20 Best Racism For High School Students Books

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The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful and gripping book about racism for high school students. The story follows Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As the only witness, Starr is faced with the daunting decision of speaking out about the injustice she has witnessed. The novel expertly delves into themes of police brutality, systemic racism, and the complexities of identity and activism. Through Starr’s compelling and authentic voice, readers are taken on an emotional journey that explores the impact of racial injustice on individuals and communities.

This book about racism for high school students is a thought-provoking and necessary read, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young people of color in today’s society. It is a poignant and timely exploration of race and inequality that will resonate with readers of all ages, making it an essential addition to any high school curriculum.

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Dear Martin

by Nic Stone

Dear Martin by Nic Stone is a powerful and thought-provoking book about racial injustice and the experience of being a young black man in America. The story follows Justyce McAllister, a high-achieving African American student who finds himself grappling with the realities of racism and police brutality after a traumatic incident. Feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, he turns to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for guidance, writing letters to the late civil rights leader as a way to process his thoughts and emotions.

This compelling novel delves into important themes such as discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequality, making it a must-read for high school students. Through Justyce’s journey, readers are challenged to confront their own biases and consider the ways in which racism impacts individuals and communities. With its engaging storytelling and relevant subject matter, Dear Martin is a timely and essential book for sparking conversations about race and social justice in the classroom.

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All American Boys

by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

All American Boys is a powerful and thought-provoking book about racism for high school students. Written by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, this novel tells the story of two high school students, Rashad and Quinn, whose lives become intertwined after an incident of police brutality. Rashad, a black teenager, is wrongfully accused of stealing and violently beaten by a white police officer, while Quinn, a white classmate, witnesses the incident. As the community becomes divided and tensions rise, both boys are forced to confront their own beliefs and biases about race and justice.

This compelling and timely book on racism for high school students addresses important themes such as racial profiling, social injustice, and the power of speaking out against discrimination. Through alternating perspectives, Reynolds and Kiely offer a nuanced exploration of the complexities of racism and its impact on individuals and communities. All American Boys is a must-read for young adults, providing a platform for meaningful discussions about race, privilege, and activism.

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The Bluest Eye

by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a powerful and haunting novel that serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the destructive impact of societal beauty standards on young black girls. Set in Ohio in the 1940s, the story follows Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who yearns for blue eyes and blonde hair, believing that these features will bring her the acceptance and love she so desperately craves. Through Pecola’s heartbreaking journey, Morrison delves into the harsh realities of racism, colorism, and the damaging effects of internalized oppression. This book about racism for high school students provides a raw and unflinching look at the ways in which systemic racism and societal beauty norms can warp a young girl’s sense of self-worth and identity. With lyrical prose and a keen understanding of the human experience, Morrison’s novel offers a poignant and vital exploration of the insidious nature of discrimination and its impact on the lives of young people.

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Americanah

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a powerful exploration of race, identity, and belonging that is a must-read for any high school student. The novel follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to America for university, and her experiences navigating race and racism in a new culture. Through Ifemelu’s journey, Adichie delves into the complexities of race relations, cultural differences, and the impact of systemic discrimination on individuals.

This book about racism for high school students provides a thought-provoking and eye-opening look at the challenges that people of color face in a predominantly white society. Adichie’s writing is both poignant and compelling, offering readers a deeper understanding of the ways in which race shapes our experiences and relationships. Americanah is a relevant and timely read that encourages important conversations about race, privilege, and identity, making it an essential addition to any high school curriculum.

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The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and compelling novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Set in the American South, the book follows the life of Celie, a young girl who faces oppression and abuse at the hands of her father and later her husband. Through a series of letters, Celie shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs as she finds her voice and strength amidst the racism and sexism that pervades her world.

This book tackles important themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and inequality, making it a valuable read for high school students. The Color Purple provides a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the challenges faced by African American women during a tumultuous time in American history. It is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding the impact of racism on individuals and society as a whole.

Overall, The Color Purple is a compelling and emotionally resonant book about racism for high school students that offers a poignant and important perspective on the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

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The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a powerful and captivating novel that delves into the complexities of race relations in 1960s Mississippi. The story follows the lives of three women – two African American maids and a young white woman – as they navigate the deeply segregated and discriminatory society they live in. Through their intertwining narratives, the novel explores themes of prejudice, inequality, and the bravery it takes to stand up against injustice.

This book on racism for high school students provides a poignant and thought-provoking look at the impact of racism on individuals and communities. Stockett’s storytelling is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, shedding light on the resilience and determination of those who fight for equality. The Help is a must-read for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those affected by racism. It is a compelling and important book about racism for high school students that will provoke important discussions and inspire empathy and action.

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To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel that tackles the theme of racial prejudice in the American South. Set in the 1930s, the story follows Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a small town in Alabama. Through the eyes of Scout, the reader witnesses the injustice and discrimination faced by African Americans, as well as the efforts of her father, Atticus Finch, to defend a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman. This powerful narrative provides a poignant exploration of racial inequality, the harsh realities of bigotry, and the importance of empathy and understanding. As a book about racism for high school students, To Kill a Mockingbird offers a thought-provoking and essential perspective on the issue, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes. Through Lee’s compelling storytelling and memorable characters, the novel remains a timeless and vital contribution to conversations about prejudice and social justice.

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The New Jim Crow

by Michelle Alexander

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book about systemic inequality and discrimination in the American criminal justice system. Alexander examines how the War on Drugs has disproportionately targeted and incarcerated black and brown communities, creating a modern-day caste system that perpetuates racial injustice.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of how mass incarceration has become the new form of racial control, akin to the Jim Crow laws of the past. It is a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding the pervasive impact of institutionalized racism in the United States. The New Jim Crow is a must-read for high school students seeking to deepen their understanding of racial inequality and social justice issues. With its accessible language and compelling arguments, it is a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage in discussions about race and discrimination.

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Just Mercy

by Bryan Stevenson

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is a poignant and eye-opening book about the injustices of the criminal justice system, making it a must-read for those interested in issues of social justice and inequality. Stevenson, a renowned civil rights lawyer, shares his experiences representing and fighting for the rights of wrongly convicted individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. The book paints a vivid picture of the systemic racism and prejudice that pervades the legal system, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many who are caught up in it.

This book provides a powerful exploration of the intersection of race, poverty, and justice, making it a valuable resource for high school students seeking to understand and confront the complexities of the criminal justice system. Just Mercy offers an important perspective on the impact of systemic discrimination and serves as a call to action for those who want to make a difference. It is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding and addressing issues of racial inequality and injustice in America.

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Between the World and Me

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of the African-American experience in America. Written as a letter to the author’s teenage son, the book provides a raw and unflinching look at the realities of growing up black in a country plagued by systemic oppression and violence. Coates reflects on his own upbringing in Baltimore, his experiences with racism, and the fear and anger that accompany living in a society where black bodies are constantly under threat.

This book is a crucial read for anyone looking to understand the pervasive nature of racial injustice in America. It offers a poignant and personal perspective on the enduring legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. With its candid and emotive prose, Between the World and Me is a necessary book about racism for high school students, providing a vital education on the realities of being black in America.

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The Fire Next Time

by James Baldwin

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin is a powerful and thought-provoking book about racism for high school students. Baldwin explores the complex issues of race, identity, and social justice in America through a series of essays that are as relevant today as they were when first published in 1963. In this book, Baldwin reflects on his own experiences growing up as a black man in a racially divided society, and he offers a searing critique of the deep-seated racism and inequality that continue to plague the country. Through his lyrical and impassioned prose, Baldwin challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of racism and to work towards a more just and equitable society. The Fire Next Time is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of racism in America, and it is an essential resource for high school students grappling with these complex issues.

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is a powerful autobiographical novel that delves into the author’s early years. This poignant coming-of-age story is a must-read for high school students as it provides a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by African Americans during the 1930s and 1940s. Through her lyrical prose, Angelou explores themes of prejudice, discrimination, and resilience, making it a compelling book about racism for high school students to engage with.

The narrative follows Angelou’s journey from a tumultuous childhood in the racially segregated South to her eventual triumph over adversity. The book offers a candid look at the impact of systemic racism on individuals and communities, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of race relations in America. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of racism for high school students, providing valuable insights into the human experience and the enduring power of the human spirit.

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The Invisible Man

by Ralph Ellison

The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is a powerful and insightful book about racism for high school students. This groundbreaking novel follows the story of an unnamed African American man who struggles to find his identity and place in a society that refuses to see him. Through vivid language and intense imagery, Ellison takes readers on a journey through the protagonist’s experiences with prejudice, invisibility, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The book offers a raw and unapologetic portrayal of the challenges faced by African Americans in a racially divided America, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race relations. With its profound exploration of identity and social injustice, The Invisible Man is a thought-provoking and essential book about racism for high school students, providing valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and the power of individual empowerment.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a captivating novel that delves into the themes of racial discrimination, identity, and love in the 1930s. The protagonist, Janie Crawford, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she navigates through the challenges of being a Black woman in a society rife with prejudice and injustice. Through Hurston’s lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the rural town of Eatonville, Florida, where they witness Janie’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

This novel is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of race and gender, making it a compelling read for high school students. Their Eyes Were Watching God offers valuable insights into the complexities of racial oppression and the quest for personal autonomy, making it a relevant and important book about racism for high school students. Hurston’s masterful depiction of Janie’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience and empowerment in the face of societal prejudice, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of racism on individuals.

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Native Son

by Richard Wright

Native Son by Richard Wright is a compelling book about racism for high school students that follows the story of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in 1930s Chicago. Bigger’s life is a constant struggle against the systemic racism and oppression he faces every day. When he accidentally kills a white woman, the novel delves into the complexities of fear, anger, and the injustices of the American justice system.

Wright’s powerful prose and unflinching portrayal of the realities of being a person of color in a racially divided society make this a must-read book on racism for high school students. The novel raises important questions about identity, responsibility, and the impact of social and economic inequality on individuals. It is a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of the human condition and the harsh realities of race relations in America.

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The Autobiography of Malcolm X

by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a compelling and poignant memoir that provides a powerful insight into the life of one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Co-authored by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, this book offers a raw and unapologetic account of Malcolm X’s journey from a troubled youth to becoming a prominent advocate for racial equality and social justice.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of systemic oppression and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. With its candid portrayal of racism, discrimination, and the quest for identity, The Autobiography of Malcolm X serves as an eye-opening and thought-provoking resource for high school students. Through Malcolm X’s experiences, readers are challenged to confront the realities of prejudice and inequality, making it a relevant and important book about racism for high school students.

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The Souls of Black Folk

by W.E.B. Du Bois

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois is a seminal book about the African American experience in the United States. Published in 1903, this groundbreaking work explores the social, political, and economic challenges faced by black Americans in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Through a series of essays, Du Bois delves into the complexities of race relations, discrimination, and the struggle for civil rights. The book provides a powerful and thought-provoking analysis of the enduring impact of slavery and the ongoing quest for equality and justice. The Souls of Black Folk is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the history of racial oppression and the resilience of the black community. It is a must-read book on racism for high school students, offering valuable insights into the enduring legacy of discrimination and the ongoing fight for racial justice.

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The Warmth of Other Suns

by Isabel Wilkerson

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is a powerful and captivating book about the Great Migration, a pivotal moment in American history. Wilkerson tells the story of the mass exodus of Black Americans from the South to the North and West in search of better opportunities and freedom from oppression. Through the personal journeys of three individuals, she brings to life the struggles and triumphs of those who dared to escape the Jim Crow South and seek a better life elsewhere.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of systemic discrimination and segregation on the lives of African Americans. It is a compelling narrative that sheds light on the enduring legacy of racism in America and the resilience of those who fought against it. The Warmth of Other Suns is an essential book about racism for high school students, offering a profound exploration of the human spirit and the pursuit of equality.

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White Fragility

by Robin DiAngelo

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo is a thought-provoking book on racism for high school students that delves into the uncomfortable yet crucial topic of racial inequality. DiAngelo challenges readers to confront their own biases and understand the systemic nature of racism. She explains the concept of ‘white fragility’ – the defensive reactions that white people often have when their privilege is questioned or challenged.

This book about racism for high school students offers valuable insights into how racism operates in society, and provides practical guidance for individuals to dismantle their own prejudices and contribute to creating a more equitable world. DiAngelo’s writing is both accessible and impactful, making it a compelling read for young adults who are seeking to deepen their understanding of racism.

Overall, White Fragility is an essential resource for high school students looking to engage in meaningful conversations about racism and take meaningful action towards positive change. It’s a must-read for anyone committed to building a more inclusive and just society.