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What We’re Reading: Black History

February 21, 2021 by Lynn Taylor

“What We’re Reading” is a column about readers and the books they love, in their own words. This month, we asked two librarians and two booksellers to share their recommendations for a book to read during Black History Month and beyond.


Lorielle J. Hollaway, Owner and Book Pusher at Cultured Books

A woman reading a book called "The ABCs of Black History" to a young girl in a rocking chair
Lorielle J. Hollaway and her daughter, Joyce, settle in with a good book. Photo courtesy of Lorielle Hollaway.

Book: “The ABC’s of Black History” by Rio Cortez, Illustrated by Lauren Semmer

“It’s a beautiful book that introduces readers to Black history in the U.S. and around the world. Every letter represents a piece of history, and in the back of the book there’s added information.”


Cailey Klasson, Youth Services Librarian at Gulfport Public Library

A woman holding up a book in front of a library display that reads "Young, Black & Gifted."
Cailey Klasson created the display in the children’s area at the Gulfport Library that highlights the achievements of Black kids and teens from the present and the past. The board features young civil and environmental activists, entrepreneurs, actors, philanthropists and best-selling authors. Photo by Lynn Taylor.

Book: “Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora 

“It’s a favorite of mine to read during storytime because it celebrates community, gratitude and inclusivity. Its beautiful illustrations made it a Caldecott Honor book and it won the Coretta Scott King Book Award.” 


Sheri Stanley, Circulation Manager at Gulfport Public Library

A woman holding up a book in front of a library book display for Black History Month.
Sheri Stanley displays some recommended reads for Black History Month in the adult selection of the Gulfport Public Library. Photo by Lynn Taylor.

Book: “Binti” by Dr. Nnedi Okorafor 

“Okorafor is one of the best new voices in Science Fiction/African futurism. The book is the tale of a young African woman who runs away from home to study at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. On the way, her student transport is attacked, and she must do her best to arrive safely, remaining true to herself and to her people’s customs. She’ll return to her family (in subsequent book “Binti: Home”) a changed person: literally. 

“Dr. Okorafor writes about young women navigating worlds that may be hostile or dangerous, undergoing changes that are dramatic and painful, but whose strength and perseverance make them a beacon of hope in an uncertain place.” 


Amanda Hurley, Children’s Book Buyer for Tombolo Books

A woman in a face mask in front of a wall of books holding up a book titled "The Prophets"
Bookseller Amanda Hurley stands in front of the “Black Lives: Past, Present, Future” display at Tombolo Books. Photo courtesy of Tombolo Books.

Book: “The Prophets” by Robert Jones, Jr.

“It’s a rich and intensely layered love story of two enslaved men on a plantation in the Deep South. The language is stunning, and the story itself is both hopeful and heartbreaking – love, betrayal and the burdens and beauty of inheritance.” 

For more Black History Month selections, visit culturedbooks.com, tombolobooks.com. For a Gulfport Public Library “staff recommends” Black History Month reading list, find the Gulfport Public Library on Facebook or visit mygulfport.us/gpl/black-history-month-staff-recommendations. 

by Lynn Taylor

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Filed Under: Arts Tagged With: Binti, Black History Month, Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, Gulfport Florida Black History Month, Omu!, Thank You, Thanksgiving in Florida, The ABS's of Black History, The Prophets, What We're Reading

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