Families who loved Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman by Kristen R. Lee often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is preparing for college or entering any competitive environment where they might feel like an outsider due to their background or race. It follows Savannah, a Black scholarship student at an elite university, as she navigates systemic racism and the pressure of carrying her family's hopes. This contemporary novel tackles heavy themes of white privilege and institutional bias with a realistic, unvarnished lens. It is most appropriate for high schoolers who are ready to engage in complex conversations about social justice, identity, and the courage required to challenge the status quo. It serves as both a mirror for those who share Savannah's experiences and a window for those seeking to understand the reality of microaggressions in academic spaces.
