Racial discrimination has been around for as long as any of us have been alive. Whether you have been the unfortunate victim of racism or have never experienced prejudice firsthand, you will likely find books about racial discrimination to offer fresh viewpoints on this important topic. Books that deal with prejudice, injustice, and inequality may offer enlightenment about the struggles of others, challenge your assumptions about discrimination, and add depth to your knowledge and empathy. The staff and editorial reviewers at Indies Today have identified the best books that address racial discrimination written by indie authors, and here are the top results.
Our Recommendations: Books That Address Racial Discrimination
Pray For Them by Trisha Fenimore
Why we love it:
Pray For Them: The True Story of a Racist White Christian Called to Black Seminary is a brilliant perspective piece that is about so much more than one woman’s struggle with racism. A sense of self-awareness and the desire to improve oneself are as poignant in Trisha Fenimore’s stories as her inescapable candor. From an impressionable young girl trying to fit into a divided world to an empathetic woman acting out of the consideration she’s been shown, Fenimore’s life course blazes a complicated yet liberating trail that feels as inevitable as the sun dawning a new day.
Please Don’t by S. A. Fanning
Why we love it:
Please Don’t is a wonderful book for young readers that helps cultivate empathy and understanding for those with different circumstances and backgrounds. The story centers around Nat, a young man with nothing to lose and a lot to learn, as he handles with the repercussions of defending a shy girl he barely knows. Please Don’t, while dealing with a lot of racism, hostility, ignorance, and unconscious bias, is ultimately a heartwarming, surprising, eye-opening, and soul-satisfying story.
Golden Dreg Quake, Baby Box Assassin by D.K. Dailey
Why we love it:
Golden Dreg Quake, Baby Box Assassins is a punchy futuristic story featuring a fierce, yet vulnerable protagonist. MaeAri adds needed diversity to the sci-fi genre, breaking the mold with her soaring height, her sharp wit, and the beautiful dark color of her skin. However, MaeAri also has to deal with an impending natural disaster, ongoing racism, and petty school bullies, making Baby Box Assassins a perfect choice for young adult readers looking for a bit of bold escapism.
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Douglass Reynolds
Why we love it:
Raised in Detroit and then working for just over three decades as a Compton cop and detective, Frederick Douglass Reynolds leaves nothing off the table in his debut memoir, Black, White, and Gray All Over; a Black Man’s Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement. Exposure to blatant racism leads Reynolds on a path of self-destruction, but unexpected family obligations soon pull him toward an unlikely career in law enforcement. If you’re looking for a fresh and intelligent perspective told with a steady voice of insight and reason, you’ll find Black, White, and Gray All Over to be immensely heartening.
Bricktown Boys by Pete Fanning
Why we love it:
Bricktown Boys is a highly relatable story about a pre-teen boy named Sam who wants to start a football team, and in a humorous turn of events, a sweet older lady ends up coaching Sam’s newly formed team. Somber real-life issues, such as racism, poverty, neglect, and abuse, are handled in a straightforward way that is not sugar-coated. Viewing the first-hand effects from Sam’s vulnerable vantage makes for a compelling read, meant to stir questions within. Infused with humor and heart, Bricktown Boys is an inspiring book for early teens that packs more than a few punches!
Thanks for checking out our list of the top books that deal with the important topic of racial discrimination, and thanks for supporting indie authors!
