The history of race in America is both complex and painful. Learning about this history –our history- will help make the conversations we have with our families, with each other, and even with ourselves, deeper and more meaningful.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about how to begin, we would like to recommend a few titles to start your exploration. The Peterborough Town Library has a wealth of materials both in our physical and digital collections that can help individuals, families, and groups delve deeper. The titles below were selected because they are available in multiple forms. They are only meant to be a starting point.
In addition, the Library hosts a Race Conversation Group that meets once a month to discuss materials that they have read. If you would like more information about the group or further book suggestions, please email us at library@peterboroughnh.gov.
Books for Adults
Place a hold on So you want to talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo, or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on Waking Up White by Debby Irving, or find it on Hoopla
Books for Teens
Place a hold on How I Resist by Maureen Johnson,or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on Loving Vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell, or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on March by John Lewis or find it on Hoopla.
Books for Children
Place a hold on Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone, or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on New Kid by Jerry Craft, or find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham , or find it on Hoopla
Books for Young Children
Place a hold on A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara, or find it on Hoopla
Coming soon to our collection! Intersection Allies by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Choi, and Ashley Seil Smith. Find it on Hoopla
Place a hold on Martin’s Big Words by Bryan Collier, or find it on Hoopla