Applying critical race theory to contemporary African American
children's and young adult literature, this book explores one key racial
issue that has been overlooked both in race studies and literary
scholarship--internalised racism. By systematically examining the issue
of internalised racism and its detrimental psychological effects,
particularly towards the young and vulnerable, this book defamiliarises
the very racial issue that otherwise has become normalised in American
racial discourse, reaffirming the relevance of race, racism, and
racialisation in contemporary America. Through readings of works by
Jacqueline Woodson, Sharon G. Flake, Tanita S. Davis, Sapphire, Rosa
Guy, and Nikki Grimes, Suriyan Panlay develops a new critical discourse
on internalised racism by studying its effects on marginalised children,
its manifestations, and the fictional narrative strategies that can be
used to regain and reclaim a sense of self.