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2020-today English Fiction LGBTQI* Novel

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Summary:

In “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” Linus Baker lives a quiet, solitary life as a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth. His life changes when he’s given a highly classified assignment to travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage and determine if six dangerous children, including the Antichrist, could bring about the end of days. The island’s caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, is determined to keep his wards safe, and as Linus and Arthur grow closer, secrets are exposed, and Linus must choose between destroying a home or watching the world burn. This enchanting and masterfully told story is about the discovery of an unlikely family in an unexpected place.

Year of Release: 2020

Author(s): T.J. Klune

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ISBN: 9781529087949

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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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2020-today English Fiction Novel

Firekeeper’s Daughter

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Daunis Fontaine is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member who has never felt like she belongs in her hometown or on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When tragedy strikes her family, Daunis puts her dreams on hold to care for her mother and finds solace in meeting Jamie, a charming new recruit on her brother’s hockey team. But when she witnesses a shocking murder and agrees to go undercover, she realizes the deceptions and deaths are too close to home. Daunis must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect her community, even if it means upending her world.

Year of Release: 2021

Author(s): Angeline Boulley

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ISBN: 9783570166017

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2020-today English Fiction LGBTQI* Novel

Clap When You Land

Summary:

Camino Rios eagerly awaits her father’s annual summer visit to the Dominican Republic, but upon arriving at the airport to greet him, she’s met with a crowd of weeping people. Meanwhile, in New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office and receives the devastating news that her father has died in a plane crash. The two sisters, who were unaware of each other’s existence and already separated by their father’s secrets, must confront a new reality in which he’s gone and their lives are changed forever. Despite this, they eventually discover each other and find some solace in their shared loss.

Year of Release: 2020

Author(s): Elizabeth Acevedo

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ISBN: 9780062882769

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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 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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