PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 6, 2024) – National Read a Book Day, observed annually on Sept. 6, encourages individuals to engage with literature and recognize the cognitive and emotional benefits of reading. Studies show that reading enhances memory, reduces stress and promotes mental stimulation. It’s also a good opportunity to just slow down, pick up a book and experience the quiet joy that reading brings.
In observance of this day, the librarians at Prairie View A&M University have compiled a list of recommended books to support and encourage the community’s participation. Whether revisiting a familiar text or exploring new genres, reading offers a valuable opportunity for personal enrichment.
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Elizabeth Jean Brumfield, Ph.D., Distance Services Librarian, Head Northwest Houston Center (NWHC) Library
Nonfiction
- “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
One of my favorite people of all time, and I’m sure I speak for many, Michelle Obama reigns high in grace, wisdom and tenacity. “Becoming” is so good because it is down to earth with snippets of “girl talk,” reflection and humor. Reading the book is like talking to your sister or friend.
- “The Toilet” by Gcina Mhlophe
This book is African literature, which is not widely acknowledged or recognized. The book is also a play that explores themes of identity, oppression and self-discovery. “The Toilet” is literally and figuratively used as a space of solitude and reflection for the young African girl who struggles with societal expectations and her own personal desires.
- “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson
This book is an eye-opener and will make you examine racism in a different light. Wilkerson examines how systemic racism operates like a caste system, deeply impacting individuals and society as a whole.
- “You Don’t Know Me” by Ray Charles Robinson Jr.
Written by Ray Charles’ oldest son, the book is touching and funny and has some unbelievable stories, like Ray Charles, while blind, could drive and fly a plane. He shares family secrets and family joys. You really get to know Ray Charles through the words of the son.
YA (Young Adult) Fiction
- “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
The story is about twin brothers growing up in the shadow of a former basketball star who is their father. Basketball is a metaphor for many things in life: competition, teamwork, ego, and isolation, and it is written so well into the story. It is a good read for any, not just young adults.
- “Being Jazz” by Jazz Jennings
Jazz Jennings is one of the youngest transgender activists, coming out at age 6, and she is one of the most vocal. She was at the American Library Conference in 2016, where I got her book. Through her stories, she shares some really challenging experiences with acceptance, advocacy, and navigating life as a child and teen.
Children’s Books
- “What Would it Be Like” by McArthur Krishna
This is a great book to inspire children to imagine what life would be like if they didn’t worry about what others think about them or the obstacles that are put in front of them. It encourages children to imagine their strengths, talents and qualities by looking at the lives of influential women throughout history.
- “The Eyes and the Impossible” by Dave Eggers
This is a book about a dog named Johannes, who lives in a park and has the responsibility of protecting his home by watching everything that goes on and reporting back to his elders. The illustration of the park is beautiful, and the story’s themes of friendship, freedom and the wonders of nature are good examples to share with children.
Maria Walker, College of Nursing Librarian I
Nonfiction
- “While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor of Comes Age during the Civil Rights Movement” by Carolyn Maull McKinstry with Denise George
Most of us have heard the story of the Four Little Girls and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963. What if I told you there were actually six girls in the basement that Sunday? One of those little girls who survived, Rev. Carolyn McKinstry, recalls that Sunday as well as other first-hand experiences from the Civil Rights Movement in this memoir.
- “White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing” by Gail Lukasik
Gail Lukasik, a professor, develops an interest in her family history. As she begins digging through her maternal lineage, she discovers her mother is Black and has been “passing” all of her life.
- “My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future” by Alice Randall
In this book, Alice Randall, Black co-writer of Trisha Yearwood’s “XXX’s and OOO’s,” takes readers through the history of country music and explains Black musicians as originators of the genre. Also included in the book are Randall’s personal accounts as a writer and producer in the country music industry.
Young Adult (YA) Fiction
- “Blood at the Root” by LaDarrion Williams
This young adult (YA) fantasy follows Malik, a teen with magical powers, on his journey to an HBCU. This book is heavy on the representation of Black boys and their abilities. When writing “Blood at the Root,” the author was intentional about spotlighting a Black boy as the main character. Not only that, but the story shows the lead character as a nurturer as he takes care of his foster brother.
- “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez
A YA novel telling the tale of Julia, who has a hard time living up to her mom’s expectations and living in the shadow of her late older sister, Olga.
- “Rise to the Sun” by Leah Johnson
Leah Johnson writes this YA Novel from dual perspectives. Toni and Olivia are two teens (strangers to each other) dealing with their own emotional struggles and thoughts of the upcoming year. Both venture to a music festival as a temporary escape. There, they run into each other, and their story together unfolds.
Poetry
- “The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours” by Jill Scott
- “Home.Girl. Hood.” by Ebony Stewart
- “Fat Girl Finishing School” by Rachel Wiley
- “Bicycles” by Nikki Giovanni
Phyllis Earles, Head, Special Collections & Archives/University Archivist, Librarian II
Nonfiction
- “Plant You: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet” by Carleigh Bodrug
Save money, reduce food waste, and eat healthier than you ever have before with this highly anticipated cookbook from New York Times bestselling author and social media sensation.
Shanitra Brown, Library Associate I, NWHC
- “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
- “Listen for the Lie” by Amy Tintera
- “The Coin” by Yasmin Zaher
- “Fierce Desires” by Rebecca L. Davis
- “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit” by Noliwe Rooks
- “The Rich People Have Gone Away” by Regina Porter
- “All That Glitters” by Orlando Whitfield
- “Swift River” by Essie Chambers
- “The Garden Against Time” by Olivia Laing
- “The Masterpiece: A Novel” by Fiona Davis
- “Then She Was Gone: A Novel” by Lisa Jewell
- “The Girl Who Was Taken” by Charlie Donlea
- “The Black Butterfly” by Lawrence T. Brown
- “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston
- “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self” by Common
PVAMU faculty, staff and students can request these books, including the children’s books, through PVAMU’s Interlibrary Loan.
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