4
Genesis Begins Again

Alicia D. Williams

Published In 2020

Grade Level #5-6 #6-8

There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list:
-Because her family is always being put out of their house.
-Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem too.
-Because Genesis knows this is all her fault.
-Because she wasn’t born looking like Mama.
-Because she is too black.

Genesis is determined to fix her family, and she’s willing to try anything to do so…even if it means harming herself in the process. But when Genesis starts to find a thing or two she actually likes about herself, she discovers that changing her own attitude is the first step in helping change others.  Simon & Schuster

11
Front Desk

Kelly Yang

Published In 2018

Grade Level #3-5 #6-8

Front Desk is based on author Kelly Yang’s life. In the story, fifth grader Mia Tang lives and works with her Chinese immigrant parents at the Calivista Motel. This story details the families first year and the obstacles Mia faces but perseveres. Family, resilience, bias, bullying, community, diversity,

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