Pick Up A Book, Celebrate

Black History Month!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Coinciding with Black History Month, the National Education Association (NEA) has compiled a list of 100 books related to African American heritage for students of all ages.

“The titles on this list should be required reading for all ages of all backgrounds,” said NEA President Reg Weaver. “These books reflect the trails, triumphs and traditions of a heritage that has played — and continues to play — a vital role in our nation’s history.”

The list contains biographies of famous role models including A. Philip Randolph, Arthur Ashe, Booker T. Washington, Carter G. Woodson, Muhammad Ali, Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther King, Jr, Sojourner Truth and Malcolm X, among others.

Classics including Richard Wright’s Native Son, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man are on the recommended list for high school readers.

The list is the latest in a series of booklists compiled by NEA’s Read Across America staff. Previous lists include the top 100 books selected by children and a list of celebrities’ favorite books.

For the complete list, visit www.nea.org.