"For Ta-Nehisi Coates, history has always been personal. At every stage of his life, he's sought in his explorations of history answers to the mysteries that surrounded him--most urgently, why he, and other black people he knew, seemed to live in fear ... In [this book], Coates takes readers along on his journey through America's history of race and its contemporary resonances through a series of awakenings--moments when he discovered some new truth...

A collection of essays, first published in 1903, in which the author examines the role, influence, and perceptions of African-American men and women in turn-of-the-century society. Includes a chronology of the author's life, explanatory notes, and critical commentary.

Presents the fiftieth-anniversary edition of Ezra Jack Keats's story, in which a little boy named Peter spends an exciting day playing in the new-fallen snow in his red snowsuit. Includes bonus materials. Parallel text in English and Spanish.

"Two half sisters, Effia and Esi, unknown to each other, are born into two different tribal villages in 18th century Ghana. Effia will be married off to an English colonial, and will live in comfort in the sprawling, palatial rooms of Cape Coast Castle, raising half-caste children who will be sent abroad to be educated in England before returning to the Gold Coast to serve as administrators of the Empire. Her sister, Esi, will be imprisoned beneath...

Explores the contributions of African-American soldiers in World War II, presenting letters and oral histories from and about the Tuskegee Airmen; soldiers at Normandy; members of the 761st Tank Battalion under George Patton; Dorie Miller, the messman who shot down four Japanese planes at Pearl Harbor; and others.

With a universal message of hope that continues to resonate, King demanded an end to global suffering, asserting that humankind-for the first time-has the resources and technology to eradicate poverty.

"Tar Baby is Toni Morrison's reinvention of the love story. Jadine Childs is a black fashion model with a white patron, a white boyfriend, and a coat made out of ninety perfect sealskins. Son is a black fugitive who embodies everything she loathes and desires. As Morrison follows their affair, which plays out from the Caribbean to Manhattan and the deep South, she charts all the nuances of obligation and betrayal between blacks and whites, masters...

A collection of poems reflecting the experiences of African-Americans, chosen by the author from works he created at all stages of his career.