reviews

In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than 3.5 million enslaved people living in Confederate states to be “forever free.” It wasn’t until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, on June 19, two years later, however, that the enslaved first learned of their freedom. That date became known as Juneteenth, first celebrated in 1866 and declared a federal holiday in 2021. This booklist is a Juneteenth commemoration in the form of fiction and nonfiction about its history and the long-standing implications of enslavement and the Jim Crow era. 

First proclaimed Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 and expanded by President Obama in 2011, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. The following books, ranging from romance and mystery to social sciences and memoirs, honor the experiences, legacies, and accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ people. 

Library displays highlight the collection and aid readers as they browse and find their next read, view, or listen. To help prompt display ideas and find titles to keep them stocked, LJ offers Display Shelf. Use this list to generate a quick display on the circulation desk or to fill an end-cap. The suggestions also offer RA librarians a handy list of popular titles on a range of high-interest genres and subjects. Celebrate Pride Month with a display full of new romance titles featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.

Library displays highlight the collection and aid readers as they browse and find their next read, view, or listen. To help prompt display ideas and find titles to keep them stocked, LJ offers Display Shelf. Use this list to generate a quick display on the circulation desk or to fill an end-cap. The suggestions also offer RA librarians a handy list of popular titles on a range of high-interest genres and subjects. This list features books perfect for a summer escape.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May, recognizes the achievements, contributions, and complex histories of Americans descended from 75 countries across the Asian continent. The following books, both fiction and nonfiction, provide a window into the resilience, creativity, and breadth of experience within this varied group.

First recognized by presidential proclamation in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments, community, and culture of Jewish American people. The following booklist features history, biography, novellas, historical fiction, and more, all commemorating the breadth of experience and wide-ranging accomplishments of Jewish Americans.

Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellness and promotes advocacy, sharing, compassion, and the dismantling of stereotypes surrounding a wide range of mental health conditions. The following books include contemporary romance, literary fiction, poetry, memoirs, and more, all speaking to the importance of continued dialogue surrounding mental health.

In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, formally established by the Biden administration in April 2021, this reading list celebrates the varied cultures, achievements, and contributions of Arab American people. Through poetry, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following books reveal many facets of Arab American communities, histories, and experiences.

Autism Acceptance Month recognizes the deliberate shift away from the stigmatized term “autism awareness” toward an inclusive attitude of acceptance, respect, listening, parity, and empowerment. With romance, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following reading list honors the many experiences and voices of people within the autistic community.