News Release

NEA Releases Booklist Celebrating African American Heritage, Tradition, and Achievement

100 titles recommended for ages pre-K-12

Washington, D.C -- Timed to coincide with February’s Black History Month, the National Education Association (NEA) has compiled a list of popular books for children and students of all ages.  The books, selected by the Association’s “Read Across America” staff, run the gamut – from fiction designed for preschoolers to books suitable for high school seniors.  What the 100 titles have in common is a celebration of African American heritage, tradition, and achievement.

“The books on this list,” says NEA President Reg Weaver, “should be required reading for all ages of all backgrounds. These books reflect the trials, triumphs, and traditions of a heritage that has played – and continues to play – a vital role in our nation’s history.”

The list contains biographies of famous role models such as A. Philip Randolph, Arthur Ashe, Booker T. Washington, Carter G. Woodson, Muhammad Ali, Duke Ellington, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Sojourner Truth and Malcolm X, among others. 

Classics such as Richard Wright’s Native Son, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Alex Haley’s Roots are on the recommended list for high school readers.

New classics such as The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis and his 2000 Newbery Medal winner Bud, Not Buddy, Phil Mendez’s The Black Snowman and Andrea Davis Pinkney’s Fishing Day should hold special appeal for young readers.

The list is the latest in a series of booklists compiled by NEA’s Read Across America staff.  Previous lists include top 100 books selected by children and a list of celebrities’ favorite books.  NEA’s Read Across America is a year-round program that culminates with a nationwide reading party held annually on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

February 3, 2004

For More Information:
NEA Communications: 202 822-7200

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.