The inclusion of Afro-American literature in high schools either as an elective course or as a unit within an American literature course provides opportunities for Black students to gain, from members of their own race, pride in themselves and belief in the possibility of personal achievement. Title selection should depend upon class make-up. For a predominately Black class, literature by articulate men of their own race should be read, whereas for a white class, such books as "Black Like Me" and "Huck Finn" can be included. Six of the best novels for a class in Afro-American literature are James Weldon Johnson's "Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man," Jean Toomer's "Cane," Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man," James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain," Langston Hughes'"Not Without Laughter," and Richard Wright's "Native Son." Robert A. Bone's "The Negro Novel in America" can supply the teacher with background, insights, and a bibliography on the subject. (JM)