Dreaming” reflects on our history which has taken a new perspective, especially today during Black Lives Matter movement in the country.

“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

In this young Adult adapted edition of “Just Mercy”, author Stevenson narrates his inspiring story of establishing the Equal Justice Initiative, legal assistance for those who are wrongly convicted and in desperate need for representatives.

“Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You,” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Reynolds, a well-known young-adult writer, produced a reportrayed of Kendi’s 600-page bestseller for younger readers. From slavery to the “war on drugs”, this book reflects how racism has a significant role in the country’s policies.

 “You Should See Me In a Crown,” by Leah Johnson

Leah Johnson’s novel revolves around a story of a young and ambitious girl, Liz, who dreams to become a doctor but insufficient finances for college limits her options. Though, she is still hell-bent to make her dream come true by availing a scholarship that her college awards to the students who become Prom king and queen. 

Black in America: The Paradox of the Colorline

As the twentieth century begins, the black pre-eminent sociologist, DuBois recognized that the color line is a great problem in America. The book is a sociology of the experience of the Black American. It discusses that to be black in a country like America is to live amongst a range of contradictions: abject poverty between profound wealth, racial regression and progress, discriminatory policing along with equal protection under the law. 

In addition to these, Black in America: A Broadview Topics readers, Black Enough: Stories of being Young & Black in America, Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America are some of the other Amazon bestselling Books on Black history to get the broader view on the factors contributing to the rising issues of racism in the United States.