Teen New and Popular Non-Fiction
The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile by Neal Bascomb
Highly acclaimed author Neal Bascomb brings his peerless research and fast-paced narrative style to a young adult adaptation of one of his most successful adult books of all time, The Perfect Mile , an inspiring and moving story of three men racing to achieve the impossible — the perfect four-minute mile. There was a time when running the mile in four minutes was believed to be beyond the limits of human foot speed. In 1952, after suffering defeat at the Helsinki Olympics, three world-class runners each set out to break this barrier: Roger Bannister was a young English medical student who epitomized the ideal of the amateur; John Landy the privileged son of a genteel Australian family; and Wes Santee the swaggering American, a Kansas farm boy and natural athlete. Spanning three continents and defying the odds, these athletes’ collective quest captivated the world. Neal Bascomb’s bestselling adult account adapted for young readers delivers a breathtaking story of unlikely heroes and leaves us with a lasting portrait of the twilight years of the golden age of sport.
Bound for College Guidebook: a Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Applying to Colleges by Frank Burtnett
You are More than Magic: the Black and Brown Girls’ Guide to Finding Your Voice by Minda Harts
“Every parent of a Black or brown girl should buy this book, read it to their child, and pass it along to the other parents in their circle.”–Evette Dionne, National Book Award longlisted and Coretta Scott King honor-winning author of Lifting as We Climb Perfect for graduation gifts and other transitional milestones, this guide is for girls of color looking to find their voice and claim space as they prepare for high school, college, and their careers, from the bestselling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table. When you’re a girl of color, figuring out how to find your voice and make sure everyone around you can hear it is essential. CEO and bestselling author Minda Harts knows–she’s been there. And she’s ready to walk you through it all with her own stories of success and the missteps that helped her grow–from running for high school student council when she was barely tall enough to reach the podium, to starting her own company, The Memo LLC, that helps women of color advocate for themselves and their careers. Now she’s here to hype you up and be real with you about: * Building your squad: what to look for in a friend, finding mentors, and setting boundaries for healthy relationships * Saying what you mean without saying it mean: prepping yourself for self-advocacy, negotiations, and tough conversations * Leaning into courage: affirming yourself, dealing with no’s, and speaking up even when you feel like the “only one” With lots of practical advice and real-life anecdotes, as well as questions for reflection and further resources, this book is all about finding your own unique path to success–at school, at work, at home, and beyond. Success is far from magical, but you’ve already got the tools you need to figure out your next best moves. And your stand-in big sis Minda is here to help you every step of the way!
Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor by Marilyn Nelson; afterword by Tammi Lawson
A powerful biography in poems about a trailblazing artist and a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance–with an afterword by the curator of the Art & Artifacts Division of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Augusta Savage was arguably the most influential American artist of the 1930s. A gifted sculptor, Savage was commissioned to create a portrait bust of W.E.B. Du Bois for the New York Public Library. She flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, and became a teacher to an entire generation of African American artists, including Jacob Lawrence, and would go on to be nationally recognized as one of the featured artists at the 1939 World’s Fair. She was the first-ever recorded Black gallerist. After being denied an artists’ fellowship abroad on the basis of race, Augusta Savage worked to advance equal rights in the arts. And yet popular history has forgotten her name. Deftly written and brimming with photographs of Savage’s stunning sculpture, this is an important portrait of an exceptional artist who, despite the limitations she faced, was compelled to forge a life through art and creativity.
Cramm This Book: So You Know WTF is Going on in the World Today by Olivia Seltzer
From the founder of The Cramm, a news outlet by and for the incredible Gen Z activists who are already shaping our global future (really!), this book is a dive into the history that’s made the world what it is today. You can take a stand for justice. You can raise your voice to make a difference. You can find your way to make a mark and change the world. But first–you need to know what the actual F is going on in it. Today’s world can feel like a seriously confusing mess. Headlines and newscasters and posts are coming at us from all sides, each talking about the latest issues and injustices, and everyone with their own opinion on how to solve the problems of the day. It’s enough to make anyone’s mind melt. Right? Enter: Cramm This Book , your one-stop-shop for the scoop behind the scoop of the day. This is the read you need to understand everything from how the conflicts in the Middle East got going to where Black Lives Matter and Me Too actually began to what the full deal is with all of the wildfires and hurricanes we see each year. Important topics to read more about? We think so too. Dip in for more on the wars, the movements, the disasters, and more–and get to know WTF is really going on. Are you ready to take to the streets and take on the world? Then Cramm This Book and get going. The future is ours. What are you waiting for?
The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by Noelle Stevenson
From ND Stevenson, the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Nimona, comes a captivating, honest illustrated memoir that finds him turning an important corner in his creative journey–and inviting readers along for the ride. In a collection of essays and personal mini-comics that span eight years of his young adult life, author-illustrator ND Stevenson charts the highs and lows of being a creative human in the world. Whether it’s hearing the wrong name called at his art school graduation ceremony or becoming a National Book Award finalist for his debut graphic novel, Nimona, ND captures the little and big moments that make up a real life, with a wit, wisdom, and vulnerability that are all his own. Named one of Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year!
The Overground Railroad: the Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America by Candacy Taylor
A young reader’s edition of Candacy Taylor’s acclaimed book about the history of the Green Book , the guide for Black travelers Overground Railroad chronicles the history of the Green Book , which was published from 1936 to 1966 and was the “Black travel guide to America.” For years, it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the United States. Because of segregation, Black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or even get gas at most white-owned businesses. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, department stores, gas stations, recreational destinations, and other businesses that were safe for Black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book , and the stories from those who took a stand against racial segregation are recorded and celebrated. This young reader’s edition of Candacy Taylor’s critically acclaimed adult book Overground Railroad includes her own photographs of Green Book sites, as well as archival photographs and interviews with people who owned and used these facilities. The book also includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.