best books for african american young adults
When it comes to literature, representation matters. It is essential for young adults of all backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. For African American young adults, finding books that accurately depict their experiences and struggles can be challenging. However, there are many incredible books out there that not only represent the African American community but also offer a diverse range of stories and perspectives. In this article, we will explore some of the best books for African American young adults that are must-reads for both teenagers and adults alike.
1. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
“The Hate U Give” is a powerful and timely novel that has taken the literary world by storm. It tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African American girl who witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. As Starr grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, she is torn between speaking up and seeking justice for Khalil and protecting her family and community from the backlash of standing up against the police. This book tackles issues of police brutality, racial injustice, and identity in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. A must-read for all young adults, “The Hate U Give” is a poignant and relevant story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
2. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison is a literary legend, and “The Bluest Eye” is one of her most iconic works. This novel follows the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who longs for blue eyes, believing that they will make her beautiful and accepted by society. Set in the 1940s, the book explores themes of racism, beauty standards, and the damaging effects of internalized self-hatred. Morrison’s exquisite writing, coupled with the heartbreaking story, makes this a must-read for all young adults.
3. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
“Brown Girl Dreaming” is a beautifully written memoir in verse by Jacqueline Woodson. It tells the story of Woodson’s childhood as an African American girl growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, in both the North and the South. Through her poems, Woodson reflects on her family, her struggles with finding her voice, and the Civil Rights Movement. This book is a moving and lyrical account of a young girl’s journey to find her place in the world and is a must-read for all young adults.
4. “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo
“The Poet X” is a powerful and award-winning novel that follows the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American teenager living in Harlem. Xiomara is struggling to find her place in the world, caught between the expectations of her strict religious mother and her own desires and passions. When she discovers slam poetry, Xiomara finds a way to express herself and escape the constraints of her life. This book is a raw and honest exploration of identity, family, and the power of self-expression.
5. “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone
“Dear Martin” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that follows the story of Justyce McAllister, a young African American boy who is caught in the middle of a racially-charged incident. After being wrongly accused of a crime, Justyce begins writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help him make sense of the world around him. This book tackles issues of racism, police brutality, and privilege, and is a must-read for all young adults.
6. “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
“The Sun Is Also a Star” is a heartwarming and captivating novel that follows the love story of Natasha and Daniel, two teenagers from different cultural backgrounds. Natasha is a Jamaican immigrant whose family is facing deportation, while Daniel is a first-generation Korean American who is expected to attend an Ivy League school. Their paths cross on one fateful day in New York City, and they spend the day together, falling in love and questioning the power of fate and destiny. This book is a beautiful exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of family.
7. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis
Set in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, “The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963” is a powerful and heartwarming novel that follows the story of the Watson family. The book is narrated by 10-year-old Kenny, who lives with his parents, older brother, and younger sister in Flint, Michigan. When Kenny’s parents decide to take a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit his strict grandmother, the family is caught in the midst of a tragic event that changes their lives forever. This book is a poignant and important read for young adults, as it offers a different perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
8. “The Skin I’m In” by Sharon G. Flake
“The Skin I’m In” is a powerful and moving novel about self-esteem and self-acceptance. The book follows the story of Maleeka Madison, a 7th grader who is constantly teased and bullied because of her dark skin and homemade clothes. Maleeka is struggling to find her place in the world and to stand up for herself, until she meets Miss Saunders, a new English teacher who challenges her to let go of her insecurities and embrace her true self. This book tackles issues of colorism, bullying, and self-love, making it a must-read for all young adults.
9. “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers
“Monster” is a gripping and powerful novel that combines both written narrative and screenplay format. It follows the story of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old African American boy who is charged with felony murder. As Steve awaits his trial, he reflects on his life and the choices he has made, wondering if he is truly a monster. This book addresses themes of race, justice, and the impact of societal expectations on young people.
10. “The House You Pass on the Way” by Jacqueline Woodson
“The House You Pass on the Way” is a beautifully written novel about identity and family. The book follows the story of Staggerlee, a 13-year-old African American girl who is spending the summer with her grandparents. While there, she meets her cousin Trout, who challenges her to question her own identity and beliefs about family and love. This book is a poetic and lyrical exploration of self-discovery and acceptance that will resonate with young adults.
In conclusion, representation in literature is crucial, especially for young adults who are navigating their own identities and experiences. The books mentioned above are just a few of the many incredible works of literature that accurately represent the African American experience. These books not only offer relatable and diverse stories for African American young adults but also provide valuable lessons and insights for readers of all backgrounds. So, whether you are a teenager, a young adult, or an adult, these books are a must-read for anyone looking for powerful and engaging stories.
how to extend time before iphone locks
In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. From checking emails to browsing social media, we rely on our iPhones for almost everything. However, one of the most frustrating things that can happen while using our iPhones is when it locks automatically. It not only interrupts our work or entertainment but also causes inconvenience as we have to keep unlocking it repeatedly. Fortunately, there are ways to extend the time before the iPhone locks, giving us more flexibility and ease of use. In this article, we will explore various methods to extend the time before the iPhone locks and the benefits of doing so.
Before diving into the methods, let’s first understand what exactly happens when our iPhones lock automatically. The iPhone has a feature called “Auto-Lock” that automatically locks the device after a certain period of inactivity. This is a security feature that prevents anyone from accessing your phone without your permission. By default, the Auto-Lock setting is set to two minutes, meaning if you don’t interact with your iPhone for two minutes, it will automatically lock. This can be inconvenient for many users, especially when they are in the middle of something important. However, there are ways to change this setting and extend the time before the iPhone locks.
One of the simplest ways to extend the time before the iPhone locks is by changing the Auto-Lock setting in the phone’s settings. To do this, go to “Settings” and then “Display & Brightness.” From there, tap on “Auto-Lock” and select the desired time interval. You can choose from options like 30 seconds, one minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes, or never. Choosing “never” means your iPhone will not lock automatically, and you will have to lock it manually by pressing the sleep/wake button. This method is effective but has some limitations. For instance, if you forget to lock your phone manually, it can lead to battery drain, as the display will remain on for an extended period.
Another way to extend the time before the iPhone locks is by keeping the screen active. This is a useful method if you are using your iPhone for a specific purpose, like reading an e-book or watching a movie. By keeping the screen active, your phone will not lock automatically, and you can continue using it without any interruption. To keep the screen active, you can either tap the screen every now and then or use a third-party app that keeps the screen active. However, this method may not be suitable for all users, as it can be tiring to constantly tap the screen or may not work for all apps.
If you use your iPhone for work or other activities that require continuous use, you can use the “Guided Access” feature to extend the time before the iPhone locks. Guided Access is a built-in accessibility feature that restricts your iPhone to a single app. It also allows you to set a time limit for the app to remain active. To use this feature, go to “Settings,” then “Accessibility,” and then “Guided Access.” From there, turn on the feature and select the app you want to use. You can also set a time limit by tapping on “Time Limit” and selecting the desired duration. Once the time limit is reached, the app will automatically lock, and you will have to re-enter the passcode to continue using it.
Apart from these methods, there are also some third-party apps available that can extend the time before the iPhone locks. These apps work by simulating user activity, which tricks the iPhone into thinking that it is being used, thus preventing it from locking. Some popular apps in this category are “Caffeine,” “PokeLock,” and “Insomnia.” These apps are useful for specific purposes, but they may not be suitable for all users, as they require constant running in the background , which can drain the battery.
Now that we know how to extend the time before the iPhone locks let’s discuss the benefits of doing so. The most obvious benefit is convenience. By extending the time before the iPhone locks, you can use your phone without interruptions. This is especially useful when you are using your phone for work or other important tasks. It also saves you the trouble of constantly unlocking your phone, which can be time-consuming and annoying.
Another benefit of extending the time before the iPhone locks is better battery life. As mentioned earlier, constantly unlocking your phone can lead to battery drain. By extending the time before the iPhone locks, you can prevent this and save battery life. This is particularly useful when you are using your phone for a long time, like during a flight or a road trip.
Moreover, extending the time before the iPhone locks can also improve your productivity. Many users have reported that they get easily distracted when their phone locks every few minutes. By extending the time before the iPhone locks, you can focus on your work without any interruptions. This is especially useful for students who use their iPhones for studying or professionals who use it for work.
In addition to these benefits, extending the time before the iPhone locks can also be beneficial for people with disabilities. As mentioned earlier, the Guided Access feature can help people with disabilities use their iPhones for a longer duration without any interruptions. This can also help them use their phones more independently, which can be empowering.
In conclusion, extending the time before the iPhone locks can bring many benefits to users. It not only provides convenience but also improves battery life and productivity. Whether you are using your iPhone for work, entertainment, or any other purpose, knowing how to extend the time before it locks can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. With the methods mentioned in this article, you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. So go ahead and make the most out of your iPhone by extending the time before it locks.