A brilliant tribute to the evolution of African American Young Adult Literature with practical resources! An essential read for every culturally relevant educator!

Shimikqua Ellis, graduate instructor, University of Mississippi

Bickmore and Clark’s offer a comprehensive and pragmatic guide for teachers who want to make their classroom libraries and their classroom ELA instruction more inclusive. Specifically, this edited volume engages the teaching of African American young adult literature in our classrooms in ways that celebrate difference and that challenge students to consider how race has shaped American society! I can think of no better contemporary text for teachers that introduces the world of African American young adult literature.

Ernest Morrell, Coyle professor, Department of English, University of Notre Dame

Bickmore and Clark have assembled chapters that focus on the purpose and longevity of the Coretta Scott King Award which makes books like the ones discussed visible; examine important themes in AAYA; discussing how Hamilton, Myers, Lester, and Taylor produced work that “liberated” readers.

KaaVonia Hinton, Old Dominion University, co-editor, Racial Dimensions of Life Writing

Bickmore and Clark celebrate African American writers who trail blazed a literary path for adolescent readers. Their instructional activities for individuals, groups, and whole-class instruction, invite teachers and scholars to be critical readers. With 23 years of classroom teaching and as a National Writing Project director, I can’t wait to promote the authors in this book in my University classes, our summer institute, and with professional development workshops in K-12 schools. We need more resources like this!

Dr. Bryan Ripley Crandall, Associate Professor; Director of the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University