A Choice of Weapons emerges as a compelling narrative within the rich tapestry of African-American autobiographies, aligning itself with the likes of Richard Wright’s Black Boy, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. While none of these works were originally crafted with young adults specifically in mind, they resonate profoundly with that demographic. The influence of Wright’s Black Boy is particularly significant, setting a precedent for subsequent African-American autobiographies. Both Wright and Gordon Parks, the author of A Choice of Weapons, channel their experiences of poverty, injustice, and violence into a narrative where learning and art become their paths to liberation.

In their individual journeys, neither Wright nor Parks had clear role models to guide them out of their challenging circumstances. Yet, they each discovered their own "weapons" to combat societal challenges—Wright wielded literature, while Parks found his voice through photography. Art for them was not merely a personal escape but a powerful catalyst for social change. This shared belief in art's transformative power underscores the deep respect Parks held for Wright. His admiration is particularly evident in his frequent commendations of Wright’s Twelve Million Black Voices, a work that uniquely blends prose with photography to deliver a poignant social commentary.

Within the broader literary landscape, A Choice of Weapons also aligns with young adult coming-of-age narratives. Similar to Parks’s own The Learning Tree and Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, this autobiography emphasizes education and learning as pivotal avenues for overcoming societal barriers. The narrative is imbued with a strong belief that knowledge is a crucial tool for escaping the grips of poverty and injustice.

Furthermore, Parks’s work fits seamlessly into the tradition of stories about aspiring artists—those talented individuals who stand as outsiders, yet yearn to understand and transcend their circumstances through their art. Parks’s autobiography details his unwavering commitment to his craft, chronicling his extensive journey of growth and perseverance. His dedication to photography, marked by a prolonged apprenticeship, is vividly portrayed, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence and meaningful expression.