(Tucson, AZ) A project envisioned and created by the Library's Kindred Team, Books Invited to the Cookout is an annual book list centering books by Black authors and highlighting the Black community and diaspora. It is now available at all Pima County Public Library branches! It can also be found on the Library's website at: www.library.pima.gov/books-invited-to-the-cookout/.
As Jessica P., Kindred team lead, says:
"Black books are for everyone, of all ages, from every background... Sit down a spell and explore the titles, complete with commentary from Kindred members about why we enjoyed every book, and why we think you might, too."
The booklet is broken down into eight sections focused on age/reading level and type. These aren’t just picked willy-nilly; each book has been vetted by a member of the Kindred Team! These titles are not the be-all and end-all of Black literature from last year. Instead, it is a list of titles that might have been missed by the big awards and influencers, but that are still more than worth picking up. Some are educational; some focus on the importance of Black joy. (Some are both!) Overall, these books all highlight the
variety and wonder that is Black life, both in the US and abroad.
Collecting more than four dozen titles published in 2024, from fiction and poetry to graphic novels and picture books, Books Invited to the Cookout has something for everyone. Featured authors include:
- Trinidadian Canadian speculative fiction writer Suzan Palumbo
- Poet and Lambda Literary Award winner Phillip B. Williams
- American drummer, record producer, disc jockey, filmmaker, music journalist, and actor Questlove
- Writer, activist, and co-founder of the United States League of Young Voters Adrienne Maree Brown
- American poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib
- Visual artist, author, editor, and creator of the portrait series 1001 Black Men Ajuan Maria Mance
The 2025 selection committee is made up of Library staff and Kindred Team members: Le'Sheland H.N., Dana M., Chinyere O., Jessica P., and Debbi W.
More from the Kindred Team!
The Kindred Team invites you to Read Black! Join us for a monthly book club designed to further the conversation on Black literature, history, and culture.
On odd months, there is a facilitated discussion about a specific book by a Black author. There are six total facilitated discussions, in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
On even months, there is a round-robin book share of recent or longtime favorites written by Black authors. Bring a book to share with others and discover new books to enjoy. On these months, the facilitating member of Kindred will collect titles for a list to be shared on the library website.
Stay connected! Sign up for the Read Black newsletter and find a list of upcoming meetings. And, don't forget to follow Kindred on Instagram and Facebook!