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Table of Contents
About The Book
“[Makes] history personal in a way that middle grade readers will connect to and feel empowered by.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
From TikTok star and creator of Fast Black History Taylor Cassidy comes a “lively…accessible and appealing” (Kirkus Reviews), 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!
From TikTok star and creator of Fast Black History Taylor Cassidy comes a “lively…accessible and appealing” (Kirkus Reviews), 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!
About The Author
Photograph by Adam Hendershott
Taylor Cassidy is a content creator who gained popularity from her online series Fast Black History, where, with quick wit and strong passion, she teaches Black history to her audience of millions. She uses her platform to advocate for representation, education, and creativity. She earned a Creator Honor from Liza Koshy at the Streamy Awards for her online series Black Girl Magic Minute and spent three years as a host for Sirius XM’s TikTok Radio channel. She’s been featured on TikTok’s Top 100 list under “Voices of Change: Most Impactful Creators,” Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 list, and Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list. In 2023, Taylor became an Emmy-nominated host for her work as a correspondent on Nickelodeon’s Nick News, as well as the first-ever youth speaker at the United Nations’ International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Generous with sharing motivation and good energy online, Taylor is passionate about encouraging others to dream bigger for themselves. She continues to use her platform to teach, spread joy, and share fun pictures of herself.
About The Illustrator
Adriana Bellet (a.k.a. JeezVanilla) is an editorial illustrator who delights in painting spirited faces and colorful spaces. She draws and paints for various international publications, for both digital and print projects. Adriana works from her home studio in Stockholm. Visit her online at JeezVanilla.com.
Why We Love It
“Get ready to read this book in one sitting, because you won’t want to put it down! Taylor Cassidy shines on the page just as she does in her videos; every word of this must-read debut sparkles with wit, humor, and so much joy. She’ll make you laugh, she’ll make you cry, she’ll make you exclaim ‘HECK YEAH’ out loud at least once. She’ll leave you feeling like you just hung out with a real friend, like you know so much more than you did before, and—most of all—like you too can go out and change the world, in your own way. Because that’s how you make history.”
—Feather F., Editor, on Black History Is Your History
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2026)
- Length: 200 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665957717
- Ages: 12 - 99
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Raves and Reviews
* “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.”
– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“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.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“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
Awards and Honors
- Capital Choices Noteworthy Books for Children's and Teens (DC)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Black History Is Your History
Trade Paperback 9781665957717
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Author Photo (jpg): Taylor Cassidy Photograph by Adam Hendershott(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
