Category: 2010-2019

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2010-2019 English Fiction Novel

Amal Unbound

Summary:

Amal dreams of becoming a teacher, but as the eldest daughter, she must stay home to care for her siblings. After an accident involving the corrupt landlord’s son, Amal is forced to work as a servant to pay off her family’s debt. Life at the Khan estate is difficult, especially with an enemy and growing awareness of the family’s wrongdoing. Amal must find allies to change the status quo and achieve her dreams.

Year of Release: 2018

Author(s): Aisha Saeed

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ISBN: 9780399544682

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2010-2019 English Fiction Novel

Such a Fun Age

Summary:

Such a Fun Age is a debut novel that explores issues of race and privilege through the story of a young black babysitter and her employer. Alix Chamberlain, a confident woman who has built a brand around empowering women, is shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is accused of kidnapping while shopping with Alix’s toddler. Alix sets out to make things right, but Emira is skeptical of her intentions. When a video of the incident surfaces, it sets off a chain of events that will challenge their understanding of themselves and each other. The novel offers social commentary on transactional relationships, family, and the complexities of adulthood.

Year of Release: 2019

Author(s): Kiley Reid

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ISBN: 9781526612168

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2010-2019 English Fiction Novel

Americanah

Summary:

Ifemelu and Obinze leave Nigeria as young lovers to start new lives in the West. Ifemelu goes to America and confronts being black for the first time despite her academic achievements. Obinze ends up in London, living an undocumented life after being unable to join her in post-9/11 America. After fifteen years, they meet again in a democratic Nigeria, rekindling their love and passion for each other and their country.

Year of Release: 2013

Author(s): Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie , Jashar Awan (Illustrator)

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ISBN: 9780007356348

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2010-2019 English Fiction Novel

Homegoing

Summary:

Effia and Esi are half-sisters born in different Ghanaian villages. Effia marries an Englishman and lives in comfort, while Esi is imprisoned and sold into slavery in America. Homegoing follows the descendants of both sisters through centuries of warfare, colonization, and slavery. The novel captures the visceral impact of captivity on the soul of a nation, from the plantations of the South to present-day America.

Year of Release: 2016

Author(s): Yaa Gyasi

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ISBN: 9780241975237

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2010-2019 English Non-fiction Novel

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

Summary:

Trevor Noah’s incredible journey from apartheid-era South Africa to hosting The Daily Show began with his very birth, which was a criminal offense due to his mixed-race heritage. Growing up, Trevor and his mother faced extreme measures to avoid being caught by the government and separated from each other. Born a Crime is the memoir of Trevor’s mischievous youth and his struggles to find his place in a society that didn’t accept him. It’s also a tribute to his fiercely religious and fearless mother, who was determined to save him from a life of violence and abuse.

Year of Release: 2016

Author(s): Trevor Noah

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ISBN: 9781473635302

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2010-2019 English Non-fiction Poetry

Brown Girl Dreaming

Summary:

In her poignant poems, Jacqueline Woodson shares her experience of growing up as an African American during the 1960s and 1970s in both South Carolina and New York. Despite feeling like she was only halfway at home in each place, Woodson’s emotionally charged writing vividly portrays the impact of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement on her life. Despite struggling with reading as a child, Woodson found solace in writing stories and discovered her passion for storytelling, which ultimately led her to become a gifted writer.

Year of Release: 2014

Author(s): Jacqueline Woodson

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ISBN: 9780399252518

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2010-2019 English Non-fiction

Between the World and Me

Summary:

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” offers a powerful new framework for understanding America’s history and current crisis by exploring what it means to inhabit a black body in a nation built on the falsehood of “race”. Written as a letter to his son, Coates shares his personal awakening to this truth through experiences from his life, weaving together personal narrative, reimagined history, and emotionally charged reportage to offer a clear and transcendent vision for moving forward.

Year of Release: 2015

Author(s): Ta-Nehisi Coates

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ISBN: 9781925240702

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2010-2019 English Fiction

Dear Martin

Summary:

Justyce McAllister is a high-achieving student with plans to attend an Ivy League school, but none of it matters as he is put into handcuffs by a police officer. Although he has moved away from his rough neighborhood, he still faces criticism from former peers and new classmates. Seeking guidance from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings, Justyce begins writing a journal addressed to him to seek answers. One day, while driving with his friend Manny, they draw the ire of an off-duty white cop, leading to an argument and gunshots being fired, putting Justyce and Manny in danger. As a result, Justyce becomes the target of criticism in the media.

Year of Release: 2017

Author(s): Nic Stone

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ISBN: 978-1101939529

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2010-2019 English Fiction Novel

Wonder

Summary:

Auggie Pullman was born with a severe facial abnormality that has prevented him from attending a regular school. However, in 5th grade, he finally starts attending Beecher Prep, hoping to be treated like any other child. Unfortunately, his new classmates are unable to look beyond his extraordinary face, leaving Auggie feeling ostracized. The story is initially told from Auggie’s perspective but later includes the viewpoints of his classmates, sister, her boyfriend, and others. These various perspectives come together to depict a community grappling with differences and encourage readers of all ages to contemplate the true meaning of empathy, acceptance, friendship, and kindness. Auggie is a timeless hero who demonstrates that standing out is inevitable when you were born to be unique.

Year of Release: 2012

Author(s): R.J. Palacio

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ISBN: 9780375869020

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2010-2019 English Fiction LGBTQI* Novel

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Summary:

Simon Spier, a 16-year-old who hasn’t fully disclosed his homosexuality, would rather keep his personal issues separate from his involvement in the school musical. However, his hidden identity is now in danger of being exposed after an email containing confidential information is discovered by the wrong person. Simon is presently facing blackmail and must act as wingman for class clown Martin, or else his sexual orientation will become public knowledge. Even more concerning is the fact that the privacy of the boy he has been communicating with under the alias Blue is also at risk of being compromised.

Year of Release: 2015

Author(s): Becky Albertalli

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ISBN: 9780062348678

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