Black History Is Your History

by Taylor Cassidy Narrated by Taylor Cassidy

Overview

From TikTok star and creator of Fast Black History Taylor Cassidy comes a witty, lightly illustrated nonfiction debut that blends history and memoir in a joyful celebration of Black American historical figures.

Meet Taylor Cassidy, Black history enthusiast and creator of the viral TikTok series Fast Black History. In her debut book, Taylor takes readers on a journey through the Black history she wishes she was taught in school. With sparkling wit and humor-and lots of fun pop culture references-she paints a vibrant picture of twelve figures from Black history whose groundbreaking contributions shaped America as we know it today. Introducing icons from activists to literary giants, movie stars to Olympic gold medalists, fashion designers to astronauts, and more, this one-of-a-kind collection makes Black history relatable, relevant, and utterly irresistible.

Using Black history as inspiration, Taylor weaves together research and personal anecdotes that illuminate each trailblazer's impact on her own life-as well as sharing plenty of triumphant, funny, and embarrassing moments from her past. From navigating friend breakups and unrequited crushes to setting boundaries and fighting self-doubt, Taylor's been there...and she's learned some valuable life lessons along the way.

This book is a joyful celebration of Black historymakers, and you're invited to the party. Come on in and let these twelve true stories inspire you to make history of your own!

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

* “Cassidy excels in making history personal in a way that middle grade readers will connect to and feel empowered by and lets young people know they too can be creative, break down barriers, and help their communities.

Kirkus Reviews

The lively, colloquial language makes this work accessible and appealing to those who might shy away from traditional history texts. Bellet’s whimsical illustrations add to the sense of joy. . . . Relatable history and personal storytelling that will reach digital natives.

From the Publisher

I love Taylor Cassidy’s contagious spirit!” —Mychal Threets, librarian, literacy ambassador, and cohost of the Thoughts About Feelings podcast

“Essential reading for every person in America. I can’t get enough of Taylor’s engaging and relatable voice!” —Eugene Lee Yang, filmmaker, author, and activist

“A joyful reminder that the Black experience—our history and our lives—matters, pairing often-overlooked historical figures with life-affirming messages of hope and action. Truly a gift to the world.” —Ashley Woodfolk, NAACP Image Award-nominated author of Opening My Eyes Underwater: Essays on Hope, Humanity, and Our Hero Michelle Obama

Kirkus Reviews

2025-08-02
The young woman behind the popular TikTok series “Fast Black History” offers readers a collection of short biographies of prominent Black Americans.

Each of the 12 profiles includes a segment entitled “TAYSTORY!” (for “History + Taylor”) that shows how the historical figure has personally influenced the author’s life. The eclectic selection, which includes both well-known names and ones that may be new to readers, demonstrates how wide-ranging Black history is and how many life lessons can be found in it. The story of Claudette Colvin focuses on the possibility of making change at a young age. Eighteenth-century scientist Benjamin Banneker offers a reminder “to never shrink yourself.” Some entries, such as the one on journalist Ida B. Wells, open with a content warning. Zora Neale Hurston’s entry includes a playlist of modern music that highlights her complex personality. The chapter on photographer Gordon Parks celebrates his “reverberant, honest voice.” Ledger Smith roller-skated from Chicago to the 1963 March on Washington; track star Tommie Smith famously took a stand against racism at the 1968 Olympics; and actor Cicely Tyson shows “why good representation changes lives.” The remaining subjects—fashion designer Patrick Kelly, Stonewall Uprising leader Marsha P. Johnson, and astronaut Mae Jemison—offer other valuable examples. The lively, colloquial language makes this work accessible and appealing to those who might shy away from traditional history texts. Bellet’s whimsical illustrations add to the sense of joy. The book has no source list.

Relatable history and personal storytelling that will reach digital natives.(Nonfiction. 12-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193861478
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	10/14/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged

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