NIRMV Recommended Reading Lists for Adults and Kids
Copies of the reading lists are distributed throughout the country via libraries, schools, churches, community centers and other public sites – including online connections on the NIRMM website and Facebook page. Special thanks to book clubs, community organizations and non-profits for providing assistance with both nomination and distribution efforts. In addition, a related dedicated display rack and showcases have been set up. Redford Township District Library has been a valued showcase partner.
Readers are encouraged to nominate books that inspired them for inclusion on the lists. Authors are not allowed to self nominate their books. Email nominations to nirmvdetroit@gmail.com.
2025 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Adults Edition (PDF)
Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi - Americanah
Benedict, Marie - The Queens of Crime: A Novel
Boyd, Valerie - Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Bundles, A’lelia - On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker
Collins, Marva and Civia Tamarkin - Marva Collins’ Way
G, Kenny and Philip Lerman - Life in the Key of G
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins - What Diantha Did
Hanks, Tom - The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece: A Novel
Hannah-Jones, Nikole - The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
Hass Linda - Hidden in Plain Sight: The Underground Railroad in Jackson County
Johnson, Nancy - People of Means: A Novel
Jones, Quincy - 12 Notes on Life and Creativity
Lewis, John and Sehgal, Kabir - Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation
McConaughey, Matthew - Greenlights
Malone, Sharon - Grown Women Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy
Miller, Monica - Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and Styling of Black Diasporic Identity
Moran, Michelle - Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp
Mundy, Liza - Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Code Breakers of World War II
Omokha, Rita - Resist: How A Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America
Packer, Will - Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big
Peterson, Jordan B. - 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
See, Lisa - Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Uche, Blackstock - Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
Williams, Sheila - No Better Time: A Novel of the Spirited Women of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion
Some books focus on NIRMV Ongoing Theme: “Celebrate Who Inspires You” and NIRMV 2025 Theme: “Advancing Awareness and Optimizing Opportunities.” Visit nirmv.org for more information and opportunities. Nominate books anytime via nirmvdetroit@gmail.com. NIRMV does not necessarily agree with/support all views and opinions of authors, editors and characters. ©2025 NIRMV
2025 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Kids Edition (PDF)
Picture Books (Ages 3-7)
The Band in the Basement: A Picture Book by Kelly J. Baptist
The Boy Who Found His Voice by Tyler Gordon
Come Over to My House by Dr. Seuss
Elijah’s Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson
Freedom Celebration: A Juneteenth Party by Angela Dalton
Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid by Tamron Hall
Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Summer Johnson
If You Give…Series (Nineteen books) by Laura Numeroff
I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff
Jordan’s Perfect Haircut by Sharee Miller
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim by Kobina Commeh
The Last Stand by Antwan Eady
Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
The Love of a Grandmother by Karen Geneine Fernander
My Afro Is a Rising Sun by Yaram Yahu
My Hair is a Book by Maisha Oso
Soulful Struttin’ by Julia Pierre Hammond
They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom by Lesa Cline-Ransome
This Baby. That Baby by Cari Best
We Can: Portraits of Power by Tyler Gordon
Zara in the Middle by Erika Lynne Jones
Children's Literature/Chapter Books (Ages 8-12)
Black Star (The Door of No Return Series, Bk. 2) by Kwame Alexander
Crowning Achievement by Jill Tew
Door of No Return (The Door of No Return Series Bk. 1) by Kwame Alexander
Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain by Remi Blackwood
The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a
Baseball Legend by Sharon Robinson
Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement by Jill Tew
Opal Watson Private Eye by Brittany J. Thurman
The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston
Speak Up Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta
Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy
Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen
Way Off Track (A Nansi Graphic Novel, 1) by Carl Brundtland
Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Middle-Grades (Ages 13-15)
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson
All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis
Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
Clock Striker, Volume 1: I’m Gonna Be a SMITH! by Issaka Galadima
The Family I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore
The Life I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Mid-Air by Alicia D. Williams
(S)kin: Some Magic Is Meant to Burn by Ibi Zoboi
Young Adult (Ages 16-18)
The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
Invisible Son by Kim Johnson
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
On Again, Awkard Again: A Novel by Erin Entrada Kelly
Shampoo Unicorn by Sawyer Lovett
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…: A Love Story by Jason Reynolds
Run Like a Girl by Amaka Egbe
There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
Nonfiction (Multiple Ages)
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build by Christina Schul (Ages 6+)
The B on Your Thumb: 60 Poems to Boost Reading and Spelling by Colette Hiller (Ages 4-8)
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renee Watson (Ages 12-16)
The Book of Awesome Black Americans: Scientific Pioneers, Trailblazing Entrepreneurs, Barrier-Breaking Activists and Afro-Futurists by Monique L. Jones (Ages 12-16)
Career Day from A-Z: What Can I Be? Alphabet Book By Nia LaShae (Ages 3+)
Cooking Up Change: Grandma’s Recipes from a Year in Black History by Michael Platt (Ages 8-12)
Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison -- and How We Stay Connected by Jay J. Patton (Ages 8-12)
Do Not Disturb: How to Say No to Your Phone by Brad Marshall (Ages 8+)
Fighting With Love: The Legacy of John Lewis by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Ages 4-8)
How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for America by Kwame Alexander (Ages 4-8)
The Life Guide for Teens: Harnessing Your Inner Power to be Healthy, Happy and Confident by Ran D. Anbar (Ages 13-17)
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard (Ages 4-8)
Quincy Jones: Musician, Composer, Producer (African-American Biographies) by Lee Hill Kavanaugh (Ages 12-16)
Quincy Jones: Overcoming Adversity by Linda Bayer (Ages 8-12)
Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote by Michael Eric Dyson (Ages 12-16)
Smart Career Planning for Teens: A Guide to Bold Choices And Brilliant Paths – Launch Your Dream Career With Clarity, Passion And Purpose by Emma Davis (Ages 13-17)
So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story by Anne Wynter (Ages 4-8)
The True Story of Vanilla: How Edmond Albius Made History by Ann Richards (Ages 8-12)
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding AI for Kids: Teaching Kids New Computer Skills And Allowing Them To Explore How They Can Build & Create With AI for Future Careers by Kabe Perry (Ages 8-12)
Will You Walk with Me?: A Poetic Journey by Gwendolyn Lewis (Ages14-18)
Books may focus on NIRMV Ongoing Theme: “Celebrate Who Inspires You” and 2025 Theme: “Advancing Awareness and Optimizing Opportunities.” Visit nirmvkids.org or nirmv.org for more information and opportunities. Nominate books anytime via nirmvdetroit@gmail.com NIRMV does not necessarily agree with/support all views and opinions of authors, editors and characters. ©2025NIRMV
2024 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Adults Edition (PDF)
2023 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Adults Edition (PDF)
2023 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Kids Edition (PDF)
2022 NIRMV Recommended Reading List Adult Edition (PDF)
2022 NIRMV Recommended Reading Lists Kids Edition
