Confronting Racism: Books, Films and More Resources

Alexander highlights the undeniable similarities of our current justice system to the Jim Crow era. Armed with facts, Alexander argues mass incarceration has created a caste system within the United States; a system designed to treat poor people and people of color as second-class citizens.

What would you do if your big spring break trip got canceled and your suitcase was already packed? Maybe take an impromptu trip with Grandma! Scoob’s grandma has always been a little unusual, but this trip might be even stranger than usual. A whirlwind adventure about family and segregation history in the South starts here. This book blends secrets and family memories with learning about how American history has changed our lives today. Buckle up and don’t tell Dad- Grandma’s on a roll!

17-year-old twin brothers Tyler and Marvin are in their senior year, but when Tyler is shot and killed in an unprovoked altercation with a police officer, Marvin has to face the fallout alone. Balancing his grief-ridden mother, the social media explosion, and advocating to clear his brother’s name, Marvin’s life is upended by the events of that night. For readers who valued The Hate U Give, All American Boys, and Dear Martin.

A debut novel that is heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, this is the story of Echo Brown, a young wizard growing up in the East Side of Cleveland. As she grows in her powers, she opens new portals of opportunity for her life – transferring to a rich school on the West Side, being mentored by one of her teachers, and getting a new best friend. Echo straddles living in between these two worlds as she battles the dark veils of pain that flows in everyone around her.  This novel weaves together heavy topics of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism through a magical lens that leaves you breathless.

It’s telling when a classic written about racial inequality in American more than 50 years ago can still be prevalent. This short essay provides examples of what it was like to live as a Black man in the civil rights era, how to evolve our way of thinking less of someone, and what Americans need to do to achieve lasting change. It is a warning and it is about hope. If you have yet to read the amazing work of James Baldwin, this is a great book to start.

Told from the perspective of a black teen getting beaten by a white cop and a white teen witness to the beating, Rashad and Quinn bring to light the prejudice and racism present in even the smallest things a black person does. Both voices - excellently written - will keep readers riveted and will open the eyes of teens living a privileged life.