The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict
The Personal Librarian is a historical fiction novel based on a real person, Belle da Costa Greene. Belle is hired as J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Morgan Library. She becomes one of the most powerful women in New York, but no one knows her secret: Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white- her complexion is dark because she is African American.
“The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go-for the protection of her family and her legacy-to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.”– Provided by publisher.
Hour of the Bees is a powerful middle grade/young adult story about a young girl who must choose between the importance of embracing her roots or fitting in at school with her friends.
“At first, twelve-year-old Carol is not happy to be spending the summer helping her parents move her grandfather to an assisted living home, but as the summer wears on, she finds herself drawn to him, fascinated by his amazing stories.”