1. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas: A powerful novel that follows the journey of Starr Carter as she witnesses the shooting of her friend by a police officer and finds her voice in advocating for justice.

2. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: This memoir in verse shares the author’s experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s, exploring themes of identity, family, and the power of words.

3. “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia: Set in the summer of 1968, this book tells the story of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California to spend time with their estranged mother and get involved in the Black Panther movement.

4. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis: This historical fiction novel follows the Watson family from Flint, Michigan as they experience the racial tension and violence of the Civil Rights Movement during their trip to Birmingham, Alabama.

5. “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds: The first book in the “Track” series, it introduces readers to Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw, a talented young runner who uses his talent to escape the challenges in his life and find a sense of belonging.

6. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor: Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel tells the story of the Logan family as they face racism and injustice while fighting to keep their land and dignity.

7. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: While this book does not specifically focus on race, it features Meg Murray as the main character, a biracial girl, who embarks on an intergalactic journey to rescue her missing father.

8. “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone: This thought-provoking novel follows protagonist Justyce McAllister as he navigates racial profiling, identity, and the importance of speaking up against injustice through his letters to Martin Luther King Jr.

9. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander: This novel-in-verse introduces readers to twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan Bell as they strive for success on and off the court, exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

10. “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi: In a magical world inspired by West African mythology, this fantasy novel follows Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and fight against the oppressive monarchy.

These ten books showcase the diversity and strength of Black protagonists in KidLit and YA literature, offering readers a variety of captivating stories and perspectives to explore.