10 reading suggestions for Black History Month
Here is a list of reading suggestions if you want to find out more about this theme and recognize the contributions of the Black populations and communities.
From novels to essays and children’s books, the city’s libraries offer something for everyone.
Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This inspirational book recounts Ifemelu’s journey from Nigeria to the United States. A young woman makes the courageous choice to leave her home country to pursue her university studies in Philadelphia, where she tries to carve out a place for herself despite the racism and discrimination she faces.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2013
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present, by Robyn Maynard
This book introduces readers to a little-known subject: Slavery in Canada. In addition to shedding light on the repression of Black women and men, it discusses systemic racism and the challenges faced by Aboriginal people, undocumented migrants and refugees.
Fernwood Publishing, 2017
The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill
Inspired by true facts, this novel lifts the veil on a period in our history that few people know much about: the arrival of thousands of Black American Loyalists in Nova Scotia after the United States became independent. Follow Aminata’s odyssey that will take her back to Africa, alongside 1,200 former slaves.
Harper Collins, 2007
11 brefs essais contre le racisme, edited by Amel Zaazaa and Christian Nadeau
This book presents 11 essays written by people who fight against racism in Québec and who seek to raise collective awareness (in French).
Éditions Somme toute, 2019
La femme cent couleurs, by Lorrie Jean-Louis
Through this collection of feminist poetry, the author gently addresses very current topics such as cultural and gender identities (in French).
Éditions Mémoire d’encrier, 2020
Moi, Tituba sorcière, by Maryse Condé
This novel approaches the theme of slavery by describing the path of the main character Abena (in French).
Éditions Gallimard, 2019
The Nickel boys, by Colson Whitehead
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the tragic destiny of young African-American Elwood Curtis in the context of the struggle against segregation and racial discrimination in the United States.
Doubleday, 2019
Sur Fanon, edited by Bernard Magnier
Writers and artists from around the world describe how the author Frantz Fanon, a leading figure of anti-colonialism, shaped their writing and life path (in French).
Éditions Mémoire d’encrier, 2016
Rosa Parks, by Lisbeth Kaiser
This children’s book traces the life journey of Rosa Parks, an emblematic figure in civil rights in the United States. An introduction to the theme of racial equality that the whole family can read together.
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2017
Akata witch, by Nnedi Okorafor
This novel for young people centres around Sunny Nwazue, Nigerian by blood, American by birth and albino in skin tone. Sunny possesses special powers and bears the heavy responsibility of saving the world.
Penguin Random House, 2011
ReserveDiscover other reading suggestions that our librarians have prepared for the occasion.
Consult the Table Ronde du mois de l’Histoire des Noirs program to find out about many other activities.
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