Best Teen Nonfiction of 2021

The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

by Colbert, Brandy

Book - 2021

Starting with the history of discrimination against Black and Indigenous people in Oklahoma, Colbert tells the horrifying tale of what happened in Tulsa’s...Show more Starting with the history of discrimination against Black and Indigenous people in Oklahoma, Colbert tells the horrifying tale of what happened in Tulsa’s prosperous Greenwood District in May 1921. Known as Black Wall Street, the entire neighborhood was destroyed as white looters burned down houses and murdered innocent residents in a nightmarish incident that is still not commonly taught in schools. Show less

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Disability Visibility

17 First-person Stories for Today : Adapted for Young Adults

Book - 2021

This important anthology includes 17 brief stories by people with a range of disabilities, races and genders told in their own voices. A much-needed antid...Show more This important anthology includes 17 brief stories by people with a range of disabilities, races and genders told in their own voices. A much-needed antidote for the well-meaning books that aim to be inspirational but always end up being sort of insulting, this collection simply shows “disabled people simply being in our own words, by our own accounts." Show less

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask

Young Readers Edition

by Treuer, Anton

Book - 2021

This must-read book is packed with fascinating facts about Native American history and culture that isn’t taught in schools. Whether you want to know why ...Show more This must-read book is packed with fascinating facts about Native American history and culture that isn’t taught in schools. Whether you want to know why Native American sports mascots are offensive or why tobacco is used in tribal ceremonies, Treuer answers all of your questions in a Q&A format that makes it easy to flip to what most interests you. Show less

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Feminist AF

A Guide to Crushing Girlhood

by Cooper, Brittney C.

Paperback - 2020

Written by a group of women of the hip hop generation who call themselves the Crunk Feminist Collective, this book aimed at Black teens and other teens of...Show more Written by a group of women of the hip hop generation who call themselves the Crunk Feminist Collective, this book aimed at Black teens and other teens of color covers all the ways that the intersection of racism and sexism affect teens’ lives. Fair warning, they use strong language to describe ways to dismantle the patriarchy, but this book is full of practical information about relationships, sex and body positivity that is explained in a far more entertaining style than most nonfiction books. Show less

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From A Whisper to A Rallying Cry

The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial That Galvanized the Asian American Movement

by Yoo, Paula

Book - 2021

In this heartbreaking true story, Yoo details the brutal 1982 murder of 27-year-old Chinese-American Vincent Chin in Detroit. The controversial trial, whi...Show more In this heartbreaking true story, Yoo details the brutal 1982 murder of 27-year-old Chinese-American Vincent Chin in Detroit. The controversial trial, which resulted in Vincent’s killers only getting three years’ probation, inspired the American Citizens for Justice movement for Asian American rights. This is a must-read for budding social justice activists. Show less

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Let's Talk About It

The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being A Human

by Moen, Erika

Paperback - 2021

Told through casual conversations between teens that are supplemented with checklists and diagrams full of added information, this nonfiction comic covers...Show more Told through casual conversations between teens that are supplemented with checklists and diagrams full of added information, this nonfiction comic covers all the sex education topics. Using short chapters on each topic that don’t feel overwhelming, this fun colorful book emphasizes consent, good communication and respect for partners in any kind of relationship. Show less

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Notes From A Young Black Chef

Adapted for Young Adults

by Onwuachi, Kwame

Book - 2021

Growing up in the Bronx, the author helped his mom with her catering business, cooking food influenced by their Louisiana roots. Despite the racism he fac...Show more Growing up in the Bronx, the author helped his mom with her catering business, cooking food influenced by their Louisiana roots. Despite the racism he faced along the way, he went to the Culinary Institute of America, opened his own catering business, competed on Top Chef and opened his own restaurant in Washington D.C. Prepare to be inspired by this delicious memoir. Show less

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The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

Young Readers Edition

by Theoharis, Jeanne

Paperback - 2020

In this biography, readers are given the opportunity to explore Rosa Parks’ life, which spans six decades of activism and tireless work in the civil right...Show more In this biography, readers are given the opportunity to explore Rosa Parks’ life, which spans six decades of activism and tireless work in the civil rights movement. There is much more to her story than that historic day on the bus in 1955. Rosa acted as a key player in helping to expose and eradicate the American racial-caste system. Show less

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When Dogs Heal

Powerful Stories of People Living With HIV and the Dogs That Saved Them

by Freidin, Jesse

Paperback - 2021

Written by a doctor who works with HIV positive teens at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, When Dogs Heal tells moving stories of how dogs have provid...Show more Written by a doctor who works with HIV positive teens at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, When Dogs Heal tells moving stories of how dogs have provided comfort and unconditional love to HIV patients during the darkest times of their lives. Featuring gorgeous color photos of the patients and their adorable pups, these stories of heartbreak and hope will inspire empathy in anyone who reads them. Show less

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Best Teen Nonfiction of 2021

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