Reading Pathways: Kekla Magoon

This YA novel is certain to be a discussion starter and is perfect for those who are looking for readalikes to The Hate U Give. When Tariq Johnson, a Black teen, is shot by a white man who claims self-defense, Tariq’s entire community is rocked to its core. Magoon takes a premise that feels as though it might be ripped from the headlines and skillfully explores the people who surround Tariq and those who are affected by his death and the fallout. As readers learn about the people who think that they know what went down and those who are further removed from Tariq’s death by affected nonetheless, it becomes clear that some of the stories conflict, and a more nuanced and complicated picture of Tariq emerges.

Caleb and Bobby Green are always on the lookout for their next big adventure or escapade, and they know how to make a good deal. This summer, they’re itching for something more exciting than their sheltered small-town life, which is when they meet Styx Malone, an older boy who enlightens them about the Great Escalator Trade — trading something small for something slightly better. Styx has ideas that Caleb is especially excited about, but when his older friend’s secrets come to light, Caleb finds himself viewing everything — Styx, his family, and his own dreams — in a new light. This is a hilarious middle grade novel with tons of adventure and humor, but it has a sober undercurrent that will be a great conversation starter for young readers.

This nonfiction book is aimed at young adult readers, but it’s one that is essential reading for even adults and has garnered numerous awards and honors. It is the account of the Black Panther Party, which has often been maligned and misunderstood throughout history. The Black Panther Party was founded as a community aid group to teach Black Americans about their history and to offer support and community to people who were otherwise targeted or vulnerable. As a result, the Panthers faced immense backlash from the American government, and Magoon details the challenges they faced. This account is filled with photographs, news clippings, and plenty of supplemental material that makes history come alive and helps contextualize the history of the Panthers in the history of slavery, Civil Rights, and Black Lives Matter.