Art by Dare Coulter | A teacher struggles to tell the story of American slavery in a society reluctant to grapple with its past atrocities. Mixed media illustrations and potent text convey the story of a people's strength, struggle, and resilience.

A young girl transcends opinions of her to hold space for herself and own the person she is both inside and out. Powerful, full-page illustrations and striking use of color push the limits of the picture book form.

Art by Shamar Knight-Justice | Shane brings his community together after a broken speaker threatens to end his Jamaican American community's weekly dancehall parties. Told in colorful collage illustrations, this is an exuberant story filled with joy that highlights one of NYC's most dynamic enclaves.

Art by Frank Morrison | Manolo, a shy Puerto Rican boy, discovers confidence that he never knew existed when he joins a break dancing team in the Boogie Down Bronx. Bold illustrations highlight the energetic dance moves of him and his crew in this historical fiction tale about the birth of hip-hop.

This empowering collection of short stories written by authors of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds shares the joy, gravity, and humor of menstruation from an array of perspectives.

Art by Kitt Thomas | A young Black child draws strength from their beloved superhero cape after the death of a loved one. Evocative and immersive illustrations and gentle text convey the experience of grief from a child's perspective.

Art by Cozbi A. Cabrera | Meet Chef Edna Lewis, who introduced the flavors and traditions of southern cooking to New York City and the broader world. Lushly textured illustrations and evocative text tell the story of Edna's delicious success.

Twelve-year-old military kid Charlie Harper is no stranger to being the new kid. Middle school means a fresh start, and she is convinced this is her chance to be cool. However, Charlie feels like fitting in might mean pretending to be someone she isn't.

Art by Alea Marley | When Frankie's mom leaves to cover a breaking news story, Frankie copes by creating her own news show with the help of some imaginary pals and a furry friend. Can this news crew discover the source of the mysterious crying?

Twelve-year-old Trev just wants to protect his family. When he learns his violent stepfather is scheduled to be released from jail, Trev feels torn between using his hands to fight or to make art. Compelling prose and complex characters create a story that hits hard.

Art by Shannon Wright | Explore the life and legacy of Black cartoonist Jackie Ormes through joyful illustrations that reflect her evolving art style. This story draws attention to an oft-overlooked artist whose significant accomplishments broke down barriers of her time.

Art by Oge Mora | A glimpse into the daily life of a young Black boy as he recognizes his place within his family and community and affirms: "I come from / somewhere."

Ever wonder how those sneakers got on the power line? In this exuberant, energetic, and neon-hued story, a group of city kids develop skills beyond their wildest dreams as they search for an answer that "only the birds know."

Imaginative brothers Lincoln and Hudson Dupré may have met their match when their parents hire a new, no-nonsense babysitter. Will Ms. Joyce put the boys in their place, or will Link and Hud retire yet another sitter?

It's summer in "The Matchbox" Bushwick, and seventh-grader Sage just wants to play basketball. But outside the game, there's a world of changing friendships, sudden deaths, and homes lost and found. A gritty but lyrical look at what "once was" in 1970s Brooklyn.

Art by R. Gregory Christie | Sister Rosetta Tharpe rock and rolled her way to stardom from a young age and became a major genre-crossing musical influence. Tharpe's story is illustrated in blocky colors as bold as her playing.

Art by Nikkolas Smith | Keira and Bianca are best friends, but only at school. At home, Bianca's family flies a Confederate flag, and their differing perspectives on the flag's meaning cause conflict. When a tragedy occurs in their community, they must grapple with the flag's impact and racist history.

Art by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey | There's a party at the Schomburg Center and everyone's invited! Through a cast of famous luminaries of the 20th century, this beautiful and moving celebration of the life and work of Langston Hughes is told through handmade stamped illustrations and poetic text.

Art by E.B. Lewis | A young girl and her neighbors walk together to participate in an important act of democracy: voting! Photorealistic illustrations modeled after a real-life town highlight how the difficult journey to the polls can be made easier through the power of community.

Art by London Ladd | A racially charged insult is reclaimed for Black pride and power through bold mixed-media collage and affirming text.