Selecting and Teaching Young Adult Literature Through Black Historical Consciousness Principles

Abstract

In this practitioner article, we detail how American English language arts and social studies teachers can select and teach young adult literature using LaGarrett King’s Black historical consciousness framework. We provide supplemental, related research along with teaching suggestions and titles for each of the Black historical consciousness principles. We end by calling on educators to reimagine both English language arts and social studies curriculum to challenge curricular anti-Blackness and center Black authors, writings, and philosophies.