Teen Biographies

Valby, Karen

2025

Reading Level: Ages 12 up Delacorte Press.

"A full accounting of five incredibly talented Black ballerinas from The Dance Theater of Harlem, founding members among them, that illuminates their hard-fought, historic, and overlooked contributions to the world of classical dance at a time when racism shut out Black dancers from major dance companies"-- Provided by publisher.

Oluseyi, Hakeem M. (Hakeem Muata)

2023

Reading Level: Ages 12 up Delacorte Press

"Renowned American astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi's (born James Plummer) coming-of-age memoir, from young boy to graduate-school student, charts the remarkable resilience of a boy who was offered few chances to succeed, but fought hard to achieve his dream"-- Provided by publisher.

Eig, Jonathan

2023

"The first full biography in decades, 'King' mixes revelatory and exhaustive new research with brisk and accessible storytelling to forge the definitive life for our times"-- Provided by publisher.

Nehanda, Walela

2024

"When Walela is diagnosed at twenty-three with advanced stage blood cancer, they're suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, doctors who don't use their correct pronouns, and hordes of "well-meaning" but patronizing people offering unsolicited advice as they navigate rocky personal relationships and share their story online. But this experience also deepens their relationship to their ancestors, providing added support from another realm. Walela's diagnosis becomes a catalyst for their self-realization. As they fill out forms in the insurance office in downtown Los Angeles or travel to therapy in wealthier neighborhoods, they begin to understand that cancer is where all forms of their oppression intersect: Disabled. Fat. Black. Queer. Nonbinary"-- Provided by publisher.