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Here's a feature I co-wrote for Publishers Weekly about books that are being geared towards black teens.

Talk to a YA editor or take a stroll through that section at your local bookstore and it's evident that there's a growing number of books aimed at the young adult market--and those numbers include more titles geared specifically to African-American teens. As publishers are addressing the lack of material aimed at this market--many African-American teens have turned to popular adult authors because of this dearth--there has clearly been some improvement.

These days publishers are offering black teens books that deal with serious issues, such as drug addiction and pregnancy, as well as pure entertainment; they're looking to introduce new authors and experiment with graphic novels and even historical fiction for teens, all while looking for creative ways to make sure parents, teachers and librarians--as well as the kids themselves--know what's on their lists specifically for black teens.

Publishers Weekly talked with a number of editors and category buyers as well as an agent specializing in titles for African-American teens in order to get a better view of the past, present and future of titles aimed at black teenagers.

Read the entire article.