Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves

An invigorating anthology edited by the founder of book club and online group Well-Read Black Girl. Black women writers across genres and generations share moments of strength, joy, grief, and vulnerability in response to the question, "When did you first see yourself in literature?" Renée Watson's "Space to Move Around In" explores racism, fatphobia, and the author's unexpected discovery of Lucille Clifton from a disinterested white teacher, while Dhonielle Clayton muses on coming out, loss, and Black girlhood in "The Need for Kisses." Teens will gravitate to recurring themes of self-discovery, pursuing creative ambitions, and building rich inner worlds to escape hardship. Some sensitive topics are addressed that may benefit from further discussion, including abortion and abuse. The emotive entries from well-known and emerging creators read quickly but are worth savoring and visiting many times over. Interspersed are "Well-Read Black Girl Recommends" lists including the book club's 2015–2018 selections, sci-fi and fantasy books, poetry, and more by Black women. Closing out the collection is the eminently helpful "All the Books in this Book" list, which simultaneously compiles all titles referenced and shapes a contemporary Black women's literary canon for avid readers and the classroom curriculum.