Task 17: Read an own voices YA book with a Black main character that isn’t about Black pain

[Gw]

I chose SMASH IT!!

[Jenna]

Do we think Children of Blood and Bone counts for this? It’s own voices YA but I’m not sure about whether or not to say it isn’t about black pain. I’m not very far into it yet.

[Jenny]

I've just started Legendborn. Obviously it's got elements of Black pain in it, because it's set in this world (albeit a version with magic) in the southern US, but it's not the main focus. Would that count?

[Meredith]

I've found a few historical fiction titles that look promising:

Flygirl (WWII female pilot)
Josephine and the Soldier (YA historical romance?!)
Fallen Angels (Vietnam War)

[Megs]

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles is perfect for this prompt!

[Elizabeth]

Tammy wrote: "Does anyone know of graphic novels for this task?"

The Goldie Vance series would be a good fit. I read the first one last year, and it was really fun.

[Leslie (updates on SG)]

Jenna wrote: "Do we think Children of Blood and Bone counts for this? It’s own voices YA but I’m not sure about whether or not to say it isn’t about black pain. I’m not very far into it yet."

I think Children of Blood and Bone would be appropriate for this prompt, mainly because of its fantasy setting. Another book I would highly recommend for this prompt is The Belles.

As for myself, I'm considering the classic Brown Girl, Brownstones, but am unsure whether it fits.

[Tammy]

Elizabeth wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Does anyone know of graphic novels for this task?"

Sally wrote: "Gina wrote: "Pride by Ibi Zoboi sounds like a good fit for this. I was sold when I s..."

Thanks, Elizabeth! It looks good. It raises an interesting question for me as to whether it's own voices or not, though. It looks like the writer is white and the illustrator is black. I would think the author is more what is meant for own voices but it might be up to however the reader wants to interpret the task, and maybe how much the writer and illustrator collaborated? Food for thought.

[Elizabeth]

Tammy wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Does anyone know of graphic novels for this task?"

Ah, no I completely forgot on that one - my bad! Have you read Bingo Love? I've read it and I think it's probably adult, but people have tagged it YA, and it's very sweet. Another option might be M.F.K.: Book One (sci-fi, post apocalypse). Looking for other recs for you, I'm realizing just how many I've read are not own voices...

[Summer]

Katie wrote: "Very excited to read The Sound of Stars for this prompt.
"

this is on my TBR for April- so I'll count this for this challenge, also. thanks!

[Tammy]

Elizabeth wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Does anyone know of graphic novels for this task?"

Ah, no I completely forgot on that one - my bad! Have you read Bingo Love? I've rea..."

Cool. I haven't read either of these. I was just curious- am not doing it for another challenge or anything. Graphic novels are something I've wanted to read more of thanks to the RHC!

[Allie]

Does anyone know if Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson would work?

[Ije the Devourer of Books]

I wasn't too sure about the definition of 'black pain' and what it actually means. I came across this

'Black Pain identifies emotional pain -- which uniquely and profoundly affects the Black experience -- as the root of lashing out through desperate acts of crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, workaholism, and addiction to shopping, gambling, and sex. Few realize these destructive acts are symptoms of our inner sorrow.'

Which is part of an article on the book Black Pain by Terrie M. Williams. https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...

[Briana]

Would The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon fit here?

I accidentally got it confused with The Sound of Stars, haha

& I devoured the whole thing in less than 2 days - wonderfully sweet and beautiful book, no regrets reading it either way haha, but just confirming if it counts for this task?

[Erika]

Briana wrote: "Would The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon fit here?

I accidentally got it confused with The Sound of Stars, haha

& I devoured the whole thing in less than 2 days - wonderfully sweet and beauti..."

Reading the summary, it sounds like it would absolutely fit! :D

[[deleted user]]

Does anyone think that A Song of Wraiths and Ruin wouldn't work for this?

[Summer]

I recommend The Field Guide to the North American Teenager. This book was unexpectedly funny- I say unexpected because I don't usually find myself enjoying high school settings anymore- but this book was hilarious and I hope some of you will pick it up!

[Julia]

Erin asked: Does Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky fit this prompt? Maybe more middle grade than YA?

I loved the two Tristan Strong books I read. There's grief, but there's also joy and adventures. Is it MG? Possibly, but it's also long. Yes, I think it fits this prompt.

It's not a graphic novel, but YA (superhero) novel Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds.

[Stina]

I read Slice of Cherry. Very dark and twisted but definitely not focused on Black pain.

[Gw]

What about Legend Born by Tracey Deonn for this challenge?

[Sandra]

Eujean2 wrote: "Elaina wrote: "
I'm wondering about Slay by Brittney Morris- looks really good!"

I am wondering the same thing. I am already planning to read Slay for anot..."

Thanks for suggesting Raybearer - I read it and really liked it. Fantasy, I'd recommend it if you like NK Jemisin's Inheritance trilogy. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel...

[Marissa]

Does anyone think Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide would fit this prompt?

[Georgiana]

I was thinking of reading one of these;
- Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
- I Hope You Get This Message
- Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know

Would one of them suit?

[Sarah]

I LOVED You Should See Me in a Crown! It was amazing! I definitely recommend!

[Sherri]

I read Instructions For Dancing by Nicola Yoon. 5 stars.

[Mandie]

I just finished Dear Haiti, Love Alaine for this prompt. Highly recommend!

[Katarina Rogers]

Would Children of Blood and Bone by Toni Adeyemi count for this?

[Blake]

Yes, i think Children of Blood and Bone would work.

[Katarina Rogers]

thanks!

[Heather]

I picked Elizabeth Acevedo's With the Fire on High for this and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Brittany]

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson

[Dani]

Wondering if anyone has read Blackout and can tell me if it might be a good fit?

[Julia]

I just finished White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson and it works for #17 Black pain, # 22 Midwest: Missouri, #23 Anxiety.