African American Afrocentric Cultural books all children should read before entering High School

The book selections below are comprised of the Great Illustrated Classics which introduce students to titles such as Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, Moby Dick, The Cay and Modern Classics such as 1793 Fever, The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 and The Skin I'm in by Sharon Flake. These selections introduce complex narratives which challenge the reader to process how a misguided transcends their prejudices and come to appreciate the difference between ethnic and social groups. In addition the the authors of these books compel the reader to examine right and wrong in a subtle and deft manner, which allows the reader to examine the power of forgiveness while demonstrating the ability to change despite the influence of social prejudices.

We endeavor to effectuate a course of positive change from one generation to the next generation in lives of young children and young adults via engaging in and facilitating uplifting community service projects and activities. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte seeking to encourage families within his country to develop the next generation of scientists, forward thinkers, medics, and educators when he rightfully declared, "show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world." ~ He made this poignant proclamation seeking to encourage those of the lower classes to improve their stature in society and move his nation forward in a world which was rapidly expanding industrially. Our aim is to develop self-esteem and promote cultural awareness via a diverse reading list. We believe that education is the perfect vehicle to improve one's stature in society and that reading is the fundamental tool for a strong educational foundation.

Unlike most African American Booklist, our book recommendations are not limited to just Black authors, but include titles such as Fever 1796 which depicts a pre-adolescent protagonist whom comes to appreciate and value African Americans through her interactions with them as Yellow Fever radishes colonial Philadelphia. It also includes books like The Secret Lives of Bees, in which a young white outcaste helps a wrongly incarcerate black woman break free of the of the oppressive bonds of a prejudice southern town. In addition books such as to Kill a Mockingbird, No Shame No Fear, The Alchemist and others, which demonstrate how leading characters overcome adversity through wit, self-discovery and courage. Notwithstanding the bulk of the Booklist is overwhelmingly written by Black authors, but are not merely meant for Black readers. Each book selected will impart some aspect of the black experience and resiliency to audiences of other nationalities and ethnic groups. We hope you will purchase a book for children in need, whom abode in North Philadelphia; which is predominantly African American. We also strongly encourage you to purchase a book for yourself or a family member. Please note that each purchase enriches the lives of children, keeps the selection in print and supports an author whom seeks to enrich our community and nation at large. ~ Enjoy

Children, Preteen, & Adolescent

Aurthor

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. ~ Building a Better Tomorrow ~ One Young Man at a Time

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