THE PLOT: “Empress & Aniya” by Candice Carty-Williams is a YA novel about two unlikely friends. When Empress gets a scholarship to an elite private school, popular and wealthy Aniya is tasked with showing her around. The girls become friends, … Continue reading Review: Empress & Aniya
THE PLOT: “Manchester Happened” by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi is a short story collection about Ugandan immigrants. Structured in two parts; “departing” and “returning”, it weaves between Manchester and Kampala as characters ultimately decide whether to stay or go. From a man … Continue reading Review: Manchester Happened
THE PLOT: “The Purpose of Power” by Alicia Garza is non-fiction that provides an insight into grassroots organizing, the history of #BlackLivesMatter and highlights key areas to think about when attempting to affect change. A co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter, Alicia intersperses … Continue reading Review: The Purpose of Power
THE PLOT: Who’s Loving You is an anthology of short stories by British women of colour. From a refugee washing up on shore to a girl visiting Iran for her mothers’ funeral, these stories cover a vast range of topics, but … Continue reading Review: Who’s Loving You
THE PLOT: Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a young-adult novel about a black boy who becomes a father at seventeen years old. Stuck in an underprivileged neighbourhood, Maverick was pretty much born into a gang. His father was the don … Continue reading Review: Concrete Rose
THE PLOT: Sista Sister by Candice Brathwaite is a compilation of personal essays. Written for black girls, the book covers all the things Candice wishes someone had talked to her about when she was growing up in South London. The book … Continue reading Review: Sista Sister
THE PLOT: Passing by Nella Larsen is a short novel about two light-skinned women in 1920’s New York. Irene has an enviable life. She and her husband, a prominent physician in the Black community, share a comfortable Harlem town house with … Continue reading Review: Passing
THE PLOT: Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams is a middle-grade novel about a 13-year-old girl from Detroit. There are ninety-six reasons why Genesis dislikes herself. She knows because she keeps a list. Like #95: Because her skin is … Continue reading Review: Genesis Begins Again
THE PLOT: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is about a young girl called Pecola whose life is full of trauma. She’s poor, her daddy is an alcoholic and her mother cares more about the white girl she’s paid to … Continue reading Review: The Bluest Eye
THE PLOT: Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a young-adult thriller about black teenagers at an elite school. At the start of their senior year both Chiamaka and Devon are focussed on their futures. Chiamaka is the most popular girl … Continue reading Review: Ace of Spades
Amina's Bookshelf 