The Book of Awesome Black Americans

The Book of Awesome Black Americans is a necessary text for these times and all times to come. Monique L. Jones brilliantly chronicles the journey of Black Americans (including those from intersectionally marginalized groups within that larger group) from Africa to present day. If you need a place to start, continue, or refresh your study of the lives and contributions of Black people in America, this is the book for you! Share it with your classes--I can attest to this as a teacher of middle, high school, and college. Share it with your families, friends, or just people who ask about Black contribution to American life. We need this book.

This is such a fun, breezy book to pick up and read a paragraph at random, and find out about an awesome American who deserves a full on biopic.

This book is awesome. Very accessible and generously filled with fascinating history. I loved, loved, loved it and can't recommend it enough. I'm inspired by the selection of stories, and by the author's careful attention to detail and historical accuracy. It's a wonderful gift for anyone interested in history, or stories of empowerment. I feel… elevated after learning about the role models Monique included. Wow, just wow.

I bought Monique Jones' book on awesome Black Americans for myself--to learn and to celebrate what Blackness brings to the US despite every effort to stifle and dehumanize Black lives--but it has become a book that sits on the table in the family room. It is a book that my kids who are 9, 12, and 16 read aloud during family time. It both enriches and challenges the history they are taught in schools without flinching from the celebration of Black lives.

I bought an additional copy for my sister as a gift to share with her daughters. The way the author divides the vignettes into sections makes space for discussion and thinking. I will buy more copies for friends when the holiday season comes around. Because it is well-researched, sharply written, and absolutely necessary. These are the stories that get left out of official curriculum. These are the stories that speak to the fulness of American Blackness. I can't recommend it more highly.

The Book of Awesome Black Americans was a great read! I especially loved seeing photos of some of the people mentioned in the book, and loved that both historical and current black icons were highlighted throughout the book. A fantastic read for all ages, but especially so for those 12-18. The book mentions many great individuals across the arts, business, science, and many more. I highly recommend this for a summer-read, or even a back-to-school read for your children, nieces/nephews, cousins, anybody!

When doing research for a good history book for young teen girls I stumbled upon this one. It's told through a timeline, even mentioning Black Wall Street and important figures such as Benjamin Banneker. It also highlights important figures in Black Environmentalism and less known Civil Rights Leaders. I recommend this book if you're looking to gift your young teen a book that is educational and rooted in amplifying black voices.