A Litany for Survival By Audre Lorde (Grades 10+)

Audre Lorde is an African American writer, professor, philosopher, intersectional feminist, poet and civil rights activist. She describes herself as "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet." With the effective use of anaphora and parallelism, "A Litany for Survival" depicts those who live and struggle on the edge of society. These individuals constantly live under fear and opression. However, the speaker suggests that silence perpetuates the cycle of oppression. Thus, it is important to speak up even one was "never meant to survive," just like how Lorde did in this poem.

Incident By Countee Cullen (Grades 7-9)

***TRIGGER WARNING - RACIALLY SENSITIVE LANGUAGE***

Words matter. What they are, how they are said, and what they mean, matters. In this poem, Countee Cullen uses a harsh and racist word, highlighting it's intent in order to give context to the impact of that single word. This poem is powerful example of the ability of poetry to share experience and encourge reflection.

Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion By K. Tempest Bradford (Grades 4-6)

In this fun, fast-paced chapter book, Ruby Finley is scientifically-minded kid who finds a strange, unidentifiable bug in her neighbourhood. When it escapes before she can show the world, strange things start happening, and it's up to Ruby and her friends to figure out why. K. Tempest Bradford is an African-American writer of of science fiction and fantasy, and Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion is her first middle-grade novel. It won the Andre Norton award in 2023.

Because You Are By Jael Richardson (Grades 1-3)

Jael Richardson is a Canadian writer and advocate for diverse voices, particularly Black Canadian experiences. Her children's picture book Because You Are celebrates the unique qualities of young children, with a focus on affirming messages for Black children. The book, illustrated by Michaela Goade, an Indigenous artist, combines vibrant artwork and themes of love, self-acceptance, and identity, creating an empowering experience for young readers.

Until We Break By Matthew Dawkins (Grades 10+)

Born and raised in Jamaica, Matthew Dawkins's work explores subject matters including adolescence, race, and mental health. In Until We Break, Naomi Morgan is the only Black student at her ballet academy, and knows she has to sacrifice her feelings of isolation to win the most prestigious dance competition. But when Naomi’s instructor assigns her a challenging dance, her doubts as well as an injury start to deteriorate her mental health. However, one night, she meets Saint, who spends his nights creating beautiful messages of social change.Together, she and Saint will shine and everything will be different in the best possible way.

Frederick Douglass By Robert Hayden (Grades 7-9)

Robert Hayden’s poem "Frederick Douglass" is a tribute to the abolitionist and statesman, and envisions a future where freedom is fully realized, not just in words but in the lived experiences of people. Hayden describes Douglass’s struggle and sacrifice, portraying him as a symbol of justice and resilience whose true remembrance lies not in statues or memorials but in a society that upholds the ideals he fought for.

Poetry for Young People By Langston Hughes (Grades 4-6)

James Mercer Langston Hughes, an acomplished poet, novelist, fictional writer, and playwright, was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes is most well known for his role of artistic contributions in the Harlem Renaissance. However what serperates Hughes from the rest of other black poets at the time is he is known to mix between his personal experieces and his common experiences as a black American in the 1920s. Hughes was able to capture and reflect the soul of his people and put it into a book with wonderful poetry, as well as illustrations from the brilliant Benny Andrews. In this work he is able to simplify his big ideas to the point where youth can absorb the messages he wishes to convey. This book contains many poems highlighting the highs and lows of black childhood and is a wonderful read for young readers.

My Soca Birthday Party: With Jollof Rice and Steel Pans By Yolanda T. Marshall (Grades 1-3)

Yolanda T. Marshall is a multi-award winning Canadian author and storywriter, renowned for her diverse, inclusive, and festive childrens literature. In this book she writes of a birthday party organized by Anne's friends depicting the music and foods from Caribbean and African countries. It really highlights how similar but diverse both Caribbean and African culture can be and explores it aptly through the illustrations in the book.

The Fifth Season By N.K Jemisin (Grade 10+)

The Fifth Season is the first entry in N.K. Jemisin's stellar Broken Earth trilogy, followed by The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky. All three of the novels won the Hugo award for best novel, a first in the history of the award, and were heralded by critics and fans alike for complex and exciting storytelling. Jemisin herself grew up in NYC and Alabama, and worked as a psychologist before becoming well known enough as a writer to make the latter her full-time job. She has been heralded as one of the great voices in modern science fiction, and was inlcluded in 2021 on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. LINK TO EXCERPT

Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood By James Baldwin (Grades 7-9)

James Baldwin, one of America's most important writers, is known for his powerful books about race and identity. In his only children’s book, Little Man, Little Man, Baldwin tells the story of four-year-old TJ, who lives in Harlem. Through TJ’s fun adventures with his friends and his growing understanding of the world, Baldwin shows the joys and challenges of Black childhood. The book celebrates friendship, family, and community, with Baldwin’s warm and thoughtful writing making it a timeless story for readers of all ages.

The Crossover By by Kwame Alexander (Grade 4-6)

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a heartfelt story with a handful of twists and turns, jumps and duck - all puns intended. It is a coming of age story in a unique setting of poetry. The stand alone poems are refresihng and the overall story is a slice of life from the basketball court.
One of the poems - Questions

Hair Love By Matthew A. Cherry (Grades 1-3)

Matthew A. Cherry is an African-American film director, writer, producer, and former American football player. He is best known for his award-winning animated short film and book Hair Love. Hair Love shows the relationship between an African-American father and daughter. Zuri's father has to step in for her mother to do her hair for a special ocassion and it turns out to be more difficult than expected.

Persepolis By Marjane Satrapi (Grades 10+)

Marjane Satrapi is graphic novelist, cartoonist, illustrator, film director, and children's book author. Her authobiographical graphic novel series Persepolis depicts her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution as well as her journey to Austria in her early adult years. Prominent themes in the series include religion, truth, violence, and justice.

won’t you celebrate with me By Lucille Clifton (Grades 7-9)

Clifton's poem is a testament to resilience, self-love and the unyeilding power of the human spirit. Recognizing the challenges of living in a word marked by systemic oppresion and inequality, Clifton emphasizes her determination to shape her own identity in the face of obstacles. She inspires us all to celebrate our existence and circumstances.

The Kodiaks By David A. Robertson (Grades 4-6)

David A. Robertson is an esteemed author of picture books and novels. A member of the Norway House Cree Nation, he resides in Winnipeg and is a two-time Governor General Literature Award winner. His book The Kodiaks, follows Alex Robinson, a talented hockey player from the Norway House Cree Nation who moves to Winnipeg when his Dad changes jobs. His skill and perseverence make him a star player, but he still is forced to navigate the racism and criticism he receives as an Indigenous kid on the team. A tear-jerker packed with action, this is a great novel for grades 4-6.

The Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson (Grades 1-3)

Jacqueline Woodson is an African-American writer of books for children and adolescents. She is an award winning author of many "issue-related" books such as Brown Girl Dreaming. The Day You Begin is about how starting at a new school can be difficult but everyone is different. This book teaches children that sometimes sharing your story with others can help you overcome fear.

You Are Who I Love By Aracelis Girmay (Grades 10+)

In this poem, Girmay uplifts the quiet, often unseen contributions people make to the world, whether through labor, nurturing, or simply existing in their full humanity. The poem acts as a declaration of love for people in all their diversity and complexity, reminding us of the importance of compassion, solidarity, and recognition.

Binti By Nnedi Okorafor (Grades 7-9)

Born in Cincinnati to Nigerian-born parents, Nnedi Okorafor grew up between in Chicago with extended trips to Nigeria throughout her youth. She writes what she calls Africanfuturism, and she has atrracted much attention for her mindbending, and highly literary novels. Her best know is Binti, about an young Namibian woman of the Himba, who becomes the first of her people to attend an intergalactic university called Oomza Uni. It is a thrilling and engaging story of new beginnings and bravery in the face of the unknown.

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone By Tae Keller (Grades 4-6)

Jennifer Chan is Not Alone is a story about bullying from an unexpected narrator. Tea Keller tells a gripping story of friendship, belonging and not so casual bullying. It is so easy to point fingers and feel justified when we feel hurt, but what happens when we are the ones doing the hurting. Jennifer Chan is a story that makes you think about what makes us who we are.

The author's note is a reflection on her experience talking with her bullies half a lifetime after she was the one bullied. It is a thought provoking read that will leave you pondering the nature of violence and possibility of redemption

Lion and Mouse By Jairo Buitrago, Translated by Elisa Amado (Grades 1-3)

Lion and Mouse is a modern take on the famous fable of the lion and the mouse. Author Jario Buitrago spins the story into a humourous tale of what can happen in relationships when you choose to look past differences, not underestimate people, and appreciate what the other person has to offer. In this case, it is the beginning of a new friendship.

Jairo Buitrago was born in Bogota, Colombia, and currently lives in Mexico City. He has had many of his picture books translated into other languages, and collaborated on 6 (Including Lion and Mouse) with illustrator Rafael Yockteng for Groundwood Books.