Black American Nonfiction
Enjoy these nonfiction titles by African American authors published within the last two years and selected by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Annotations from review sources, as cited. (January 2025)
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The Book of (more) Delights
In this follow-up to The Book of Delights, the esteemed poet catalogs more quiet pleasures and causes for gratitude. Keenly observed and delivered with deftness, these essays are a testament to the artfulness of attention and everyday joy. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Sharks Don't Sink
In this inspiring debut memoir, marine biologist Graham discusses her trials and triumphs as a Black woman in the sciences. Vivid prose ... and Graham’s palpable enthusiasm for her work make this sing. It's an impassioned tale of ambition and advocacy. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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The Grimkes
A multigenerational history of an American family that grappled with racism and reform. A sweeping, insightful, richly detailed family and American history. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Coming Home
In this raw and emotional memoir, WNBA star Brittney Griner shares her 2022 experience of being detained, arrested, and jailed in the Russian prison system. (Booklist)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Driving the Green Book
Podcaster Hall debuts with an illuminating history of the mid-20th-century guidebook that advised Black motorists where it was safe to sleep, eat, and refuel in cities and towns across the U.S. This historical travelogue inspires and educates. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Black AF History
Harriot ... offers a razor-sharp reassessment of American history. In a textbook format (including end-of-chapter quizzes and sidebars) meant to counter the “whitewashed” version of U.S. history often taught in schools, Harriot examines well-known events ... with a focus on the experiences and contributions of Indigenous and Black people. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Bell Hooks
This collection of seven interviews with prominent Black feminist, activist, and theorist bell hooks (1952-2021) ... reveals the evolution of hooks ’ thought from 1989 to 2017 as she reflected on important social and political issues of her time. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Blues in Stereo
National Book Award finalist Danez Smith joins as curator for this work, offering an introduction on Hughes's lyrical, evocative, and award-winning poetry and notes on the formation of his signature style and craft. Collected from libraries and little-known publications across the country, Blues in Stereo features some of Hughes's earliest undiscovered writings. (NoveList)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Madness
A thoroughgoing, often shocking exposé of segregation in the treatment (or nontreatment) of mental illness. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Quietly Hostile
Essayist Irby shows off her wit, empathy, and self-deprecating humor in this animated collection. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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